University of Nevada, Reno Extension is partnering with Las Vegas-Clark County Library District to host the sixth annual Kickoff to Kindergarten fair. This year’s event will include hands-on and take-home activities and resources to provide children ages 3-5 and their parents with knowledge and skills to help get the children ready for kindergarten. Some of these activities include a farmers market, oral health (dental) screenings, literacy kits and books, make-and-take art and a visit from McGruff the Crime Dog.

“We are so excited that we will be back to an in-person event this year,” Yae Bin Kim, Extension associate professor, said. “This event highlights all different readiness activities, and we have many resources and materials for families that help improve school-readiness skills from home. This is all possible thanks to all our wonderful partners.” 

The event will be held Aug. 21, from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the East Las Vegas Library, 2851 E. Bonanza Road in Las Vegas. The event is free and open to the public, and backpacks with school supplies will be given to the first 200 families.

Support for the Kickoff to Kindergarten event is provided by Commissioner William McCurdy, Healthy Living Institute at University Medical Center, UNLV School of Dental Medicine, Vegas PBS, Las Vegas Area Council Boy Scouts of America, Early Childhood Connection - Las Vegas Urban League, Health Plan of Nevada, Nevada Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program, Henderson Libraries, Prevent Child Abuse Nevada, FACES (Family and Community Engagement Services), Nevada Institute of Children's Research and Policy, The Children's Cabinet, DISCOVERY Children's Museum, Lakeshore Learning, Southern Chapter NevAEYC, Battle Born Youth Challenge Academy, Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department and Acelero Learning Head Start.

For more information, visit the Kickoff to Kindergarten event website or email Extension Program Officer Heidi Petermeier.