June 2020 | Cincinnati Parent

JUNE 2020

(FREE)

up,

up

and

away this summer, the Cincy spirit remains high

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VIRTUAL DOCTOR VISITS

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BECOMING A FOSTER PARENT

contents JUNE 2020

features

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The Doctor is (Virtually) In

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Becoming a Foster Parent

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Spotlight on Local Businesses

When should you use a virtual doctor's visit for your child?

You can provide a temporary, safe, nurturing and stable environment for a child in need.

We highlight Cincy businesses that have pivoted to continue to serve their customers during this difficult time.

departments In Every Issue 06 08 10 11

Letter from the Editor News & Notes Cincy's Kids Our Cover Kid

Resources & Calendars

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19 Education Guide 20 Camp Guide 23 Fun & Wacky Calendar

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LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

WORDS BY NICOLE SIPE

Publisher Mary Wynne Cox mary@cincinnatiparent.com Associate Publisher + Creative Director Katie Clark katie@cincinnatiparent.com

Editor Nicole Sipe nicolesipe@cincinnatiparent.com Account Executives Hannah Mohler hannah@cincinnatiparent.com Trisha Brand trisha@cincinnatiparent.com Production Manager Karen Ring karen@cincinnatiparent.com

Going with the Flow School’s out and summer break is here!

I don’t have a crystal ball, but I’ll just go ahead and predict right now that this summer is going to be one for the books.

The history books? Yes, most definitely. We’re all still trying to navigate our way around and through this pandemic, so this summer will surely look a lot different than summers past.

But that’s OK. Different can be good. Different can be great. One of the big lessons that my family and I have learned during this time is to lean into the unknown and embrace what’s different. Whenever uncertainty arises, I like to think of that saying about being like a willow tree: you need to bend with the wind; otherwise, if you resist, you’re liable to break.

It’s easier said than done, but this summer, we’re going to try to be like the most flexible of willow trees and go with the flow.

All around Cincinnati, people and businesses are doing the same: bending with the wind, embracing the unknown and showing us that different can be great. We wanted to highlight some of these local stories, and you can read them starting on page 16. They are just a small sampling of the resilience of the folks in Cincy.

As businesses begin to reopen around the city, it will be exciting to see how our city continues to carry on, even if might look and feel a little different at first.

This summer won’t be like summers past, but it will certainly be a memorable one.

Let’s make it great!

Community Outreach + Social Media Sarah McCosham sarah@cincinnatiparent.com Digital Publisher Wendy Hasser wendy@cincinnatiparent.com Event Coordinator Brooke Litherland brooke@cincinnatiparent.com Billing billing@cincinnatiparent.com Contributing Writer Maggie Loiselle Calendar of Events calendar@cincinnatiparent.com

Cincinnati Parent Magazine is published monthly. Copyright 2020

by Midwest Parenting Publications, LLC. All rights reserved. Reproduction without permission is strictly prohibited. Distribution of this magazine does not constitute an endorsement of products, commentary or services herein.

EDITOR

NICOLESIPE@CINCINNATIPARENT.COM

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25,000 - 45,000 CIRCULATION CATEGORY

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NEWS & Notes

Our monthly roundup of news you can use

Nuts for Donuts There is a lot of heavy stuff happening in the world, and Cincinnatians are in desperate need of good news, particularly that of the sweet and sugary variety. Holtman’s Donuts to the rescue!

The family-owned bakery added a fifth location this spring: a store at 3450 Madison Road, next to Crossroads Church and across the street from MadTree Brewing in Oakley. To celebrate the new store, the shop debuted two brand-new donuts: the Tiger King doughnut (a striped yeast donut with chocolate icing and peanut butter mousse center) and a summery, lime-spiked margarita doughnut. Holtman’s is known for its crowd-pleasing confections, like the Lucky Charm-covered yeast donut, dense-andspicy Dunkin’ Sticks and recently added vegan cake donuts. June 5 is National Donut Day, and there’s no better way to celebrate in Cincinnati than Holtman’s Donuts.

72 million

holtmansdonutshop.com

THAT’S THE NUMBER OF FATHER’S DAY CARDS HANDED OUT EACH YEAR, ACCORDING TO HALLMARK.

DID YOU KNOW? June is the month with the longest daylight hours of the year in the Northern Hemisphere, and the shortest daylight hours in the Southern Hemisphere.

DeWine Time This spring, Ohio got to know its governor. Each weekday, Governor DeWine provided news briefings to keep Ohioans up-tospeed on the COVID-19 crisis. Dubbed “DeWine time,” the daily briefing armed Ohioans with much-needed information and facts about the pandemic. (Cincy Shirts even commemorated these briefings with a “DeWine Time” tee.) At the beginning of May, after 50+ days of quarantine, Gov. DeWine announced plans for slowly reopening Ohio, through the Responsible RestartOhio Plan. The guiding principles of the plan were to protect the health of employees, customers and their families, support community efforts to control the spread of COVID-19 and responsibly get Ohio back to work. Ohio has been a national leader in its response to COVID-19, and the governor’s daily briefings kept Ohioans informed — and connected — during a scary time.

governor.ohio.gov

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CINCY'S KIDS We are excited for a time when we can once again visit our favorite spots around Cincy! In the meantime, we asked our readers to send us photos of their kids at their favorite local places (during pre-pandemic times!). Here are some of our favorites.

