In the 2024 Early Childhood Profile for Kentucky, only 40% of children in Butler County are prepared for kindergarten. This profile kindergarten readiness using measures of cognitive/general knowledge, physical well-being, self-help, social/emotional skills, and language and communication skills.

The Butler County Family and Consumer Science (FCS) Agent hosted in-person Laugh and Learn playdates monthly during the 2024-2025 program year to provide a program to foster school readiness activities through play. The program was offered monthly for children ages 2-5 and their caregivers. Activities were focused on gross motor skills, fine motor skills, literacy, nutrition, and listening skills.

19 children and 10 caregivers attended the program from October 2024 to May 2025, with 8 children and their caregivers attended regularly. Participants indicated that they had seen evidence of positive behavior changes and increased readiness for school. Caregivers expressed that their children were excited to attend the monthly programs and engaged in follow-up activities at home.