Cincinnati Parent // 05.2010

Finding

FIDO (or Fluffy)

May 2010 * CINCINNATIPARENT.com

Dive With Me!

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table of contents

18

* Commentary & Parenting

PUBLISHer’s NOTE: Zero Tolerance Policies: Good in Theory or Inequity of Justice 05

SPECIAL NEEDS

23

Dear teacher: Speech, Motivating Preschoolers and Study Areas

09

FEATURE: Finding Fido

23

* Health & Wellness

FEATURE: Special Needs City Guide

18

* Around Town PROFILE: Foster Care

06

PROFILE: A Field Guide to Preserving Childhood

13

Arts & enrichment: Batter Up!

16

* RESOURCES

childcare & education directory

11

CAMP GUIDE

14

arts & enrichment guide

17

Special needs guide

22

calendar

26

cLASSIFIEDS

31

finding fido

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4 CINCINNATI PARENT * MAY 2010

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Destination Tennessee: Your Tennessee Travel Guide

Cornhole

jennica za

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KAREN RING

Cincinnati

co mmenta ry & pa rentin g

PARENT Publisher & President of Sales & Business Development Mary Wynne Cox publisher@cincinnatiparent.com

Associate Publisher & Editor-in-Chief Lynette Rowland editor@cincinnatiparent.com

Art Direction & DESIGN Heather Lipe

heather@cincinnatiparent.com

director of MARKETING & business development Katie Pfierman

I

Zero Tolerance Policies

Good in Theory or Inequity of Justice?

have been pondering the idea lately that our world, as we knew it as children, has completely changed. I am not talking about the internet, social networking, texting and 24/7 access to everything (I’ll save that for another column), I am speaking of authority figures and our children. My 19-year-old daughter, Courtney, commented to me recently that she thinks it would have been so much easier to grow up in my generation. We had curfews but no cell phones to check in on an hourly basis. We had “wiggle” room when we didn’t follow the rules 100%.

jennica@cincinnatiparent.com

Public Relations and Advertising Coordinator Erin Tulley erin@cincinnatiparent.com

ACCOUNTANT Roxanne Burns

roxanne@cincinnatiparent.com

OFFICE MANAGER Karen Ring

karen@cincinnatiparent.com

ON THE COVER Jillian Zalewski and Faye Zalewski

following day. How could so many responsible adults collectively make such a poor decision?

The principal said they had a “zero tolerance policy” and there were no exceptions to the rule—I couldn’t disagree more.

I feel sorry for our children that their world has become so black and white, in stark contrast

Our new rule in society of “zero tolerance” is get ting out of hand.

katie@cincinnatiparent.com

SALES AND Business Development Jennica Zalewski

Publisher’s Note

*

Our new rule in society of “zero tolerance” is getting out of hand. Recently, a young girl was handcuffed, arrested and taken to jail in front of the entire school for her crime— writing on a desk. I may add that she used a dry-erase marker, which could have been cleaned up with the swipe of a paper towel or hand. Her teacher called the principal who, in turn, called the police and she was ultimately arrested for destruction of property.

She spent two hours handcuffed to a pole at the police station and her mother was told to leave the station. After an uncomfortable two hours and a humiliating experience in front of her entire school, she was eventually permitted to leave. It made national news the

to our own childhoods. Small mistakes now become major issues that may affect them throughout their entire lives.

A 15-year-old boy from a nearby town recently took his parents’ car out for a joy ride with his two best friends (also 15). They were eventually spotted by some police officers who immediately turned on their sirens and thus ensued a chase. The boy was so scared of the potential consequences that he took off at a high rate of speed. Their car ended up on a golf course where he hit a phone pole and his two friends were killed. He will live with the guilt of his poor decision for the rest of his life.

His parents are upstanding citizens and the boys were all good students and athletes who

COVER PHOTOGRAPHY Sara Morris Photography

happened to make a poor choice that evening and died because they feared the consequences.

I truly believe that when I was a teenager I would never have entered a chase with the police, but I think we have instilled such a fear in our children that they now go to extremes to avoid excessively heavy consequences.

I do want to emphasize that police, teachers, principals and authority figures are wonderful—and necessary—for our children to succeed.

Our city needs them and appreciates the difference they make in our lives every day. However, I think that as a society, we need to rethink the “zero tolerance” policy and advocate a little more tolerance and forgiveness. The punishment no longer fits the crime and when the inequity becomes life-altering—I think it’s a wake-up call to take a step back and re-examine the situation.