Ellie (6) at Kings Island's Barnyard

Logan (6) at Smale Park

Luke (5) at Glenwood Gardens

Macy (13), Audrey (8), and Makenzie (10) at Smale Park

WANT TO SEE YOUR CUTE KIDS ON THIS PAGE? School’s out and summer is here! Send us a photo of your child playing and enjoying the warm weather... or chilling indoors — whatever they like to do! Email your photo to editor@cincinnatiparent. com with the child’s first name and age, and your photo may appear here!

Kyle (9) and Tanner (9) at Frisch's Big Boy

DJ (4) at the Cincinnati Zoo

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OUR COVER KID:

VEDA

[age] 6 years old [my favorites] COLOR Blue and purple FOOD Crab legs and shrimp SPORT Basketball (P.S., we've never seen her ICE CREAM TV SHOW RESTAURANT BOOK MOVIE ACTIVITY CANDY

watch or play basketball - ever!)

Mint chocolate chip Slick Slime Sam LaRosa's Captain Underpants Trolls 2 Crafts Buncha Crunch

[an interesting fact about me] I learned how to whistle ON my 4th birthday!

[when I grow up] I want to be a doctor and a basketball player.

COVER PHOTO BY:

GC Photography gcphotography.com

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THE D O CTO R IS ( V I R T U A L LY ) I N When should you use a virtual doctor’s visit for your child?

WORDS BY NICOLE SIPE

V

irtual doctor visits have grown in popularity, spurred mostly by the stay-at-home orders that were issued to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. Even during a pandemic, people still need access to basic medical care, and online doctor visits allow patients to receive medical care and advice from the comfort and safety of their home, without having to visit a doctor’s office.

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But how does virtual care work for children, and how do you know when a telehealth visit is right for your child’s particular situation? We asked the experts.

W H E N TO US E V I R T UA L V I S I T S Virtual visits are a great way to connect to your child’s pediatrician or a nurse practitioner, especially when there are risks to being seen in person, such as during a pandemic.

“For things that can be easily described, such as recent side effects with a new medication, or shown in video or image, like a rash, those are ideal for video visits,” says Jen Ruschman, senior director at the Center for Telehealth at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital. “We use video visits at Cincinnati Children’s for specialty care and minor illnesses and injuries. It can be very convenient for families, and can provide necessary just-in-time care and reassurance.”

There are other times when virtual visits are necessary, such as when your child needs occupational, speech or physical therapy on a regular basis, but can’t visit their therapist’s office in person.

“Therapy needs to be consistent to gain progress. If we cannot open our clinic, we cannot just leave the children to lose progress,” says Jodie Reed, director of marketing at ABC Pediatric Therapy in Cincinnati. “Going without therapy can be a significant setback for your child. Teletherapy helps bridge that gap and gives them consistency and some sort of normalcy to their previous routine.”

W H E N TO V I S I T T H E O F F I C E However, there are times when an in-person doctor visit is necessary.

“For example, if we cannot examine a child’s ear, then it’s difficult to appropriately diagnose an ear infection,” Ruschman says.

H OW TO P R E PA R E FO R A V I R T UA L D O C TO R ’S V I S I T Just like an in-person visit, it’s a good idea to be prepared for your video visit. Ruschman offers these tips:

+ Test your technology prior to your appointment time. Make sure your internet is up and running, and that your computer or mobile device is charged. Many doctor’s offices will provide you with a link or ask you to download an app in order to access the video conferencing feature.

Make sure you download and test these things before your appointment time. If your internet connection is poor, move closer to your router and limit other internet traffic from your home.

+ Write down your questions. To save everyone time and make the most of your virtual visit, write down what you want to discuss with your provider.

+ Consider your setting. Place yourself and your child in a well-lit area. + Keep your hands free. If you have a young child, use a car seat as a place to set down your infant safely so you can take notes and operate the computer or mobile device during the virtual doctor’s visit, or have another adult present.

Additionally, seeing your child’s primary care provider for well-visits are essential for children to stay up-to-date on vaccinations, and to appropriately monitor growth and development.

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B E C O M I N G

a foster parent

WORDS BY MAGGIE LOISELLE AND KAREN RING

Comforting a crying child, making time to play pretend, listening to a story, cooking a great grilled cheese together — these unsung parts of parenthood may seem mundane, but for children in the midst of a family upheaval, these small acts provide the stability, normalcy and love they often desperately crave.

At any given moment, there are an average of 16,000 children in Ohio’s foster care system. Most are unable to stay with their biological families because of abuse, neglect or other circumstances. The primary goal of foster care is to provide a temporary, safe, nurturing and stable environment until a child can be safely reunited with their families, which usually happens within a year in Ohio.

“The goal of foster care is always to return children to their birth family if the family works to complete their case plan and we determine it is safe for the children to return,” says Rodger Stauffer, foster care manager with Agape for Youth, Inc. “Permanency is critical to the future success of our children and that is where adoption comes in.

It is common for our foster families to ultimately choose to adopt children who have been placed in their home when reunification is not possible.”

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If you have ever considered the idea of fostering a child, here are the requirements as dictated by the state, as well as the important personal characteristics that are attributed to successful foster families.

The basics In Ohio, foster parents must be licensed by the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services through their county public children services agency (PCSA), or a private agency certified by the state to approve and recommend foster parents.

“All prospective foster families will need to complete a home study, which is an assessment of the family and home required by the state,” says Sarah Feine,

a family assessor with Focus on Youth, Inc. “They will also need to complete paperwork for the assessment, 36 hours of preservice training, background checks, financial documents, physicals and safety assessments of their home.”

