Posted on No Comments on Focusing on Focus Groups for Extension Work

Focusing on Focus Groups for Extension Work

Our current CCE Program Development Leadership Cohort (PDLC) has been thinking about strategies for assessing needs.  While many of us are familiar with launching a survey or looking at service statistics to understand interests in programs, not everyone has had the opportunity to run a focus group.  This topic was of high interest to our cohort.  Why use a focus group?  And what are some strategies for running one?

Focus groups can be a powerful tool to help you understand community needs, refine ideas, and improve outcomes. Whether you’re exploring youth development, agriculture, climate resiliency, or nutrition education, a well-run focus group can give you valuable insight to guide your next steps – and develop a relationship with those who show up to share.  I like to use focus groups as an extension needs assessment or evaluation method because it offers an opportunity to listen deeply to people, and it uses a social environment that can help conversation to be more generative.

Here’s a step-by-step guide intended to help take some of the mystery out of running a focus group:

  1.  Define the Purpose. Start with a clear goal. What do you want to learn? Examples might include testing ideas for a new initiative, exploring community concerns, evaluating participant experiences. Keep your purpose focused and align your questions with that purpose.
  2.  Identify and Recruit Participants.  Aim for 6–10 participants with diverse perspectives relevant to your topic.

Consider:

    • Program participants (past or potential)
    • Community partners
    • Stakeholders (e.g., teachers, farmers, volunteers)

Use email, phone calls, flyers, or existing networks to invite participants. Be clear about time commitment and why their voice matters.   Share your purpose. Have individuals register so that you can remind them and thank them.

  1.  Develop Guiding Questions. Prepare 5–7 open-ended questions to guide the discussion. These should:
    • Prompt stories and experiences (“Tell us about…”)
    • Avoid yes/no answers
    • Start broad, then narrow in
    • Have back up questions in case there is silence.

Questions will relate to your Focus Group purpose – here are a couple of samples – “What types of support do you need to participate fully in our program?”
“How has this program impacted your daily life?”

  1.  Logistics Plan. Choose a comfortable and accessible location—or host it online via Zoom.

Plan for:

      • 30-60 minutes of discussion
      • Include a neutral facilitator (conversations should be lukewarm and not emotional…so at times, that means that we ask someone else to moderate/facilitate)
      • A notetaker or recorder (with permission of participants)

Offer refreshments or a small incentive, if possible, send reminders before the session, and thank you afterwards.

  1.  Facilitate Conversation. Set a welcoming tone. Begin with introductions and ground rules:
    • Respect all voices
    • Listen actively
    • Confidentiality matters

Use your guiding questions but stay flexible. Let conversation flow naturally while ensuring all voices are heard.  Avoid dominating the discussion yourself (see note above about including a neutral facilitator).

  1.  Analyze and Apply What You Learn.

After the session:

    • Review notes and recordings
    • Look for themes and key insights
    • Summarize takeaways in plain language

Use what you learn to refine your program design, identify gaps, and support grant proposals or reports.

  1.  Share Back. This one is important and often forgotten (amongst all the other priorities—I get it). Participants appreciate knowing their time matters. Share a summary of findings and how their feedback will be used. This builds trust and encourages future engagement.

Focus groups aren’t just about collecting data but about listening deeply and building relationships. Done well, they strengthen programs and make them more responsive to real needs in our communities.

Here are a few resources for further information:

If you’d like tools or a sample focus group plan, contact me – Celeste Carmichael, cjc17@cornell.edu. 

Let’s keep learning, together ?

Posted on 1 Comment on Managing, or perhaps someday, “Mastering” Time

Managing, or perhaps someday, “Mastering” Time

At our recent Program Development Leadership Cohort in-person Kick-Off, I collected ideas for follow-up professional development. One of the suggestions that came up was “Time Management.” It’s not a surprise—it is a perennial request. I often think, ” There are time management experts, and then there are…the rest of us.” I often feel overwhelmed by deadlines and search for tips, tricks, and practices for managing and, ideally, mastering my time.