Do you believe in the “zero tolerance” policy?

What have you or your child experienced as a result? Is there a better way? E-mail me at publisher@cincinnatiparent.com and share your thoughts.

-Mary Wynne

Cox

IT’S TIME

SPECIAL THANKS! A special thank you to Matthews Bikes for providing the two Electra Hawaii I bicycles featured on the cover. www.matthewsbikes.com.

A special thank you to Carmel Cyclery located in Carmel, Indiana for the bike baskets featured on this month’s cover.

For the most important investment you will ever make.

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Reproduction without permission is strictly prohibited. Distribution of this magazine does not constitute an endorsement of products, commentary or services herein. For information on subscriptions, editorial guidelines, advertising rates and more visit www.cincinnatiparent.com

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Spring Admission Events Open House for PreK-Grade 8 Sunday, May 2, 2010 from 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Please RSVP to 871-4700 ext. 261, Walk-ins welcome!

Montessori (PreK-K) & Toddler Interviews (Age 2) may be scheduled individually by calling 871-4700 ext. 209 All School Entrance Testing may be scheduled by calling the Office of Admission at 871-4700, ext. 261 (Limited Space Remaining for 2010-11) RSVP requested for all events. Please call 871-4700 ext. 261.

EXPLORE "SUMMER AT THE SUMMIT Camps meet June 7 - August 20.

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Themes include: Down on The Farm; Cooking with Kids; Space Exploration; A Bird of a Different Feather; and more. Half & full-day camps from 8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m., before- and aftercare from 7:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. Also available is a full array of academic and enrichment classes for all ages. Contact Kathy Scott at summerprograms@summitcds.org or call 513-871-4700, ext. 850.

CINCINNATIPARENT.COM 5

A RO U N D TOW N

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profile: foster care

Foster Care

Turning a Sad Story into a Happy One It is a simple question I like to ask when If you need an excuse, use this month as your But, even in a short time, you very well could change a child’s life. This country chance to turn a sad story into a happy one. discussing foster care and adoption. is filled with doctors, lawyers, teachers, If you are a foster child who grew up in the Foster care is necessary when children are academics, professional athletes and more child welfare system and could not safely abused, neglected or abandoned and a child who were, at one time, foster children. The reunite with your family, and you have protection agency must take temporary right guidance, the right words at the right somehow beaten the odds to go off to college, custody to keep them safe. Hamilton County time from a foster parent – it can turn a sad when Thanksgiving and Christmas roll around receives more than 5,000 verifiable reports story into a happy one. and everyone heads home to their families, of abuse and neglect every year. These cases involve sexual abuse, bruises, burns, fractures, It might be a story similar to D.J.’s, a child where do you go? children not being fed, parents refusing to give who suffered severe burns and brain damage their children medical attention, hazardous when his crib was set afire by an angry family Sad, isn’t it? member on DJ’s first birthday. His painful living conditions and more. journey through the child welfare system led As director of an agency that oversees child protection in Hamilton County and has more Foster parents provide safe, nurturing, him, at age 12, to a patient foster mother who than 850 foster children in its care on any given temporary homes to our community’s most shuttled him to his many weekly medical and day, I often discuss the need for foster parents. vulnerable children. Foster parents are special, therapeutic appointments, worked with him I appeal to the community about changing a loving people. They suffer disruptions in their at home and fell in love with him. child’s life. I recite key messages and convey routine and constant, intrusive monitoring.

Being a foster parent is difficult; that’s why so Now 19, D.J. has lost his right hand, left ear statistics to sway my audience. and both feet. From the knee down, he has few apply. no muscle. He communicates by grunts, arm But it is raw emotion of situations like the foster motions, facial expressions and eye contact. child who is smart enough and lucky enough But the rewards are tremendous.

He weighs 88 pounds and has a 22-24 inch to go to college but has no place to call home Most foster children will come into your life waist. He suffers frequent seizures and is during holiday breaks that grabs attention. for a brief moment. Our agency is bound by prone to infections. But his loving foster It is National Foster Care Month. More than law to provide services to a family and to mother is now his adoptive mother and D.J.’s 500,000 children around this nation are in attempt safe reunification. In about half of face lights up when she walks into the room. limbo, living life in the child welfare system. our cases, that is what happens.

6 CINCINNATI PARENT * MAY 2010

His troubles melt away when he scrambles to kiss and hug her.

