The Kentucky Center for Statistics (.gov), reports that Kindergarten readiness in Gallatin County is 27.2% (2023), with Kentucky reporting 46.2% (2023).   According to U.S. News & World Report, “the Gallatin County Lower Elementary is a public school enrolling 71% economically disadvantaged students.”   

 “The LEAP for Health (LEAP stands for Literacy, Eating and Activity for Pre-school/Primary) curriculum is a series of 32 lessons that use storybooks and activities to teach children about nutritious foods, healthy eating habits, hand washing, food safety and being physically active.   According to the LEAP curriculum overview, young children need help to develop lifelong healthy eating and physical activity habits. As children grow, they change physically, mentally and socially. MyPlate shows what and the amount children should eat to meet their physical needs. Physical activity is also important for physical health, as well as social and cognitive development. Physical activities for your children should be developmentally appropriate, fun and varied.  Hand washing is also a health concern for young children. Children who have been taught proper hand washing techniques get sick less often and miss less school.” 

Ronda Rex, Agent for Family & Consumer Sciences Education for the Gallatin County Cooperative Extension Office, collaborates with Amanda O’connor, Gallatin County Lower Elementary Librarian and Chelsea Williamson at OVEC (Ohio Valley Educational Cooperative--Head Start and Early Head Start) to conduct the LEAP program each week/month throughout the school year.  Mrs. O’connor’s class consists of 1^st graders and Mrs. Williamson’s class are head start students ages 3-5.  The LEAP program was taught from September to May.  There were 125 first grade students and 13 head start students participating in LEAP each month.  

The following storybooks, topics and snacks were taught at both schools throughout the year: 

1.  Jack and the Hungry Giant, Eat Right w/MyPlate using food models, Superhero Fruit Kabobs w/Fuel Dip
2. Smelly Ghost, Eating Healthy, Pumpkin Dip and Graham Crackers
3. Clarabella’s Teeth, Dental Hygiene, Fruit Pizzas
4. Scrubba Dub, Carlos, Handwashing, Marshmallow Snowmen
5. Rodeo Ron and His Milkshake Cows, Dairy, Cheese Stick Cows
6. The Little Red Hen Bakes a Pizza, Pizza with Veggies, Trying New Foods, Personal Pizzas
7. I.Q. Gets Fit, Physical Activity, Healthy Eating, Worms in the Dirt 

Both schools’ target goals are sitting quietly, practicing listening skills, keeping hands to self, following directions and being respectful to our community guests.  At the end of the school year, through Extension’s observation, hands-on activities and teacher responses, each student met their target goals.  The Extension Service’s LEAP program adds extra and much needed enrichment to the lessons they are learning at the schools.   With LEAP, students are encouraged to try new foods, and all the snack recipes were a success with the students.   A LEAP Newsletter for each storybook with recipes was sent home with the students each month.   

Sources:

https://kystats.ky.gov/Latest/ECP  

https://www.usnews.com/education/k12/kentucky/gallatin-county-lower-elementary-209250#data 

extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://fcs-hes.ca.uky.edu/system/files/leap_hsw-jsw-700.pdf