Local Spotlight Sweet Cheeks Diaper Bank at Cincinnati Museum Center

These two Cincy organizations are partnering to collect and distribute diapers to families across greater Cincinnati.

Be sure to bring an unopened pack of diapers with you on your next visit to the Cincinnati Museum Center. The museum is now partnering with Sweet Cheeks Diaper Bank to collect and distribute diapers to local families in need across greater Cincinnati.

Sweet Cheeks Diaper Bank is a nonprofit diaper bank that was founded to cover the gap for low-income families, because diapers are not funded by WIC or SNAP programs. Since its beginning in 2015, Sweet Cheeks has donated over 7 million diapers to greater Cincinnati families.

“We are so excited to partner with the Cincinnati Museum Center as a new drop-off location for diapers,” says Megan Fischer, CEO and founder of Sweet Cheeks Diaper Bank. “We’re grateful to be neighbors with an organization that consistently demonstrates its care for the whole child – mentally, emotionally and physically. This donation bin is just one more way Cincinnati Museum Center is supporting families, and it will allow us to have an even larger reach in our community.”

The average baby goes through around $70-$80 worth of diapers per month, or more than $900 each year. This can be costprohibitive for low-income families, and can result in a lack of clean diapers in the home. This lack can lead to a vicious cycle of health problems and unemployment. Without clean diapers, babies are forced to sit in soiled diapers, causing health issues like diaper rash, staph infections and urinary tract infections. If parents don’t have clean diapers, they are forced to withdraw their children from childcare and can’t work outside of the home.

Guests can drop off clean, unused diapers at the Sweet Cheeks collection bin near the entrance to The Children’s Museum. “We are thrilled to support the life-changing work Sweet Cheeks Diaper Bank is doing so that, together, we can serve our community’s educational, physical and emotional needs,” says Elizabeth Pierce, president and CEO of the Cincinnati Museum Center. “Museums are an anchor in their communities, and we have a responsibility to use our platform and our resources to improve the lives and wellbeing of that community.”

The Cincinnati Museum Center offers reduced admission at $2 per person through its Museums for All program for those individuals receiving SNAP benefits. Guests can present their EBT or Medicaid card at the box office to receive reduced admission pricing.

The Benefits of Swimming

YEAR ROUND

WINTER IS A GREAT TIME OF YEAR FOR KIDS TO STAY ACTIVE AND LEARN THIS LIFE-SAVING SKILL.

WORDS BY JENNIFER THOMPSON

It’s common to think that swimming is only a

summertime activity. Not so! The truth is, water emergencies can happen at any time of the year. Learning to swim is an important skill that leaves children feeling accomplished and has parents breathing sighs of relief. A great way to develop this skill is through swim lessons. And the good news is: You don’t have to wait for summer to roll back around to get your child started.

“The winter months are actually the best time of year for families to be thinking about water and swim safety,” says Jen Deis, manager of Goldfish Swim School Anderson. “Kids who are going to be safer swimmers next summer are getting started in lessons now. Swimming is an activity that requires consistency and regular practice to see progress. By starting lessons in the fall or early winter months, kids can see results in time for pool and beach season in June — or that spring break trip you are already looking forward to!”

Ed Rouse, owner of British Swim School of Tri-County, agrees that consistency is key. “It is important to keep the rhythm of the lessons going so they don't regress,” Rouse says. “It’s common for children who are learning a new skill to lose some of what they learned when they take too long a break.”

Rouse says that during the winter, when the opportunity for exercise slows down, swim lessons can offer the chance for a healthy and fun activity that exercises the whole body. “Another advantage of swimming lessons during the winter is that children who swim do better at every major developmental milestone than those who do not,” Rouse says. “Children actually do get smarter by swimming.”

John Reilly, president and CEO of Bear Paddle Swim School, agrees that children can retain skills, like swimming, much better if they are consistently practicing them, and that swimming is a great form of exercise during the dreary months.

