According to the Kentucky Early Childhood Profiles, average kindergarten readiness rates have remained at approximately 50% over the last ten years. Most notably, a significant dip was observed in 2022 and 2023, for kindergarteners who were two and three years old when the pandemic began in 2020. In many Kentucky counties, limited resources or the environment may serve as barriers for healthy lifestyle choices related to early childhood development and physical activity. 

Clark County falls in line with this data, having right at 50% of their students not ready for kindergarten.  As an innovative strategy to improve early childhood development skills and increase kindergarten readiness with Clark County residents, the Family and Consumer Sciences Agent partnered with the Clark County Public Schools Family Resource Center (FRC) coordinators and implemented Laugh and Learn Playdates. They occurred from September through April, excluding December, on the second Monday of the month. Each month the program was hosted by a different school, hitting all four elementary schools, the preschool, and the intermediate school. The FRCs provided dinner, and the FCS agent provided the educational Laugh and Learn curriculum. The FRCs were also there to volunteer and assist with the activities.

Through this program, participants work on improving early childhood development skills and increasing kindergarten readiness. Eight families consistently participated in the Laugh and Learn program throughout the 24-25 school year, which included 11 adults and 31 children. Each month there was a different theme and included a book, a song, fine and gross motor activities as well as a snack related to the theme. The children rotated between the activities, bringing their grown-ups along to assist and encourage participation. 

Pre and post tests were given to evaluate the Laugh and Learn program. 100% of the caregivers reported that they noticed an increase in their children’s social and pre-literacy skills, including color and number recognition. All the respondents reported learning new skills and ways to interact with their children as a result of program. 

At the completion of the program, participants shared many accolades about the Laugh and Learn Program. One participant stated that her children looked forward to the program each month, even beginning to know when it was getting close to the second Monday. Another mother stated that her son did not enjoy sports and this was a great way for him to socialize with peers in an enjoyable setting.