In Campbell County, an average from all the school districts showed that only 48% of students were kindergarten ready, which was a drop from pre-pandemic years (Kentucky Youth Advocates, 2024). Kindergarten readiness means the child is academically, socially, and emotionally ready to start school. Another important focus for children to be ready for school is having healthy relationships and strong families.  According to the University of Kentucky’s publication, “Family Vitality: Characteristics of Strong Families,” relationships that include good communication skills, fun times, time together, involvement with friends and community, commitment, and a healthy lifestyle are some essential characteristics of strong families (Rupured and Quick, 1997).   In order to improve the kindergarten readiness rate and build healthy strong families, the Campbell County Extension Service taught the monthly series- Flowerbuds at the Extension Office.

The Campbell County family and consumer sciences agent partnered with the horticulture assistant to teach the monthly Flowerbuds series, which provided educational family time for 17 preschoolers and their caregivers.  The caregivers of the children included fathers, mothers, and grandparents. The environmental education assistant also taught a special nature lesson. Flowerbuds met monthly for an educational story time and hands-on activities such as tasting a variety of fruits and vegetables, engaging science lessons, making art projects, and growing plants. The Kentucky Early Childhood Standards, the University of Kentucky’s Leap curriculum, Plate it Up recipes, Nutrition Education Program recipes, Laugh and Learn, and Stories, Songs, and Stretches lessons were utilized. A twelve -month follow-up evaluation showed the following as a result of the program:

1. 100% of the caregivers said Flowerbuds helped their child with kindergarten readiness. 
2. 100% said they were gardening/working with plants more with their child. 
3. 100% of the caregivers said the series helped them bond with their child.  
4. 91% said they were doing more hands-activities with their child.
5. 73% said they were making healthier snacks for their child. 
6. 73% said their child played and shared with others more.
7. 64% said their child was able to follow simple rules and routines and focus and listen more. 

Some of the comments from the caregivers about the program were the following:

1. “My son is excited about plants and gardening. We planted a garden directly because of this program.”
2. “My daughter has gained confidence and dexterity in hands-on activities as well as gotten used to better sharing via the stations set-up.  She is also more willing to try new activities and new foods.” 
3. “We enjoyed our one-on-one time together with fun planned activities in the community.”