A couple of years ago, while looking for sage advice about getting up earlier in the mornings (and going to bed earlier at night), I stumbled across a blog I liked from Laura Vanderkam, a writer, author, and time management specialist.   I enjoyed her writing style and candor about life and getting more things done that we want to be known for.  At the time, her book, Off the Clock, helped me to track my time, shift my schedule, and make decisions that helped me to get things done that I prized (over just doing what I had to do). I’ve gone on to read or listen to most of her books, and I do my best to follow her guidance (and then sometimes relisten. I have no shame in saying that I am a work in progress ?).

I thought I’d share a couple of her tips, including my application, in case they are helpful to you…

  1. Plan on Fridays. Vanderkam advocates for planning your week on Fridays (rather than Sundays or Mondays). This approach allows you to prioritize tasks, set goals, ensure a balanced schedule for the upcoming week, and, most importantly, wrap your head around next week before you are in it.  I love this, and yes, I still need a refresher on Monday on what is to come, but reviewing the upcoming week and sometimes moving and shifting meetings so that I have enough time blocks to get deeper work done is monumental.  Additionally, Laura encourages making time for this in a way that I look forward to that planning time (which doesn’t feel the same way if I wait until Monday).
  2. Establish a Consistent Bedtime.  Yes – this will help you with your time management! Sleep is crucial for productivity. By setting a regular bedtime, you ensure adequate rest, which enhances focus and efficiency during the day…and certainly makes an early start much more achievable. Full disclosure: (for me) when going to bed early equates to scrolling through Instagram, it does not have the same benefits.  However, 20 minutes of diving into a book read for joy…is restful and restorative.
  3. Embrace a ‘Three Times a Week’ Rule. In her book Tranquility by Tuesday, Vanderkam expounds that habits don’t have to be daily to be effective. Engaging in an activity three times a week can establish a consistent routine without overwhelming you or your schedule. Whether it is “make time to walk 10K steps a day 3 times a week”, “make time for deep work ( a 2hr block of no distractions) 3 times a week”, or “bring lunch 3 times a week”…this is a step toward progress without fear of failure.  You can always do more than 3x a week – but there are no bad feelings if you only do 3 times a week (which isn’t too tough). This takes the pressure off, and helps me give myself a little grace when the day or week just doesn’t go as planned. Most of the time – 3 times a week is very achievable.

Implementing these strategies can transform your approach to time management, leading to a greater productivity and…whallah – a more balanced life. For more insights and resources, visit Laura Vanderkam’s website. https://lauravanderkam.com/

Recommended Reading or listening (from me ?) from Laura Vanderkam:

  • Tranquility by Tuesday
  • 168 Hours: You Have More Time Than You Think
  • Off the Clock: Feel Less Busy While Getting More Done
  • I Know How She Does It: How Successful Women Make the Most of Their Time
  • Four Thousand Weeks: Time Management for Mortals
  • What The Most Successful People Do Before Breakfast

Other books about time management that I’ve found helpful:

  • Deep Work: Rules for Focused Success in a Distracted World by Cal Newport
  • Slow Productivity: The Lost Art of Accomplishment Without Burnout by Cal Newport
  • Getting Things Done: The Art of Stress-Free Productivity by David Allen
Posted on No Comments on Charting Our Course: Why Use a Program Development Model?

Charting Our Course: Why Use a Program Development Model?

This week I led the 8th season of CCE Program Development Leadership Cohort kickoffs.  We had 17 incredible staff members participate from all corners of NYS and we had campus partners involved as well – which was fabulous!

I will be asking cohort members to reflect on their learnings and share here, as I think this is a great way to learn from each other.  Below is our first submission from Jennifer Coe,  CCE Franklin 4-H Camp Overlook Team Leader (thank you Jennifer!!).

As we embark on new initiatives and strive to expand our impact across New York, the initial planning phase is absolutely critical. It’s where our vision takes shape, our goals are defined, and the very foundation of our program is laid. To ensure these foundations are strong and our efforts are efficient and effective, embracing a program development model isn’t just a suggestion – it’s a necessity.