Or it could be a story like Christian’s, a baby born with his bladder outside his body. His needs too severe, his young mother could not care for him and turned him over to foster care at two months. His patient foster mother and six loving older brothers and sisters took him from the hospital into their home and cared for his intensive daily medical needs. He captured their hearts and, by age 3, was adopted. Now, his body mostly repaired, his ear-to-ear grin lets you know how he feels about his family.

These are extreme examples, but they get the point across. No matter how short, no matter whether the child just needs a little guidance or severe intervention, foster parents can put happy endings on sad tales. D.J. and Christian never will have to worry about having a home to come to when the holidays roll around.

Moira Weir is the director of

the Hamilton County Department of Job and Family Services. She began her career in 1993 as a Children’s Services line worker.

A RO U N D TOW N

1.

Ten Common Foster Care Myths Myth: You have to be married to be a foster parent.

Fact: Anyone age 21 or over can be a foster parent. Foster parents represent a wide variety of ages, races and incomes. They may be single or married, but they all share a strong desire and calling to help children.

To be a foster parent in Ohio, you must: * Pass a physical to show you are in good physical health * Pass a local, state and federal (if not a resident of Ohio for the past five years) background check * Pass a home study process (includes fire inspection, as well as other rules and regulations)

Myth: I can’t work and be a Foster parents are in 2. foster 6. Myth: parent. it for the money.

Fact: Many foster parents work. Relatives, foster care agencies and other foster parents help when work conflicts with a child’s needs.

Fact: The stipend is hardly enough to make anyone wealthy. It is enough to meet the child’s monthly needs.

Myth: I’m too old to be a I can’t go it alone as a 3. foster 7. Myth: parent. foster parent.

Fact: Many of the best foster parents are grandparents. They have the patience, time and wisdom to really help a child.

4.

Myth: I can’t foster parent because I don’t own a home.

* Pass 36 hours of specialized training.

Classes teach foster parents about the child protection system, help them understand child development and maltreatment effects, and show them how to deal with children’s emotional and behavioral problems.

Fact: You can live in an apartment. All that is required is that you have a bed for a foster child.

* Complete 40 hours of training in each twoyear license period

Fact: You must be financially stable and able to meet your household expenses. You will receive a monthly board check to help cover the cost of caring for a foster child.

I must be wealthy to be 5. aMyth: foster parent.

Fact: You are not alone. You will have a support worker, a foster care agency and the aid of other foster parents. You will receive a monthly stipend, medical insurance and other assistance from Hamilton County.

All foster children 8. Myth: have severe problems and behavior problems.

Fact: Many children are wellrounded, although all are victims of abuse or neglect. Foster children share the same hopes and dreams of all children and often just need a loving adult to guide them.

*

profile: foster care

Fostering an older child is 9. Myth: meaningless because it is too late to have an affect on their life.

Fact: Many older children long for a loving family. They are afraid of a future alone and would appreciate guidance as they transition to adulthood. Children are amazingly resilient and it is never too late to learn.

These are future adults in our community and it is important that they receive the guidance they need to be successful.

The child’s biological 10. Myth: parents will hate me.

Fact: In many cases, the foster and biological parents work together for the good of the child and the foster parent becomes a mentor to the biological parent. Hamilton County has many examples of foster parents and biological parents who become friends and support each other for years in order to see that the child gets the best care possible.

If you are interested, visit www.hckids.org and check out the list of private agencies Hamilton County’s Department of Job and Family Services contracts with to take care of foster children.

WITH FREECincinnati INDY’S CHILD with THE the FREE ParentWEEKLY weekly

CINCINNATIPARENT.COM 7

CO MM E N TA RY & PA R E N T I N G

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dear teacher

Speech, Motivating Preschoolers and Study Areas Your Questions for Teachers—Answered

Getting Help for Delayed Speech Question: We have a great deal of concern about our son’s speech. At his third birthday party, compared to the other 3-year-old children, his vocabulary was very limited. He only says about 10 words and uses “mom” for everything he needs. And he calls everyone in our family “mom.” We do not know how many words he should know by this age. Would you please point us in the right direction? – Delayed Speech Answer: Between the ages of 2 and 3, most children will acquire a vocabulary of about 450 words. Your son has not reached this milestone in normal speech development. Have you addressed your concerns with his pediatrician? You can contact your local school district’s director of Special Education for a diagnostic screening at no cost to you through the IDEA process called Child Find. This will help you see whether a delay exists.