Basic requirements include being at least 21 years old; having at least one person in the home who can read, write and speak English or be able to communicate with the child and the placement agency; be free of any physical, emotional or mental conditions that could endanger the child as confirmed by a physician; pass a criminal history and background check; and take part in a home visit.

There are also requirements for continued training once a family has become licensed. “Once licensed, Agape offers our families an extensive menu of on-going trainings designed to go deeper into various issues that our families may face,” Stauffer says. “They learn from experts on mental health, birth families, school issues, behavioral issues, self-harm, impact of abuse and neglect and much more.”

Your family It’s important to note that foster families come in all shapes and sizes. “The ideal family is simply one that is willing to love children and keep them safe,” Feine says.

“You can be single, married, divorced or have a live-in partner and be a licensed foster parent.

Your home situation will be evaluated and considered individually during the home study process.”

Feine also notes that potential foster parents who are married are required to have their spouse on the license. “Your family circumstances will influence the ages and needs of the children considered for placement in your home,” she says.

Your home Prospective foster parents are required to rent or own a home or apartment that meets physical safety standards (such as having fire extinguishers) and has space for a child or children, although they do not need their own

individual bedrooms. Families must also demonstrate that they can provide reliable transportation.

Your finances The state requires that foster families demonstrate financial stability, meaning they can support themselves and the child. Foster families do receive a stipend while a child lives with them, but it only covers the child’s daily expenses.

Medical expenses for children in the foster system are covered by Medicaid.

Besides meeting regulations set by the state, good foster parents possess a variety of personal traits and skills that make the fostering experience positive for both them and the child in their care. “Homes that are flexible, have strong support systems, can be empathetic, and people who are willing to try new parenting

techniques tend to have success when working with our kids,” Stauffer says. “There is no perfect formula, but a willingness to love a child where they are at is a great starting point.”

Above all, prospective foster parents should understand that they are not alone. Local foster care agencies and support groups offer ample resources to help along the way. “Walking with them through the journey, supporting them when it gets tough, and celebrating every victory with them is something we've done exceptionally well for the last 25 years,” Feine says.

To learn more about becoming a foster parent, as well as Ohio foster care rules and regulations, visit jfs.ohio.gov.

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SPOTLIGHT ON LOCAL BUSINESSES WORDS BY SARAH MCCOSHAM

T

HE WORLD AS

WE’VE KNOWN IT

HAS COME TO A SCREECHING HALT OVER THE PAST COUPLE OF MONTHS. THE DOORS OF SCHOOLS AND MOST BUSINESSES HAVE CLOSED, LEAVING PEOPLE SCRAMBLING FOR WAYS TO MAKE DO. PARENTS HAVE SUDDENLY BECOME HOMESCHOOL TEACHERS AND BUSINESS OWNERS ARE SUDDENLY FORCED TO FIGURE OUT HOW TO KEEP THE LIGHTS ON WITHOUT CUSTOMERS IN THEIR STORES. But if tough times teach us anything, it’s that Ohioans are a crafty and resilient bunch.

We wanted to highlight some Cincinnati-area businesses that have pivoted how they operate in order to stay open and continue to serve their customers during this difficult time. The following pages are packed with local stories. Find inspiring profiles of Findlay Market and The Children's Theatre of Cincinnati here:

cincinnatiparent.com/ around-town-cincy.

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Keeping the Community Connected to the Great Outdoors:

Great Parks of Hamilton County providing our community access to the great outdoors.

What are you doing to keep Great Parks up and running during this time?

This spring, Ohioans were ordered to stay home — but with a few notable exceptions.

Outdoor exercise (provided safe social distancing guidelines were followed) was not only allowed, but encouraged. And the Great Parks of Hamilton County stayed open, providing a safe place for fresh air and exercise.

Remaining open wasn’t without challenges, however. Great Parks had to close many of its beloved attractions and cancel big annual events. Cincinnati Parent spoke with Great Parks public education coordinator Kimberly Whitton about some of the challenges they’ve faced — and why the parks are so important.

It's been a tumultuous last few months. How are you holding up?

Great Parks continues to follow the COVID virus situation very closely to ensure our park guests are safe and to help in determining ongoing facility and program/event cancellations, closures and openings. Overall, the parks are an important part of many people’s lives right now and we want to ensure we are

Although facilities and programming have had to be closed or cancelled, Great Parks has kept the parks open through the pandemic, providing the community with access to passive recreation like trails, personal canoe/kayak and fishing, disc golf, and most recently, opening of golf courses.

Once Great Parks learned about the restrictions put in place with public gatherings and the stay-at-home order was put in place, we knew we had to find a way to provide park guests with continued access to nature education. This is when Parks@ Home wa s created, which provides fun and educational activities, crafts, videos and more that families can engage in from the comfort of their homes.

What are some of the ways you're staying connected with the community/ helping the community during this time?

First and foremost, the biggest way we have stayed connected with the community is by keeping

the parks open and providing access to the great outdoors.

Another way we have stayed connected is through our Parks@ Home series, which was started after in person programming had to be cancelled. The series was created with all ages in mind, offering everything from coloring sheets to scavenger hunts, to crafts and outdoor games. We’ve also started daily interactive Facebook and Instagram Live videos at 10 a.m. on weekdays, featuring experiences and providing project ideas. Parks@Home is housed on our blog (greatparks.org/ parksathome) and on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

Right now, everything still feels very uncertain.

What are you hoping for the future? How can Cincinnati parents help?