Think of a program development model as your path through the woods, all the tools you might use to guide your way, and the trail markers you see along the way. If you lose your way, you have those tools to back you up and encourage you back on path. Once you know the trail, it is much easier to follow the next time.  (PS- I’m a camp director!) It provides a step-by-step framework, guiding you through the essential stages of creating and implementing a new program. Without this roadmap, we risk getting lost in the details, overlooking crucial steps, and ultimately, hindering our ability to deliver impactful outcomes for the communities we serve.

So, why is this structured approach so vital? Let’s explore some key benefits:

Clarity and Focus: A well-defined model helps us to clearly articulate the program’s purpose, target audience, and desired outcomes right from the start. This shared understanding ensures everyone on the team is on the same page, minimizing confusion and maximizing focused effort.

Systematic Planning: Program development models break down the complex process of creation into manageable steps. From needs assessment and resource identification to implementation and evaluation, each stage is thoughtfully considered and addressed. This systematic approach reduces the likelihood of overlooking critical elements and helps us anticipate potential challenges.

Efficient Resource Allocation: By outlining the necessary steps and anticipated resources early on, a program development model enables us to allocate our time, budget, and personnel more effectively. This proactive approach helps prevent resource strain and ensures we’re utilizing our assets wisely. Consider resources close to your organization as well in adjacent programs seeking out new ideas and avoiding duplication of services.

Enhanced Collaboration: A structured model fosters better communication and collaboration among team members and stakeholders. With clear roles and responsibilities defined within the framework, everyone understands their contribution and how their work fits into the larger picture.

Improved Evaluation and Sustainability: Many program development models incorporate evaluation as an ongoing process, not just an afterthought. This allows us to monitor progress, identify areas for improvement, and ultimately build more sustainable and impactful programs. By embedding evaluation from the outset, we can gather valuable data to demonstrate our effectiveness to funders and the community.

Adaptability and Innovation: While providing structure, a good program development model also allows for flexibility and adaptation. As we learn and grow, the model can help us refine our approach and incorporate innovative strategies to better meet the evolving needs of our communities.

In essence, utilizing a program development model empowers us to move beyond a hurried planning and embrace a more strategic and intentional approach. It’s about working smarter, not just harder, to create programs that are robust, impactful, and truly make a difference.

As you embark on your next program development journey, I encourage you to explore the various models available – whether it’s the ADDIE model, Logic Model, Dick & Carey, or others – and find the one that best suits your program’s needs and context. Let’s leverage these frameworks to ensure our collective efforts to continue to thrive and create meaningful change.

Let’s build strong programs together!

For more information about the practice of program development and models to help you make sense of it all, visit: https://staff.cce.cornell.edu/courses/ccepdc-101/program-development-concepts-and-models 

Jennifer Coe is the 4-H Camp Overlook Team Leader from CCE Franklin County.

Posted on No Comments on Can I Get Your Attention Please…

Can I Get Your Attention Please…

Recently, Jim Morris-Knower, Cornell’s Mann Library liaison to Cornell Cooperative Extension, presented to the lab that I belong to – the Cornell Department of Natural Resources Civic Ecology Lab.  Our lab team had been wondering out loud how to increase impact by paying attention to search engine optimization (SEO).  I have always learned great things from Jim, and I reached out to him for insights on this one.  He did not disappoint.

Jim presented “5 tips to increase your scholarly impact”.  I walked away from the presentation not only feeling like these were good ideas for academic work but also recognizing that most of the tips aligned with the suggestions that I share during “Writing Impact Statements” webinars and training.  It turns out that digital content that is findable and searchable is about keeping messaging simple and understandable and using relevant keywords, which helps make the work more user-friendly for all.  Below are the five tips that Jim shared.

Use a search-friendly article title.  What does that mean?  In terms of friendliness to search engines, use your keyword in the first 65 characters.  Search engines tend to focus on the beginning of a title.  Some other things to be mindful of: avoid jargon, use meaningful titles, put important terms up front, keep your writing succinct, and avoid hyphens.