“Taking swim lessons in the winter is a great way to keep your child's muscle memory intact and provide them with a physical activity during those cooler months,” Reilly says. “Students who take lessons throughout the winter have increased success in reaching their swim goals faster, and will be prepared for spring vacations at the beach or pool.”

Learning to swim is a journey, and Reilly recommends that parents try to not become frustrated or overwhelmed if their child seems unsure the first time they are in the water. “The more time they spend in the water, the quicker they get comfortable,” Reilly says. “We offer Family Swim every Saturday and Sunday to allow our families to have fun in the water together, and give our students even more time to work on specific skills or just get comfortable with water.”

So, when should parents consider signing their children up for lessons? There is no better time to start than the present. The earlier children are introduced to the water, the greater the chance the child will feel comfortable.

According to the National Institutes of Health, participating in formal swimming lessons can reduce the risk of drowning by 88% in children between the ages of 1 to 4 years old. Not only will year-round swim lessons teach your child the skills they need to keep them safe around the water, but they will also provide fun exercise in the cold-weather months as they splash and kick the winter blues away.

2021 SW OHIO PARENT'S [gifting experiences guide]

Broadway in Cincinnati

(513) 621.2787 | BroadwayInCincinnati.com

650 Walnut Street, Cincinnati, OH 45202

Fifth Third Bank Broadway in Cincinnati is committed to bringing the very best of Broadway to the Tri-State including the upcoming Disney’s Frozen playing the Aronoff Center April 20 – May 1. Other titles in the 21/22 season include My Fair Lady, Ain’t Too Proud, To Kill a Mockingbird, and Hamilton.

Give the Gift of Fun at EnterTRAINment Junction!

(513) 898-8000 | entertrainmentjunction.com

7379 Squire Ct, West Chester Township, OH 45069

Looking for a unique gift for someone this Christmas? Give a gift certificate to EnterTRAINment Junction! Perfect for all ages, an EnterTRAINment gift certificate can be used to explore the World’s Largest Indoor Train Display, laugh your way thru the hilarious A-Maze-N FunHouse. Of course, kids will love the indoor play area and everyone can use it to shop for something fun in our hobby & toy store.

Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park & Museum

(513) 386-8833 | pyramidhill.org

1763 Hamilton Cleves Rd, Hamilton, OH 45013

Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park & Museum is a 350-acre sculpture park located in Hamilton, OH. The Park features an extensive collection of outdoor sculptures, an Ancient Sculpture Museum with a collection of Greek, Roman, Egyptian, Syrian and Etruscan antiquities, a Pioneer house dating back to the 1820's, hiking trails and more.

Dayton Ballet's The Nutcracker

(937) 228-3630 | daytonperformingarts.org

Schuster Center: 1 West Second St, Dayton, OH 45402

This holiday season, gather friends and family to celebrate the return of Dayton Ballet’s The Nutcracker, an enchanting ballet with a feel-good story about the wonder of childhood! Save 25% on tickets with promo code HOLIDAY21.

(513) 719-6800 | goldfishswimschool.com

Anderson: 8253 Beechmont Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45255 West Chester: 7058 Ridgetop Dr, West Chester Township, OH 45069

With locations in West Chester and Anderson, Goldfish is the premier learn-to-swim facility for kids ages 4 months to 12 years. We use our holistic philosophy, The Science of SwimPlay®, to build life skills both in and out of the water using play-based learning in a fun and safe environment.

Taft Museum of Art

(513) 241-0343 | taftmuseum.org/membership

316 Pike St, Cincinnati, OH 45202

Save $75 on your holiday shopping lists with two gifts for the price of one, plus enjoy exclusive membership perks for our upcoming exhibition "Jane Austen: Fashion and Sensibility," coming June 2022! Memberships include complimentary admission to this cinematic exhibition, entry is $18/adult.

Cincinnati Ballet's The Nutcracker

(513) 621-5282 | Cballet.org

1801 Gilbert Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45202

Join us for the magic of The Nutcracker, with sparkling choreography, awe-inspiring sets and costumes, and Tchaikovsky’s beloved score. When Clara receives a nutcracker on Christmas Eve, her dreams take her on a grand adventure. Follow Clara and her Nutcracker Prince to the wondrous Land of Sweets, where a fantastic cast of characters awaits. December 16-26 at Cincinnati Music Hall.