As Ohio reopens, we are hoping to gradually open our parks more, including facilities, playgrounds, picnic areas, programs and events. We will do this with everyone’s health and safety in mind. Cincinnati parents can continue to utilize our Parks@ Home series and follow us on social media as we look forward to opening more of our park areas.

For more information on Parks@Home, visit greatparks. org/parksathome.

Continuing High-Quality Music Education Online:

Cincinnati School of Music teachers and students know exactly what to expect.

Like many businesses in Cincy, Cincinnati School of Music had to temporarily close its physical doors due to stay-at-home orders issued because of COVID-19. However, the music school quickly took steps to offer virtual classes, which allowed students to receive high-quality music education while staying safe at home.

Cincinnati Parent talked to Anna Backer, the owner and director of Cincinnati School of Music, about CSM’s quick pivot to online music education and their mission to transform lives through music — especially during this crisis.

It's been a tumultuous last few months. How are you holding up?

The last few months have been a challenge. Despite sustaining losses, we have worked day and night — like many small businesses — to keep our people safe. My husband Joe and I started following the news about COVID-19 back in February, and we worked around the clock to ensure that CSM was ready for the chaos that struck in early March.

We came up with a plan and let our

At first, we didn’t know how everyone would handle the switch to virtual learning. But we have been humbled by the response of students and families, who have adapted to remote learning and remained committed to their lessons. By staying at CSM, these families have not only allowed our business to survive this challenging time, they have also provided desperately needed income to so many local musicians who have lost wages due to the cancellation of gigs and events that they rely on throughout the year.

Our teachers, too, have shown dedication and creativity, adapting quickly to the new platform. Joe and I could not be prouder. It has not been easy to keep up with the rapidly evolving requirements for local businesses, but we are proud also of our extraordinary administrative team, who have consistently provided prompt, friendly assistance throughout the transition to remote learning.

What are you doing to keep Cincinnati School of Music up and running during this time?

We use a number of apps and platforms to keep our team safe as they continue providing an exceptional learning experience for our students. After a lot of research, we’ve found that Zoom’s features best meet the needs of our community, including ease, stability, convenience, and security. In addition, the platform LessonMate has been a gamechanger for CSM, and we now make it available free-of-charge to all our students.

area. Since we started offering music lessons via Zoom, we have enrolled new students from Georgia, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, and even as far away as Germany! We have instructors working remotely from Virginia, Texas and Taiwan. We are thrilled by the opportunity to connect with people across the world!

What are some of the ways you're staying connected with the community/ helping the community during this time?

We are proud that we have been able to continue providing work for over 50 professional musicians while also keeping all of our administrative staff on payroll. We believe in doing everything we can — even cutting our own pay — to provide our workers with stability throughout this challenging time.

We remain active on social media, including Facebook and Instagram. We love seeing families share highlights of their musical progress, particularly with the help of virtual lessons through CSM. Our own family has experienced the benefits of virtual music lessons. Our oldest child has been able to continue her weekly sessions with her piano teacher, working towards new goals, developing confidence, and fostering creative self-expression in a fun and educational medium.

We are also humble contributors to Melodic Connections, a local nonprofit that provides music education and music therapy to people of all ages and abilities.

And we are thrilled to announce CSM’s new Summer Sampler Series, which will provide free instructional videos for anyone interested in exploring different musical instruments and learning fundamental concepts and techniques this summer.

Right now, everything still feels very uncertain. What are you hoping for the future?

At CSM, we hope to provide some measure of stability during this crisis, by offering convenient, uninterrupted music education at the highest level, with friendly customer service that our clients can rely on seven days a week.

Our mission is to transform lives and build lasting relationships. We can’t wait to start providing in-person lessons again this summer, all the while ensuring the health and safety of everyone in our community. We are actively monitoring Governor Dewine’s latest updates and guidelines.

Whatever happens, Cincinnati School of Music will be here for you.

One unexpected blessing we’ve experienced during this transition is the ability to provide opportunities to teachers and students outside the Cincinnati June 2020 I CINCINNATIPARENT.COM

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SPOTLIGHT ON LOCAL BUSINESSES

Entertaining Visitors Virtually:

Cincinnati Museum Center It's been a tumultuous last few months. How are you holding up?

For us, being in the museum and being surrounded by guests is energizing. It’s a constant reminder of why we do what we do. Being away from the building and

Cincinnati Museum Center is no stranger to closures. Over the last several years, the beloved Cincinnati institution closed many of its museums as part of a massive restoration project. But this spring, CMC entered unchartered territory, closing March 14 in an effort to keep everyone safe.

During this closure, CMC moved its programs online, through their Wonder Zone videos, at-home science experiments, "Off the Shelf " curator blog series and more. But the reality is, CMC was losing $1.5M+ each month in operating revenue alone. And as an independent nonprofit, CMC faces an uncertain future. Cincinnati Parent spoke with Cody Heffner, CMC’s director of communications, about how the museum plans to move forward.

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interacting with guests digitally has proven to be an emotional change — but we remain energized and are constantly encouraged by the engagement we continue to have and the feedback we’ve received. We’ve had to rewire ourselves a little bit to do so, but we’re realizing we can have an even broader impact digitally.

What are you doing to keep CMC up and running during this time?

We’ve shifted a lot of our programming, expertise and talents online. Our curators have become much more visible and vocal, sharing insight into their collections and their research in a way they previously haven’t been able to with such a wide audience.