Doesn’t that feel relevant to Extension writing?  It is challenging to use plain language sometimes, particularly as we translate research-based knowledge, but knowing that it might increase the likelihood that someone will find what I’ve written… I am more likely to apply this tip.

Optimize the abstract  In academic publications, the search is only in the abstract and title.  Even if you are not writing manuscripts for publication, you can think of the introduction of your digital work as critical.  The first 2 sentences are the most important.  Put loaded keywords in those places.  Repeat the keywords 3 – 6 times in the abstract or introduction.

Need some help with this kind of writing?  Tools like Grammarly and Chat GPT can help you revise your draft.  A good prompt will get you the best results.   And, of course, always be sure to review and revise to be certain that the response still makes sense and is indeed a better response.

Repeat, repeat, repeat, but not too much.  How much is too much?  Ask colleagues to review…feedback is a gift.

Consistent author names – how to maximize your discoverability.  In his presentation, Jim cautioned about using different names or photos that are connected to your work.  For example, always use your full name and presence.  The photo that you use should also be consistent. You are marketing your work. Linked In and Orchid (an academic profile that lists named publications) are high priorities for consistency.

So, for example, while I use “Cel” Carmichael to sign my e-mails, when I publish anything that I’m working on, I should consistently use my full name, written in the same way.  We want to make it easier for outsiders to find us.

Create links to your published article.  Links to social sites, Association sites, university sites, etc.  We are all creating content – these tips are intended to help get attention from readers.  Many of you have attended my reporting webinars where we talk about “indirects”, “directs”, and “impacts”.  Getting the attention of the public for Extension work is important. In reporting terms, this counts as “indirect” data, which is related to how many people actually follow our guidance and recommendations and, in the end, are impacted by our work.  So, while it is hard to document how many we reach indirectly via social media or links to published articles, it is important to consider how we are getting the attention of our audiences so that they know about the work that we are doing.

 

I hope that this is helpful.  Keep doing great things and share your work. Go get ’em!  🙂

Posted on No Comments on Lambda Chapter Winter Updates & Opportunities to Get Involved

Lambda Chapter Winter Updates & Opportunities to Get Involved

Hi everyone,

The Lambda Chapter officers recently met, and there’s lots of exciting activity underway! I wanted to share some highlights and invite all members to attend our upcoming board meetings—whether to listen in or share your thoughts.

Welcome New Members!

I will reach out soon to set up a time to discuss what membership means. A warm welcome to:

  • Kathryn Brignac, CCE Ulster – Livestock and Natural Resources Educator
  • Stephany Quick, CCE Jefferson – Community Schools Coordinator 
  • Kelly Campbell, CCE Admin – Volunteer and Professional Development Specialist
  • Laura Biasillo, CCE Broome – Agricultural Economic Development Specialist
  • Jill VanAken, CCE Orange – Community Outreach and Special Events Coordinator

Key Updates & Announcements

? Professional Development

  • Podcast Grant Approved! We’ve secured $1,000 to produce four episodes in 2025, featuring interviews with current and life members. Kelly Campbell will host, and we’ll brainstorm guests and questions via email. We are working on identifying potential guests – pls do reach out with suggestions.
  • PILD Conference – https://www.jcep.org/pild Just a reminder that ESP members have opportunity for travel support when you attend Joint Council of Extension Professionals conferences (like PILD). If you’re a member of ESP, you’re a member of JCEP.
  • National ESP Conference – Jackie & Celeste submitted proposals. Jackie also plans to apply for the first-timer scholarship. Details about that conference can be found here https://portal.espnational.org/2025-National-ESP-Conference
  • Serviceberry Book Read – 79 people registered! The second discussion is on March 12, featuring author Robin Wall Kimmerer. Extension Book Club – The Serviceberry
  • Upcoming Webinars & Opportunities
    • Broome CCE has requested an ESP webinar to promote their Food Systems course—Michelle will reach out to Laura Biasillo.
    • A State of Ag presentation with Judson Reid may also be of interest and could be cross connected to the Ag Association and an introduction of new Ag staff.
    • Ideas for a Fall Book Read were discussed.  More ideas are welcome.
    • Charlie is also willing to lead a webinar on Extension Foundation resources.

