Kentucky Kids on the Block

The mission of Kentucky Kids on the Block is to provide ongoing education and prevention through puppetry for children and the community at large, in physical challenges, medical conditions, social issues, and safety concerns. The Kids on the Block puppet program was developed by special educator, Barbara Aeillo, in 1977 as a direct response to Public Law 94-142 which emphasized "mainstreaming" disabled children with their non-disabled peers. The program was designed with the intent to teach children in grades K-6 about difficult topics. Topics touch on social, safety, and medical issues including child abuse, divorce, bullies, and much more. Kentucky Kids on the Block was formed in 1985 with the first performance occurring in January 1986. Each year our organization reaches an average of 20 counties in Kentucky which impacts around 30,000 children each year.