Countdown to Kindergarten is On! 

Fayette County’s Countdown to Kindergarten spotlights the importance of early learning activities and family involvement in education while also providing Lexington residents with a range of entertaining activities. Thanks to the joint efforts of local organizations, children registered to start kindergarten in August have a summer full of free events to help them get ready for their first day of school.

UK Social Work to house Child Well-Being Research Institute

The College of Social Work (CoSW) at the University of Kentucky will be the new home for the Child Well-Being Research Institute, which houses the Child Well-Being Research Network (CWRN).

The national network was previously housed by Chapin Hall at the University of Chicago, where it was launched in 2010.

“The decision to shift CWRN to an academic institution was made after we came to the realization that UK could provide the infrastructure and insight needed for the research network,” Lee Ann Huang, co-chair of CWRN and researcher at Chapin Hall, said. “The College of Social Work is an excellent fit — given their mission alignment; commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion and justice; strong track record in action-oriented research; and their commitment to the development of scholars.”

With 186 members from 135 universities, CWRN identifies and develops leaders who conduct cutting-edge research to enhance child well-being and improves the nation’s ability to prevent all forms of child maltreatment.

KIDS CALENDAR 

SAT JUL 15  

The Bluegrass Railroad Club presents their second annual, family friendly train show at the Oleika Shriners Temple. 

JUL 20 – JUL 30 

The Lexington Children’s Theatre presents Seussical in July, the colorful musical filled with favorite Dr. Seuss characters like Horton the Elephant, Gertrude McFuzz, the Whos down in Whoville, and of course, the Cat in the Hat. As their stories intertwine, Seussical weaves a tale of friendship, acceptance, and love. For tickets, call 859.254.4546 x245.

FRI JUL 21 

Barbie is bringing the party to Movie Tavern on July 21 & 22 from 5 – 9 pm. Celebrate the movie’s release with the star herself by grabbing a picture on the red carpet before showtime. 

SAT JUL 22 

On July 22, 2023, children entering Kindergarten and one family member will gain free entrance to the Kentucky Children’s Garden at the Arboretum. Enjoy model trains, playing in the stream, catching a tadpole, and more. Report at the Visitor Center wearing your C2K badge then head to the Kentucky Children’s Garden for some fun and exploration.  Shoes must be worn at all times. Bring shoes that can get wet. No pets are allowed in the Kentucky Children’s Garden. You must report first to the Visitor Center wearing the C2K shirt to gain admission to the Kentucky Children’s Garden.


This article appears on pages 10-11 of the July 2023 issue of HJ. To subscribe to our digital edition, click here.