Kentucky has reported that only 43.5% of children attending kindergarten in Graves County are prepared and equipped to succeed. In many Kentucky counties, limited resources or the environment may hinder healthy lifestyle choices related to early childhood development and physical activity.  

As an innovative strategy to improve early childhood development skills and increase kindergarten readiness with Graves County residents, the Family and Consumer Sciences Agent partnered with the Graves County Public Library to implement Laugh and Learn Playdates once a month during Story-time.  

Through this program, participants work on improving early childhood development skills and increasing kindergarten readiness. 

43 adults and 45 children participated in this program. 

As a result of this program, 

56% of parents reported reading to their child(ren) at least three times a week, 

63% of parents or caregivers reported using simple rules and routines in their home, and 

82% reported involving their child(ren) in play with other children

76% of participant's parents or caregivers encouraged their child to continue in tasks that were challenging

68% reported giving their child new opportunities to try new foods

67% reported their family conducted activities learned from Laugh and Learn Playdates at home.  

At the completion of the program, participants shared...