Since 1997, parents and child care providers in nine westernKentucky counties have received monthly educational information from the University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service.

Soon that information will be available in the remaining eight counties that make up the Extension Service’s District 7.

Information in Preschool Pages is written or compiled on a rotational basis by one of the family and consumer science agents within the district. The header and style are consistent but each county can add more information and personalize it, if they choose to, said Jill Harris, Todd County Extension agent for family and consumer sciences, who developed the design.

“Our target audience is everyone that cares for young children including child care providers, head start workers, and preschool parents,” she said.

The newsletter began in conjunction with a national Extension effort to address the needs of young children, Harris said.

“In Kentucky there was an emphasis on getting information out to parents and care givers to help with the welfare of children,” she said.

Information in the monthly newsletter includes nutritional tips with easy recipes, safety, time management, money management, general parenting and family life skills and activities. Most of the articles are short, easy to read material.

Each county decides how to distribute the newsletter within its area.          

“This newsletter has been an excellent educational tool to reach parents and child care providers who don't have the time to attend sit-down meetings,” said Carolyn Ham, Muhlenberg County Extension agent for family and consumer sciences. “In Muhlenberg County alone over 600 copies are distributed monthly during the school year.”  

Kathy Smith, owner of Guthrie School House day care in Todd County , said she likes getting the newsletter.

“I am always looking for information to give to the parents of my home day care,” she said. “It has good information on parenting tips and things to do with children.”

Smith said she’s used some of the recipes and activities in the newsletter.

At Longest Elementary in Muhlenberg County , the newsletter is distributed to parents with children in the two preschool units, said Sandra Fulcher, preschool director.

“It has a lot of good information and tips for them,” she said.

At Nanny’s House, also in Muhlenberg County , preschool teacher Katrina Garcia said they also pass the newsletter on to their parents.

“I read it myself to get ideas for snacks and holiday activities,” she said.

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