Our education staff has also had the opportunity to show a little more of their personality and ingenuity through online videos that have either tested their technology skills or shown just how tech-savvy they are. We really looked at what we have available in our homes or in our digital collections and encouraged our staff to guide us: What would you want to see during this time? What can you execute with what you have on hand? No idea has been off the table and we’re tapping into our staff ’s passion and talents at this time.

What are some of the ways you're staying connected with the community/ helping the community during this time?

Right now, everything still feels very uncertain. What are you hoping for the future? How can Cincinnati parents help?

We’ve taken as many programs as possible online so we can continue to nurture curious and growing minds and encourage lifelong learning. That means we’re all pulling together to offer virtual and online programs for kids and adults of all ages. We have a lot of resources online right now, in addition to daily programming through our social media channels.

For example, on Mondays we offer a virtual STEM Girls video to inspire young girls to pursue an education and career in STEM fields; Wednesdays we’ve taken our Story Tree Time online as we read a different story every week; and on Fridays we have our dance parties online. And throughout the week, we’ve been sharing lesson plans, at-home science experiments, opportunities to get outside and explore nature and more. Plus, we’ve partnered with the YMCA, Cincinnati Art Museum, Public Library and more on virtual programs, book clubs, art challenges and more.

We know the museum we closed will not be the one we reopen.

Cleaning protocols will dictate how we reopen, and we’re working with government and health officials, as well as community organizations and leaders, to determine the best time and way to reopen. But we will reopen. And we will continue to provide an educational and engaging museum experience that kids and adults alike will talk about for years to come. We’d love to know what parents are expecting to see when we reopen: what will make them feel safe and comfortable? What programs have you seen online that you want us to bring to the museum floor in real life? Or what programs have you seen elsewhere that you’d like us to try our hand at? Our community has such a role in helping us shape our museum.

For more information on Cincinnati Museum Center or to make a donation to the COVID-19 relief fund, visit cincymuseum.org/covid19closure-fund.

CP EDUCATION GUIDE CHILDCARE & PRESCHOOL

The Campus at Kids First We have FULL DAY Kindergarten!

Located inside the nationally acclaimed Kids First Sports Center, The Campus offers the premier early learning experience for children ages 6 weeks through Kindergarten.

As the only early learning center in the area that makes physical education a top priority, The Campus at Kids First gives your child an academic edge by integrating a world class physical education (including gymnastics, basketball, yoga and soccer!) curriculum in to the daily schedule, at NO additional cost! Our carefully selected and loving teachers utilize a relevance-based curriculum combined with child-directed play to make learning FUN and start each child on their journey to becoming a life-long learner. • 7900 E Kemper Rd, Cincinnati, OH 45249, theCampusKF.com, Phone: (513) 629-KIDS, info@theCampusKF.com

Chai Tots Early Childhood Center Academic excellence via a unique blend of Jewish and Montessori education offering strong academics, stressing life skills, interpersonal relationship skills and nurturing a love for life-long learning.

Individualized curriculum customized for each student, expansive naturally lit rooms, low student ratio. Specials include yoga, music, Hebrew, Spanish, dance, drama, art and Tae Kwon Do. Flexible schedules, before and aftercare, web cams and after-school enrichment available.

Transportation available to/from Mason schools. Limited space - now enrolling! • 7587 Central Parke Blvd.,

Mason, OH 45040, Phone: (513) 234-0600, ChaiTots.com, Ages/Grades: Infant, Toddler, Preschool, Kindergarten (6 weeks-6 years), Enrollment: 60

YMCA of Greater Cincinnati The YMCA of Greater Cincinnati offers state licensed before and after school care at over 85 locations throughout Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky. • 1105 Elm Street,

Cincinnnati, OH 45202, Contact: Trish Kitchell, VP Youth Development, Phone: 513-362-YMCA, Fax: 513-651-3540, Email: tkitchell@MyY.org, MyY.org, Grades: Ages 3-12, Enrollment: Stop by any YMCA of Greater Cincinnati location or check with your local school district.

* SPONSORED LISTINGS

MONTESSORI

Children’s Meeting House Montessori School Children's Meeting House Montessori School has been proudly educating students from preschool through 6th grade using the principles of the Montessori philosophy since 1972. CMH offers a variety of preschool, enrichment and before/after school options to meet each family’s needs. Partner with our devoted staff of experienced and Montessori trained teachers throughout your child’s most developmental years. CMH – where learning happens, naturally. Find out more or schedule a tour on our website. • 927 O’Bannonville Road, Loveland, OH 45140, Contact: Casey Reed, Director, Phone: 513-683-4757, Email: reed@cmhschool.com, cmhschool.com, Grades: Preschool through Sixth grade, Enrollment: 150

Country Hills Montessori Providing programs for 3 to K. Small, individualized classes with low student-teacher ratios, under the guidance of Montessori certified teachers, in an inter-generational environment. Multiple Locations in Eastgate, Oakley, Harrison and West Chester Ohio and in Ft. Thomas and Union, KY. Visit chmschools.com for all location addresses & phones. • Contact: Susan Schreiber, Owner, Email: susan@chmschools.com, chmschools. com/, Grades: 3 - K

Little Sprouts Montessori Preschool & Kindergarten Little Sprouts Montessori nurtures the natural curiosity and enthusiasm of children, helping them develop a lifetime love of learning. Our goal is to empower children to discover and hone their strengths as they explore the world. We recognize the importance of individualized education, and maintain a 1:6 ratio. •

7131 Plainfield Road, Deer Park, OH 45236, Contact: Christie Sawyer, Phone: 513-697-9021, Email: csawyer@ leavesoflearning.org, little-sprouts.org, Grades: Preschool & Kindergarten, Enrollment: Families choose mornings two to four days per week (T/TH and/or W/F), and/or afternoon sessions on Tuesday and Thursday.

