The new school year is already in full swing, with kids across Nevada excited for another year of learning, and the Silver State’s littlest learners are getting ready to join the fun. To help families with young children prepare for the transition to school, University of Nevada, Reno Extension is hosting its annual Kickoff to Kindergarten fair in Las Vegas. Designed for children ages 3 to 5 and their families, the event offers fun, interactive opportunities to build the knowledge and skills children need to step confidently into kindergarten.

Extension is partnering with Las Vegas – Clark County Library District and Vegas PBS to provide this free event, Aug. 22, 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the East Las Vegas Library, 2851 E. Bonanza Road. Tote bags, exploration learning kits, books and school supplies will be given out to the first 250 families.

“Families are a child's first and most important teachers,” YaeBin Kim, Extension specialist, said. “Our goal is to help parents and caregivers feel informed, confident and supported as they prepare their children for a successful transition to kindergarten and beyond.”

Attendees can expect tools such as safety resources from the Las Vegas Metro Police Department, dental screenings by UNLV, health screenings by the UNLV School of Nursing and vision screenings by Walmart Vision Center. The event provides connections to more than 40 community organizations offering resources and services. Participants can also enjoy outdoor games, a produce market, rock painting, face painting, balloon artists and more.

Additionally, children will be able to meet Carl from the PBS KIDS show “Carl the Collector” as seen on Vegas PBS, visit the Clark County School District Book Bus and enjoy dairy treats from the Dairy Council of Nevada.

In addition to Extension’s Partners in Parenting Program, other Extension programs will be there to offer activities and information, including the 4-H Youth Development Program and other programs offering information on early childhood development, health and nutrition, youth horticulture and healthy aging.

Other supporters or participants in the event include Clark County School District Family Engagement, Early Childhood Department, Safe Routes to School and English Language Learning Departments; Anthem Nevada Medicaid; Bureau of Land Management; City of Las Vegas – Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs – Pop Up Recreation; Clark County Family Services Foster Care; College of Southern Nevada Early Childhood Education Lab Program; U.S. Rep. Dina Titus; Dairy Council of Nevada; DISCOVERY Children’s Museum; Family Child Care Association of Nevada; Hands Of Luvv Childcare; Healthy Living Institute at UMC; Henderson Libraries; Kirk Kerkorian School of Medicine UNLV; Little Red’s Bright Beginnings; Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department Volunteer Program; Nevada Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program; Nevada Department of Early Learning and Development; Nevada PEP; Nevada State Treasurer – NVIgate; North Las Vegas Library District; Prevent Child Abuse NV; Scouting America; Southern Nevada Health District – Office of Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion; Spread the Word Nevada; The Children’s Cabinet; The Kreative Minds Childcare; Tiny TLC Childcare; UNLV School of Dental Medicine; UNLV School of Nursing; Walmart Vision Center; and Walton Accelerated Learning Academy LLC.

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