first 5 lex programs

School can happen anywhere

Our programs empower caregivers to READ, TALK, and PLAY with their children wherever they are. They are accessible, provide community, and strengthen families across the county.

close up and out of focus woman holds a laughing baby
a smiling mother walks behind a smiling girl
a girl is helping select vegetables in the produce aisle
OUR programs

Our Programs

We want to help you and your learners get kindergarten ready with fun activities, book competitions, and connect with other families.

Countdown to Kindergarten

The Countdown to Kindergarten is a virtual and some in-person activities for your soon-to-be kindergartener. These activities will encourage your child to READ, TALK and PLAY, helping set the stage for fun as they prepare for kindergarten

Book Madness

Book Madness is a program where we partner with local organizations and individuals to celebrate our favorite children's books with a fun bracket competition!

a man sits cross-legged while reading to a small child in front of a playroom tent
reach out and read

Add a book for 2-week-old babies’ check-ups through Reach Out and Read participating clinics.

The book “I Love You Like Sunshine” is designed for parents to read to their babies, but it is also filled with practical advice and tips based on brain development. Over 2,500 books have been distributed to Reach Out and Read to be given at the 2-week checkup thus far.

read in communities

Create neighborhood Read to Me Libraries.

In an effort to reach families with children birth to age 5, Read to Me Libraries have been developed in specific communities. Read to Me Libraries seeks partnership with small businesses (barber shops, salons, laundromats, etc.) and agencies serving families with preschool children.

  • Community Action Council (2)
  • Family Care Center (1)
  • WIC Offices (2)
  • Health First Clinics (2)
  • Lexington Housing Authority (1)
  • Step by Step (1)
  • Beyond Birth at UK College of Nursing (1)
  • Resources Education and Assistance for Community Housing (REACH) (1)
  • King Kuts (1)
a doctor is reading some material to a small girl in the exam chair
read while you wait

Outreach to families through WIC offices, Health First Bluegrass and UK Clinics.

Information about early brain development and the importance of parent/child interaction is shared through: slides on televisions in waiting rooms, wall posters in exam rooms, and activity cards given to parents with suggested games to play, conversations to have, books to read, and songs to sing with their children.

a child sits in the middle of a play room with toys.
Read with teachers

Provide quality resources for early childhood professionals.

Training and materials provided through the FCPS Early Childhood Summit and made available through the Governor’s Office of Early Childhood’s Quality Improvement Grant support childcare providers as they seek to READ, TALK, and PLAY with preschoolers.

a woman lying down reads to a small child
other opportunities to learn

Strengthen families.

Several learning opportunities have been made available to empower families and increase their knowledge and understanding of early childhood development. Examples include the United Way Born Learning Academy, the FCPS Family University series, and the district’s Learning Guides for Families (preschool through fifth grade, available in multiple languages).