Cincinnati Museum Center

(513) 287-7000 | cincymuseum.org/members

1301 Western Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45203

A Membership is more than free admission to three museums. It’s more than free parking. It’s more than the deepest discounts on special exhibitions. It’s an experience shared together. Located in historic Union Terminal, Cincinnati Museum Center is an awardwinning multi-museum complex featuring the Cincinnati History Museum, Museum of Natural History & Science, The Children's Museum and OMNIMAX Theater.

Cincinnati Pops Orchestra's Holiday Pops

(513) 381-3300 | cincinnatisymphony.org/pops

1241 Elm St, Cincinnati, OH 45202

Join John Morris Russell and the Cincinnati Pops at one of Cincinnati’s most beloved traditions, Holiday Pops! Music, warmth, and laughter return to Music Hall as the Pops perform festive favorites complete with singers, dancers and even Santa himself! December 3-5 & 10-12. Kids’ tickets are just $15.

THE CAMPUS AT KIDS FIRST

Located inside Kids First Sports Center, The Campus at Kids First offers the premier early learning experience for children. We are the only early learning center in our area that makes physical education a top priority and translates that movement to brain development that will help your child succeed long term. The Campus gives your child an academic edge through physical education. thecampuskf.com / (513) 629-5437

7900 E Kemper Rd, Cincinnati, OH 45249

A MILLION DREAMS LEARNING CENTER

Through our classroom design, playground design and Christian curriculum, it is our desire to maintain a joy-filled, peaceful, creative environment that will enhance and encourage the million dreams of each child. We value spiritual, creative, intellectual and relationship growth. amilliondreamslc.org / (513) 831-5608

541 Main Street, Milford, OH 45150

BISHOP LEIBOLD SCHOOL

At Bishop Leibold School, we believe that your student’s early learning experience sets the stage for their educational future! That is why you will find us in our classrooms working on engaging, hands-on, fun learning activities with our students. bishopleibold.org / (937) 866-3021

24 S. Third Street, Miamisburg, OH 45342

CINCINNATI CHRISTIAN SCHOOLS

With 50 years of experience, CCS offers a safe and loving Christian environment, outstanding academic preparation for college and career, and a community of support that shares your values and priorities. cincinnatichristian.org / (513) 892-8500

SW Ohio Parent's PRESCHOOL SHOWCASE

*SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

ST. HELEN SCHOOL

The St. Helen Catholic Preschool Program was awarded a 5-star rating in the Step-Up-To-Quality Program. This rating identifies our program as a high-quality learning and development program with a level of quality that exceeds Ohio’s child care licensing standards. In addition, St. Helen has become a Preschool Promise Partner, which assists our staff in providing a better quality education, as well as providing assistance to our families in a variety of ways. As an important part of our school community, preschool students learn early on about the virtues, holy habits that imitate God while preparing to enter Kindergarten. Come check us out at our Open House on February 24, 2022 from 6-8pm! sainthelenschool.org / (937) 256-1761

5086 Burkhardt Road, Riverside, OH 45431

CENTRAL MONTESSORI ACADEMY

At Central Montessori Academy, children from toddler (18 months) - 6th grade are taught by Montessori-trained teachers in environments that cultivate their natural love for learning. Children learn and develop self-confidence, personal creativity, grace & courtesy, and entrepreneurial spirit at their own pace, building self-esteem, while being taught as individuals. We offer extended day programs for both before and afterschool. Call today to schedule a tour! centralmontessoriacademy.com (513) 742-5800

1904 Springdale Rd, Cincinnati, OH 45231

ROCKWERN ACADEMY

Rockwern Academy provides an unparalleled standard of academic excellence, supported by a warm, inclusive community grounded in Jewish values. Our small class sizes allow our teachers to know their students at a deep personal level, tailoring the learning experience to meet individual needs and interests. In our Early Childhood Education Center (ECEC), children are introduced to the joy of learning through play, and reap the many benefits of early second language acquisition.