? Professional Recognition

  • Kim Fleming has stepped up as Recognition Chair! A team award application has been submitted for the Milk Bar at the State Fair (yes that is to recognize you Dan, Vicki, and Jacob and Heather as well).
  • Looking ahead: Next year we’ll plan early for early, mid, and late career nominations. Celeste & Kim will start prepping in December.

Lots of great things happening! Feel free to reach out or join an upcoming board meeting (next meeting is 3/27 at 9am) to stay involved.

Best,

Celeste Carmichael
President, ESP Lambda Chapter
CCE Admin – Assistant Director for Program Development and Accountability

 

Posted on No Comments on Extension Book Club to Feature Robin Wall Kimmerer’s The Serviceberry

Extension Book Club to Feature Robin Wall Kimmerer’s The Serviceberry

All CCE Staff are invited to join the CCE Extension Book Club to explore The Serviceberry: Abundance and Reciprocity in the Natural World by Robin Wall Kimmerer. This inspiring book delves into themes of reciprocity, community, and our connection to nature, aligning with Cooperative Extension’s mission. Discussions are on Zoom: 2/12, 3/12 (featuring Dr. Kimmerer!), and 4/9, Noon–1 PM. Facilitated by Larkin Podsiedlik, CCE Madison County Executive Director and daughter of Dr. Kimmerer. Register here: Zoom Registration.  Sponsored by Epsilon Sigma Phi, Lambda Chapter, and the Youth, Nature, and Outdoor Environment Program Work Team.

<https://staff.cce.cornell.edu/units/orgdev/extension-book-club> Post for Extension Book Club

Posted on No Comments on “How to Energize Your Committee: Strategies for Boosting Attendance and Participation” and Annual Meeting

“How to Energize Your Committee: Strategies for Boosting Attendance and Participation” and Annual Meeting

Today, we had a great presentation, titled  “How to Energize Your Committee: Strategies for Boosting Attendance and Participation”.  It was followed by the  ESP Lambda Chapter annual meeting.  Thanks to Kelly Campbell, Volunteer Engagement Specialist for CCE Administration, and Tess Southern, 4-H Team Lead at CCE Madison, for facilitating the presentation and quickly sharing back resources.

For those who were unable to join us, or if you would like to share or have handy – below are the resources and recording:

I also want to share the Annual Meeting Slides in case you missed the meeting.  There are lots of great things happening with ESP Lambda Chapter.  If you are not already a member, we’d love for you to consider joining – benefits include scholarship opportunities and professional development.

You can be as involved (or not) as you want to be – but it’s really great to have colleagues to lean on, collaborate with, and learn from.

Next up:

1/14/2025 – 11:30 AM Declutter Your Workspace Webinar | sponsored by ESP Lambda Chapter

Please don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions, comments, or suggestions.  Celeste Carmichael:  cjc17@cornell.edu

Posted on No Comments on Why Attendance at PILD Should Be on Every Extension Educator’s Bucket List

Why Attendance at PILD Should Be on Every Extension Educator’s Bucket List

If you’re an extension educator looking to elevate your impact, the Public Issues Leadership Development (PILD) Conference is an event you cannot afford to miss. Held annually in Arlington, Virginia, this national conference is a unique opportunity to connect with elected officials and showcase the significant contributions of the extension community.

At PILD, you will delve into essential topics such as effectively communicating your program’s outcomes and impacts. The conference serves as a platform for sharing innovative practices and success stories from across the country, fostering collaboration among extension professionals. Understanding how to measure both the outcomes and impacts of your programs is crucial, and PILD provides the tools and insights to enhance your effectiveness.

