It’s never too soon to start preparing children for kindergarten. That’s why University of Nevada, Reno Extension is hosting its annual Kickoff to Kindergarten fair to provide children ages 3-5 and their parents with knowledge and skills to help get the children ready for kindergarten. Back for its eighth year, Extension is partnering with Las Vegas – Clark County Library District and Vegas PBS to provide this free event, 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., Aug. 26, at the East Las Vegas Library, 2851 E. Bonanza Road. Tote bags, water bottle bags, books and school supplies will be given out to the first 250 families.

“It is hard to believe that this year’s Kickoff to Kindergarten is our eighth fair,” YaeBin Kim, Extension specialist, said. “It started with 10 partners in 2016, and now over 30 agencies have signed up to provide resources to parents and their kids.”

In addition to providing valuable resources, such as safety resources from the Las Vegas Metro Police Department, the event will include a variety of activities, including vision and dental screenings, fingerprinting kits, face painting and balloon artists. On-stage entertainment will feature Mariachi Perla Tapatia De Las Vegas, a ballet folkloric group and others. Children will be able to meet Rosie from the PBS show Rosie’s Rules and visit with Mojave Max and McGruff the Crime Dog. The Dairy Council of Nevada will also be bringing Daisy the Cow and providing half pints of chocolate milk (while supplies last). At the Mercardo market, children can select two fruits and vegetables each, along with a popsicle.

Other supporters or participants in the event include Clark County School District Family Engagement, UNLV School of Dental Medicine, Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program Education, Nevada Child Seekers, Garden Farms of Nevada, Family to Family Connection, Lakeshore Learning, Children's Learning Center – Nevada Blind Children’s Foundation, Liberty Dental Plan, Grant a Gift Autism Foundation Ackerman Center, Southern Nevada Agency Partnership, City of Las Vegas – Pop-Up Recreation, The Children's Cabinet, Prevent Child Abuse Nevada, District Office of Congresswoman Dina Titus, Las Vegas Urban League, The King Art Studio, DISCOVERY Children's Museum, Clark County Department of Family Services – Foster Care, Nevada State Treasurer's Office, Candelen, Acelero Learning Clark County Head Start, Las Vegas Urban League – Early Childhood Connection, Office of Senator Jacky Rosen, North Las Vegas Library District, Immunize Nevada, Walmart Vision, Clark County Desert Conservation Program, University Medical Center and Spread the Word Nevada.

For more information, visit the Kickoff to Kindergarten event website or email Extension Program Officer Heidi Petermeier. Persons in need of special accommodations or assistance should contact Paul Lessick, civil rights and compliance coordinator, at 702-257-5577 at least five days prior to the scheduled event with their needs or for more information.