rockwernacademy.org / (513) 984-3770 THE GARDNER SCHOOL OF BLUE ASH

The Gardner School is an academically-focused preschool for ages 6 weeks to 5 years, offering a year-round full and part-time early childhood education program in an engaging, welcoming space. With research-based and S.T.E.A.M.-focused curriculums, The Gardner School balances learning and play, inspiring students’ development. thegardnerschool.com/schools/blue-ash/ (513) 985-9444

9920 Carver Rd, Blue Ash, OH 45242

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. Infant, Toddler, Preschool and Kindergarten programs available (6 wks-6 yrs). ChaiTots.com / (513) 234-0600

7587 Central Parke Blvd., Mason, OH 45040

YELLOW SPRINGS COMMUNITY CHILDRENS CENTER

Yellow Springs Community Children's Center provides a nurturing, family oriented environment to support and enhance the unique social, intellectual, emotional and physical growth of each child. The curriculum and teaching practices of the Yellow Springs Community Children’s Center use current theory and research concerning how children learn cognitively, socially, emotionally, and physically. YSCCC provides children with an environment that is responsive to their developmental levels and abilities, is based on their interests, and supports their individual growth. ysccc.org / (937) 767-7236

320 Corry St., Yellow Springs, OH 45387

MERCY MONTESSORI CENTER

For more than 50 years, Mercy Montessori has educated the whole child, developing a strong foundation for learning. Mercy offers outdoor learning spaces, weekly swim lessons, a farm-to-table microeconomy program, sliding scale tuition, and financial aid. Currently offering 5-day, in-person classes for preschool-8th grade. Virtual tours available year-round. Discover the magic of Mercy! mercymontessori.org / (513) 475-6700

2335 Grandview Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45206

CRÈME DE LA CRÈME

At Crème de la Crème, we've established a proven environment that is conducive to your child's social and educational success. Our childcare center accommodates students from 6 weeks until 12 years. Students move through themed enrichment classrooms learning from our diverse curriculum. Tour today and experience the Crème Difference. cremedelacreme.com / (513) 459-4300

5324 Natorp Boulevard, Mason, OH 45040

SUMMIT COUNTRY DAY SCHOOL

The Summit applies the Montessori philosophy in an educational program with half-day and full-day options in our signature Toddler Program (18-36 months) and our PreK through K. We offer before- and after school care through our Extended Day Center. In keeping with the school’s mission, we hope to give our children the ability to connect with others to become productive citizens throughout their lives. csummitcds.org / (513) 871-4700

2161 Grandin Rd, Cincinnati, OH 45208

SKIDADDLES

Skidaddles offers convenient and reliable care that is available without reservation. Drop-in days, evenings, and weekends whenever you need childcare. Whether you need care for a few hours or all day, part-time, or full-time with flexibility, we can accommodate all your childcare needs! Feel confident knowing your children are having fun and learning while being cared for by well qualified staff in a safe and clean environment. skidaddles.com / (513) 204-3482

5939 Deerfield Blvd, Mason, OH 45040

GUARDIAN ANGELS SCHOOL

Guardian Angels School provides a nurturing and caring learning environment for preschool and pre-k families, fully preparing them for kindergarten and beyond! gaschool.org / (513) 624-3141

6539 Beechmont Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45230

THE NEW SCHOOL MONTESSORI

Since our founding in 1970, we’ve interwoven Montessori principles, peace curriculum, and problem-solving concepts to provide a stimulating and nurturing school environment for children ages 3-12. Our Montessori-credentialed staff support high academic and personal achievement. Students enjoy our wooded playground, home-cooked healthy lunches (included in tuition), and family-like setting in North Avondale’s Mitchell Mansion. Half- and Full-day available. Dual accreditation: AMS, ISACS. thenewschoolmontessori.com / (513) 281-7999

3 Burton Woods Lane, Cincinnati, OH 45229