One of the highlights of the conference is the opportunity to engage directly with federal partners. Attendees can learn how the federal government and extension professionals collaborate to address public issues. Meeting with elected officials at the Capitol allows for meaningful dialogue, enabling educators to influence policies that affect their programs and communities.

PILD also features a rich agenda filled with concurrent sessions led by experts in the field. For instance, last year, Dr. Ethan Orr shared insights on “Building Partnerships and Increasing Funding from the Government.” His experience demonstrated how effective communication and strategic partnerships can significantly enhance funding for cooperative extension programs.

Additionally, the conference promotes networking and collaboration through roundtable discussions with national leaders in various areas, including urban agriculture, health equity, and youth development. These interactions not only expand your knowledge but also equip you with the tools to advocate effectively for your programs at the local level.

If you’re considering presenting your own work, keep an eye out for the upcoming call for proposals. Moreover, if you’re new to PILD, the national ESP organization offers $600 scholarships to help cover your costs, making it more accessible than ever.  The application for these scholarships is due December 1.

In summary, attending PILD is a transformative experience that should be on every extension educator’s bucket list. Join your peers in exploring innovative ideas and strategies to elevate the impact of your work within the extension community.

Take the time today to go to the JCEP website (jcep.org), look at the PILD Conference link.  If it is something you think would be valuable in your extension career, go to the ESP website (espnational.org) and search for PILD scholarship and apply TODAY.  If you need help in accessing or completing your application, feel free to reach out to me and I can help you take advantage of these great opportunities!

Beth Claypoole, ESP Lambda Treasurer

 

Posted on No Comments on From Conference:The Science of Habit Formation: Strategies for Behavior Change in Extension Programs

From Conference:The Science of Habit Formation: Strategies for Behavior Change in Extension Programs

More from National ESP Conference…  I’ve been very excited about the sessions attended, conversations, and opportunities – good stuff, worth sharing (and hoping that next year we have more from our Lambda Chapter traveling together).

Yesterday, I attended a session about the University of Maryland Extension’s “Habit Shift Mindset” program. The program, offered to communities in Maryland, leverages emerging scientific research on habit formation to empower individuals to make lasting behavior changes. Habit formation, a growing area of research, shows that behaviors are deeply influenced by our environments and can become automatic through practice and repetition. But turning a behavior into a habit—and a habit into lasting change—requires intention and strategy.

According to the American Psychological Association (APA), a habit is more than a simple behavior; it’s a learned, ingrained pattern that transitions from effortful to effortless. The good news is that you can teach an old dog new tricks.  Neuroplasticity enables us to reshape our brain pathways, although returning to old habits remains easier if we aren’t consciously practicing our new ones. This highlights the importance of the “habit loop” — cue, craving, routine, reward. When a cue triggers a craving, it prompts a routine that ultimately brings a reward, reinforcing the habit over time.

Finding Your “Why” and Setting Goals
The Maryland team created The Habit Shift Mindset program to help individuals go beyond learning new information and transition it to behavior change, which we intend to do in Extension, but it isn’t easy. The curriculum helps participants to better understand that creating lasting habits starts with understanding your “why,” a powerful motivator that can keep you committed even when challenges arise. This idea, championed by thought leader Simon Sinek, encourages individuals to identify a purpose behind their behavior changes.

Overcoming Barriers and Shifting Mindsets
Habit formation often involves overcoming internal and external barriers. The Habit Shift Mindset program guides participants through identifying potential obstacles and developing solutions to reduce friction and discomfort, which are natural parts of the change process. Additionally, reframing narratives with positive language is essential; a negative mindset can sabotage goals and trigger procrastination due to feelings of threat or discomfort. Visual strategies like vision boards and written goals can help make these changes feel more achievable, reducing the “psychological distance” to long-term objectives.  So for example, if an Extension educator was delivering programming about family financial management and the participant was interested in saving money to buy a home for their family, a good educational strategy to help the participant go from learning what to do would be to vision board about homes, or ways that they could cut their spending.