Mercy Montessori Center Mercy Montessori is Cincinnati's first Catholic Montessori elementary school and provides students with a personalized education. Mercy

offers a sliding scale tuition model, in-school swimming instruction starting at age three, and attracts students from over 60 zip codes.

Mercy educates the whole child and develops a strong foundation for learning. • 2335 Grandview Avenue,

Cincinnati, OH 45206, Contact: Amanda Grimm, Admissions Director, Phone: (513) 475-6700 ext. 210, Email: agrimm@ mercymontessori.org, mercymontessori.org, Grades: Preschool - 8th Grade, Enrollment: 296

Montessori Academy of Cincinnati Our goal is to instill a love of learning in each child and to assure a solid grounding in the basics of education that will help each student achieve his potential. We provide an outstanding, experienced staff, low student-teacher ratios, a nurturing, student-centered approach, and on-site before-school and afterschool care. • 8293 Duke Boulevard, Mason, Ohio 45040, Phone: 513-3987773, Email: info@montacademy.org, montacademy.org/, Ages/Grades: 18 months through 8th grade

The New School Montessori Cincinnati's only school accredited by the American Montessori Society.

Centrally located and surrounded by wooded play yards and gardens, students benefit from a nurturing environment where Montessoricredentialed staff support high academic and personal achievement.

Full-day, half-day with healthy lunches included in tuition. ISACS and AMS accredited program. • 3

Burton Woods Lane, Cincinnati, OH 45229, Contact: Ceara Comstock, Phone: (513) 281-7999, Email: ceara.c@newschool montessori.com, newschool montessori.com, Grades: 3-year-olds through Grade 6, Enrollment: 144

NON–PUBLIC

Guardian Angels School Guardian Angels School provides students in preschool through eighth grade with a faith-filled experience focused on academic excellence, whole child education, and attention to each child’s unique learning needs. As a school, we push all of our students to earn their HALO through being Honest, Accountable, and a Leader to Others. • 6539 Beechmont Ave., Cincinnati 45230, Contact: Mr. Corey Stoops, Principal, Phone: 513-624-3141, gaschool.org, Grades: Preschool Grade 8

The Summit Country Day School Founded in 1890, The Summit serves students from 18 months to Grade 12.

Full- and half-day Montessori programs for ages 18 months-age 6 begin the academic journey followed by a college-preparatory program (Grades 1-12). The Summit educates students spiritually, academically, physically, socially and artistically while offering the academic excellence and one-on-one guidance of a top-tier Catholic independent school. • 2161 Grandin Road (Hyde Park), Cincinnati, OH 45208, Phone: 513-8714700, ext. 261, Email: pearl_e@summitcds. org, summitcds.org

SPECIAL NEEDS

Springer School and Center For nearly 50 years, Springer School and Center has empowered students with learning disabilities to lead successful lives. Springer offers a day school for students ages 6-14 and outreach programs and learning disability resources for students, parents and teachers in the Greater Cincinnati area. The Springer Experience. Success Starts Here. •

2121 Madison Road, Cincinnati, OH 45208, Contact: Jill Wieging, Associate Admissions Director, Phone: 513 871-6080 ext. 211, Fax: 513871-6428, Email: jwieging@springer-ld.org, springer-LD. org, Grades: 1 through 8, Enrollment: 200

TUTORING

Kumon Math & Reading Centers Preschool through high school: Kumon’s time-tested self-learning program uses engaging worksheets and guidance from an on-site instructor to present new concepts and materials, giving children an academic advantage in the classroom and throughout life. To learn more, attend a free orientation at a Kumon Math & Reading Center near you – locations in Anderson, Blue Ash, Loveland, Springdale, and West Chester. Call 1.800.ABC.MATH or visit kumon.com for more information.Join Kumon’s parent community at facebook.com/kumon for helpful tips.

BE PART OF OUR MONTHLY GUIDE CONTACT

KATIE@ CINCINNATI PARENT.COM

June 2020 I CINCINNATIPARENT.COM

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CP SUMMER CAMP GUIDE 2020 DAY CAMPS

Camp Invention

Baldwin Music Education Center Summer Programs

Multiple locations throughout Cincinnati, Phone: (800) 968-4332, Email: camp invention@invent.org, invent.org/camp

3799 Hyde Park Ave., Cincinnati, OH 45208, Contact: Rachel Kramer, Phone: 513-351-1109, Email: info@Baldwin MusicEduCenter.com, baldwin musiceducenter.com Dates: June-August with flex-terms and options • Ages/Grades: Preschool Music Classes for Ages 6-months to 4-yrs & Keyboard Camps for ages 5-10

Summer is more exciting with music classes to brighten each week!

Age-specific, specially-designed music classes engage students from the minute they walk through the door. Singing, playing, keyboard time, crafts and more open the world of music to every child. 55+ years experience, trained group music teachers, friendly neighborhood, ample parking and family discounts.

Camp at the J 8485 Ridge Rd, Cincinnati, Ohio 45236, Contact: Anne Goldstein, Phone: 513.722.7241, Email: daycamp@ mayersonjcc.org, mayersonjcc.org/ campatthej Dates: June 1 - August 14 • Hours: 9:30am-3:30pm *Extended Care Available • Ages: 4-14 Activities: Archery, sports, arts and crafts, drama, music, Israeli culture, swimming, and color wars

At Camp at the J, kids can experience the best of summer. From swim lessons to archery, sports to arts & crafts, kids will create memories and form friendships to last a lifetime.

