bornLearning plans Sept. 6 event to help parents get kids ready to learn

A program aimed at helping parents prepare their preschoolers and kindergartners for school will launch its 2017 season at the Scott County Public Library on Wednesday, Sept. 6.

bornLearning, a public-private initiative that receives sizeable support from Toyota, provides parents with resources and counseling on ways they can stimulate their kids' interest in learning.

"We want the parents to understand their role as being teachers," said Torie Hundley, family resource coordinator at three Scott County elementary schools.

"Basically, we give them strategies they can do at home," Hundley said.

"The program also helps families connect early with school personnel. There'll be a teacher that works with the parents. That will give the students and family a familiar face, and also Torie as well, when they get started in school," said Katie Morris, a state coordinator for the program at the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services.

"We're trying to reach families where they're at," Morris said.

The sessions will help parents develop their young children's skills in general knowledge and math, language and communication, health and wellbeing and other areas.

The initial session, like all sessions on Wednesday nights, will feature a catered dinner for the parents and their kids. Local churches and organizations are sponsoring the meals.

The sessions will be held from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Sept. 6, Sept. 13, Sept. 20 and Sept. 27.

Attendees also may win prizes at each session. The prizes will include a building-block basket, a game-night basket, a digital camera and a basket of household goods.

Families that attend all four sessions will receive a free tablet geared toward kindergartners and preschoolers.

Hundley said this year's program is funded by a $6,000 grant through Kentucky Gov. Matt Bevin's office, one of 10 bornLearning grants awarded this year.

"I would love to see 20 families involved, to complete the program," Hundley said.

The sessions will be held in the library's community room.

Interested parents can contact Hundley at (502) 570-8288 or via email at torie.hundley@scott.kyschools.us to register for the program.

Dan Adkins can be reached at dadkins@news-graphic.com.