Practical Application and Empowerment
The Habit Shift Mindset program also includes a workbook where participants apply each principle directly, promoting a sense of empowerment and accountability. Retrospective evaluations provide participants with insights into their growth and reinforce confidence in their ability to sustain new habits. Through strategies grounded in behavioral science, the University of Maryland Extension Habit Mindshift program equips participants to create meaningful, lasting changes.

These strategies felt very “right on” for Extension staff — they could be applied to any lesson planning with the intention of helping our participants not just learn about something – but start the process of setting intentions and changing behaviors.  By understanding the science of habit formation, setting clear goals, identifying barriers, and fostering a positive mindset, participants gain valuable tools to shift their behaviors and improve their lives.

Resources can be found here: https://extension.umd.edu/programs/family-consumer-sciences/nutrition-and-health/habit-shift-mindset/agnr.umd.edu/agnr.umd.edu/extension.umd.edu/programs/family-consumer-sciences/nutrition-and-health/habit-shift-mindset

Posted on No Comments on From Conference: Learning through Play: Kentucky’s Creative Approach to Kindergarten Readiness

From Conference: Learning through Play: Kentucky’s Creative Approach to Kindergarten Readiness

While at the National ESP Conference this week I attended a session about a University of Kentucky Extension program that features “learning through play”.  Well, they had me at “play”…not only do I love to play and create, but the concept of play and practice helping us (any of us) to be more ready is the foundation of my dissertation work.  This particular program, though, is very nicely meeting a need identified by their state and acted on by Extension – a great example of what Extension can do.

UK Extension has launched an innovative “Learning through Play” initiative to address kindergarten readiness by focusing on accessible, family-centered learning. The program targets various aspects of early childhood readiness by providing resources and experiences that support healthcare, professional development, childcare, family enrichment, and reading readiness. By creating a well-rounded support network, the program aims to foster stronger, more resilient communities.

The initiative, supported by state funding, brings together a coalition of local councils, collaboratives, and Kentucky’s Office of Early Childhood to create a structured plan called “Ready Families, Ready Communities, Ready Schools.” This statewide framework provides a comprehensive approach to early childhood development, incorporating family engagement, educational resources, and community involvement.

Ready Families and Communities: Virtual Learning and Career Awareness
Since 2021, Kentucky has assessed kindergarten readiness through targeted interventions, with updated evaluations conducted in 2023. Recognizing the importance of accessible learning, Extension introduced virtual learning sessions for daycare centers and parents, supporting learning extension at home. One standout feature of the program is a 12-night series of virtual bedtime stories. Each night, a different community leader — such as a police officer, librarian, or principal — reads a story focusing on career readiness, giving children a sense of the diverse roles within their communities. These sessions also introduce “code words” related to the stories, which families can collect and submit to receive a free set of 12 books. This engaging activity encourages both literacy and family bonding, laying a foundation for educational enthusiasm.

Monthly “Laugh and Learn” Events
“Laugh and Learn” sessions, held locally for families, offer monthly gatherings that provide snacks, stories, and activities to build large motor skills. These sessions provide hands-on, interactive experiences for families and young children to connect, play, and learn together. The program’s unique approach blends physical activity with learning, reinforcing skills essential for school readiness.

Resource Packs for Learning at Home
Families also receive thoughtfully curated resource packets filled with tools that support creative play and development. These packets include items like pocket dice, markers, mini whiteboards, stickers, and other little tangibles chosen to develop gross motor skills. The materials encourage ongoing engagement at home and ensure that families have access to simple and exemplary learning resources.

Through these multi-faceted approaches, Kentucky’s “Learning through Play” initiative is building a solid foundation for early learning. By bridging the gap between families and essential resources, Kentucky Extension sets a powerful example of how communities can come together to support their youngest learners.

This program was designed for use by Family Consumer Science educators, but our workshop attendees also discussed collaborating with 4-H staff and volunteers.

See more details about the success of this program here: https://kers.ca.uky.edu/core/reports/Story/s/11703/2022