Camp at the J’s inclusive camp offers camp for every kid! Traditional day camp provides all the fun that makes camp a summertime staple, with flexible weekly options to fit your schedule. A wide range of specialty camps, including arts, science, theater, horseback riding, sports and much more. Camp encourages kids to pursue their interests, making summer an exciting and positive developmental experience. Sign up today for a summer to remember!

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Dates: Find locations and dates at invent. org/camp • Ages: Entering grades K-6

Imaginations will soar in the all-new Camp Invention® program, Elevate!

Campers in grades K-6 will collaborate in hands-on STEM activities exploring concepts of flight, Earth’s ecosystems and sports innovations! Visit invent.org/camp or call 800-968-4332 to register. Use promo code LOCAL25 to save $25 (expires 3/31) or LOCAL15 to save $15 (expires 5/12).

Children’s Meeting House Montessori School Summer Camp 927 O’Bannonville Rd, Loveland, OH 45140, Phone: 513-683-4757, Email: office@ cmhschool.com, cmhschool.com Dates: June 15-19, June 22-26, July 13-17, July 20-24

Visit our website to see the Summer Camp Programs CMH has to offer your family this year. Our camps offer a variety of Arts, Crafts, Nature, Science, Drama, and fun activities for children ages 3-12 on our beautiful 7+ acre campus. Camps are led by experienced CMH Staff, who are eager to share their passion for learning and having fun with our campers. Childcare is available after day camp until 5:30pm to accommodate working families.

Reserve your space NOW!

Cincinnati Art Museum Summer Camp 953 Eden park Dr., Cincinnati OH 45202, Phone: (513) 721-2787, Email: CAMsummercamp@cincyart.org, cincinnatiartmuseum.org/ summercamp

Jump into art with eight weeks of exciting art projects, gallery games, and more! Explore a different theme each week with activities taught by skilled educators and museum staff.

CINCINNATIPARENT.COM I June 2020

Designed for children ages 6–12.

Convenient before- and after-care available.

Cincinnati Museum Center’s Museum Camps 1301 Western Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45203, Contact: Jessyca Lary, Email: jlary@cincymuseum.org, Phone: (513) 287-7060, cincymuseum.org/ museum-camps Dates: May 26th - August 7th • Hours: 9am to 4pm • Ages: Grades K-8th • Gender of Campers: All genders • Special Needs: Yes

When school is out - Museum Camps are in! Explore science, technology, history and the arts through creative activities and games at Cincinnati Museum Center’s fun and educational Museum Camps.

Whether there’s a day or a week off from school, there’s a camp for that.

Cincinnati Theatre Summer Camp Cincinnati Shakespeare Company, The Otto M. Budig Theater, 1195 Elm Street, Cincinnati, OH 45202. Phone: 513-381-2273, cincyshakes.com/ summercamp Ages/Grades: Grades 1-12 • Cost: $295/week • Dates: June 8-July 24,, 9am-5pm

Join Cincinnati’s most buzzed about professional theater company downtown for Theatre Summer Camp! Beginning programs for “Juniors” (Grades 1-6) and advanced programs for “Seniors” (Grades 7-12) who want a fun and challenging stage experience this summer!

Circus Arts Camps: Stretch Your Child’s Creative Muscle!

Presented by My Nose Turns Red Youth Circus Evendale Cultural Arts Center: 10500 Reading Rd, Evendale, OH 45241 & locations throughout the area, Phone: (859) 581-7100, Contact: Steve Roenker, Email: info@mynoseturnsred.org, mynoseturnsred.org

Dates: 9 weeks of summer circus camps (1-2 weeks each) • Ages: Varies • Gender of Campers: All genders Activities: Unicycling, Aerials, Gym Wheel, Balance, Juggling, & more

Camps for ages 4-6 and ages 7-18.

Skills for ages 7-18 includes Gym (German) Wheel, Aerial Silks, Unicycle, Diabolo, Physical Comedy, and more.

Camps for ages 4-6 include circus games and activities just right for their age. This is our 23rd year!

Erickson Academy of Irish Dance ― Camp Erickson, Intro to Irish Dance 673 Wilmer Ave - Suite D, Cincinnati, OH 45226, Contact: Allison Weber Erickson, ADCRG, Phone: 513-232-1366, ericksondance@aol.com, ericksonirishdance.com Dates: Session 1: July 14-15-16 (9:30am - 11:30am), Session 2: July 21-22-23 (9:30am - 11:30am)

Jig on into Camp Erickson! Campers will be introduced to the basics of Irish dancing, have fun making Irish crafts, learn the group dances of Ireland and enjoy Irish storytelling.

Ages 4 - 12. $75 per session. Certified

by An Coimisiun le Rinci Gaelacha, Dublin, Ireland.

Great Parks of Hamilton County Summer Day Camps Various Great Parks Locations, Phone: 513-521-7275, Email: information@ greatparks.org, greatparks.org/ discovery/children/day-camps Dates: June-August 2020

What better way to keep the kids outside and active this summer that at a park! Great Parks of Hamilton County provides a fun and safe environment where your young ones will get to explore streams, go on hikes, ride horses, do archery, go kayaking and much more, with experienced and trained staff.

Children ages 2-17 can take part in summer camps focused on nature, adventure, farm life and horseback riding! Sign up before March 31 for * SPONSORED LISTINGS

early bird pricing! Go online for a full list of camps, including dates and fees.

Skills, Survivor Skills Camp and much more. You won’t believe how much fun we are packing into one Summer!

King of Kings Preschool and Kindergarten Summer Camps

USA Ninja Challenge Cincinnati Summer Camp

3621 Socialville-Foster Rd, Mason, OH 45040, Phone: 513-398-6089, Email: ecemadmin@koklcms.org, koklcms. org/our-school/welcome/ Dates: June, July, August 2020

King of Kings is now enrolling for 2020 Summer Camp! Children ages 2 - 6 years of age, Half-day, full-day and before & after school options available, Nationally Accredited with Excellence in Early Childhood Education. Contact us today for a private tour and consultation!

Snapology Camps Phone: 513.988.7363, Email: westchestertwp@snapology.com, westchestertwp.snapology.com Half & Full Day Virtual LEGO Build Camps: June ‒ August. Single Day & Full Week Options • Ages: 5 to 14 Half & Full Day In Person LEGO Build Camps: July ‒ August at the Edge Teen Center in Liberty Township Single Day & Full Week Options • Ages: 5 to 14

Snapology Camps provide a FUN environment for children to learn S.T.E.A.M., teamwork and literacy concepts using LEGO® bricks, technology, and various other supplies. Children are guided by Teachers through an interactive lesson which is followed by hands-on activities where they apply the learning concepts and share their work with campmates.

Children have so much fun, they don't even realize they're learning.

The Summit Country Day School Summer Camps 2161 Grandin Rd. Cincinnati, OH 45208, Contact: Lisa Nicholson, Phone: (513) 871-4700, nicholson_l@summitcds.org, summitcds.org Dates: June 1 to August 7

Our signature Traditional Day Camp will service those ages 3-current Kindergarteners. There are 9 weeks of Summer, each week hosting a theme and at least one field trip. They will join the fun from 9-4 each day from M-F for any week. There will be smiles everywhere as we explore the Arts, Cooking lessons, Superhero Academy, Explore the Outdoors week, Wet & Wild Week and much more. Extended Day will be offered beginning at 8:00 a.m. and again after camp, from 4:00-5:00 p.m. For grades 1-8 we have a menu of choices for kids to ‘Pick Your Fun’. Robotics, Sports Training, Service Camp, Study

4727 Red Bank Rd Cincinnati, OH 45227, Contact: Steve Sharp, Phone: 513-739-5528, Email: redbank@usaninja challenge.com, ninjacincinnati.com Dates: June 1st-July 31st • Hours: Monday through Friday 9am -12pm

The ninja program is designed to meet the requirements of a full physical fitness program for today’s youth. We incorporate ninja obstacles including rings, balance beams, slack lines, cargo nets, ropes, a traverse rock wall, devil steps, horizontal peg boards, our popular warped wall and more! The desired result of this program is to improve children’s strength, flexibility, and athleticism while building self esteem for our ninjas!

YMCA of Greater Cincinnati Summer Day Camps 2020 Locations: 12 locations throughout Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky, Phone: 513-362-YMCA, myY.org Dates: Camps run May through August; dates for each camp are available on the website • Ages/Grades: Ages 3-15 • Cost: Pricing and camp brochures are available on our website.

Overnight, day and specialty camps at the Y are all about discovery. Kids have the opportunity to explore nature, find new talents, try new activities, gain independence, and make lasting friendships and memories. And, of course, it's fun too! (Themed Day Camps, Preschool Camps, Teen Camps, Counselor-in-Training programs, Specialty Camps and Sports Camps).

OVERNIGHT CAMPS

YMCA Camp Piomingo 1950 Otter Creek Park Road, Brandenburg KY 40108, Phone: (502) 942-2616 , email: piomingo@ ymcacamppiomingo.org, ymcacamppiomingo.org Dates: June 7 - August 1

At YMCA Camp Piomingo we believe in the potential of every child. That is why we strive to create an environment that brings out the best in each camper. With a variety of artistic, athletic and team-based activities, YMCA Camp Piomingo campers are given daily opportunities to find out who they are, who they want to be, and then — with the support of friends and our caring staff — develop the confidence and character to become that person.

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fun and WACKY CINCINNATI PARENT

CALENDAR 06.2020

SUN

MON

TUES

WEDS

1

SAY SOMETHING NICE DAY

7

2 ROTISSERIE CHICKEN DAY

8

CHOCOLATE ICE CREAM DAY

14

REPEAT DAY

5

4 HUG YOUR CAT DAY

10 ICED TEA DAY

SAT

DOUGHNUT DAY

11

SMILE POWER DAY

16

CORN ON THE COB DAY

FUDGE DAY

17 EAT YOUR VEGETABLES DAY

18 CLEAN YOUR AQUARIUM DAY

6 YO-YO DAY

13

12

SUPERMAN DAY

15

FLAG DAY

FRI

3

9 DONALD DUCK DAY

BEST FRIENDS DAY

THURS

SEWING MACHINE DAY

19

20

GARFIELD THE CAT DAY FIRST DAY OF SUMMER

21

22

BE KINDER DAY

28 HAPPY HEART HUGS DAY

29

CAMERA DAY

SOURCE: daysoftheyear.com

23 LET IT GO DAY

24 FAIRY DAY

25

STRAWBERRY PARFAIT DAY

27

26 WORLD REFRIGERATION DAY

SUNGLASSES DAY

30 SOCIAL MEDIA DAY

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