You need to find out about the federal specialeducation program for children age 3-5. Section 619 of Part B of IDEA defines the preschool program, which guarantees a free appropriate public education to children with disabilities age 3-5. Under this program, your son might be eligible to receive services that will help him improve his speech before he enters kindergarten. Your local director of special education will have information on this program. You may also wish to contact your state’s 619 coordinator to learn

about your rights and the local programs and services As babies grow into toddlers and then preschoolers, available to you. You can find contact information for parents need to pull back a bit so children remain this person at www.NECTAC.org. motivated to keep learning to do more and more for themselves. And parents need to encourage their Visiting the following Web sites will provide you with young children’s efforts when they begin learning more information about opportunities for helping how to fasten buttons and pull up zippers so they will children from 3 to 5 who have disabilities: www.ld.org/ remain self-motivated to keep learning to do more and more for themselves. At the same time, you have ideaguide, www.ideadata.org and www.naeyc.org. to be careful with your daughter’s desire to learn to NECTAC, National Early Childhood Technical read, write and work with numbers, to be sure that Assistance Center, supported by the U.S. Department these activities remain fun for her and don’t become of Education also serves infants and toddlers with academic ventures. Most 2- and 3-year-olds are quite special needs and their families. Each infant or satisfied to “pretend read” books; it is not likely that toddler with a disability will be assessed and a written they need or would enjoy formal phonics instructions. individualized family plan will be developed.

Besides learning to do things, your daughter has Motivation and Preschoolers intense curiosity about her world. She has an inner Question: How can I motivate my drive to explore, interact with and make sense of 2-year-old daughter so that she will be her environment. Build on this drive by giving ready to enter school? –Anxious her numerous opportunities – using magnifying Answer: Relax; you don’t have to do anything to glasses, studying ants, watching the tide come motivate young children to learn how to do things. in and observing the sunset. Turning on the TV They are born eager to acquire new skills, from or computer is a very poor substitute for real-life rolling over to walking and talking. Of course, even experiences. It can lead to boredom. if 2-year-olds want to put on their shoes, chances are they won’t be successful. However, you can kill their Where Should Children Study? desire to learn this task and other developmental Question: Even though my children who are in the tasks if you take full responsibility for getting every second, fifth and sixth grades have desks in their rooms, they all like to study at the kitchen table as I am cooking job done and won’t even let them help.

d y % s Sa isfie 6 9 nt at S e ar Are P of nts e ud t S

dinner. They seem to get a lot done; however, I think that this is too distracting and they should be studying in their rooms. What is your opinion? – Busy in the Kitchen Answer: Every child has his or her own learning style. Some children can concentrate even though the radio or television is on and family members are talking, while others need total silence if they are to do any homework. Most study-skills experts suggest that students study in a quiet area off the beaten traffic pattern; however, this doesn’t work for everyone.

If your children enjoy studying together and are getting good grades, then it is a good choice for them. Besides, you can clearly see that your children are actually working and can easily answer any appropriate questions that they might have about their assignments. Plus, they do have a set routine for studying the same time every day, which is a part of having good study skills.

We’d love to hear from our readers about the successful homework routines their families have.

We’ll put them in a future column.

Parents should send questions to dearteacher@dearteacher.com or ask them on the columnists’ Web site at www. dearteacher.com.

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Childcare & Education Directory Schools

Montessori

Central Montessori Academy 1904 Springdale Rd., Cincinnati, OH 45231 Laura Saylor 513-742-5800 laura@centralmontessoriacademy.com

www.centralmontessoriacademy.com Infancy through Sixth Grade Enrollment: 110

At C.M.A., children (infants through sixth-graders) learn at their pace, building self-esteem while being taught as individuals.Our program is academically rigorous while stressing life skills (i.e. critical-thinking & courteous behavior).

The result: motivated & self-disciplined lifelong-learners who are students of life just as much as they are of academics.

Country hills montessori 4400 Glen Este Withamsville, Cincinnati, OH 45236 Susan Schreiber, Owner 513-793-2808 sschreiberchm@yahoo.com

www.chmschools.com Grades: 3 - K

Providing half day programs for 3 to K. Small, individualized classes with low student-teacher ratios, under the guidance of Montessori certified teachers, in an inter-generational enviornment. Multiple Locations in Cincinnati, Harrison and West Chester Ohio and in Ft. Thomas and Erlanger KY. Visit chmschools.com for all location addresses & phone numbers.

Montessori Academy of Cincinnati 8293 Duke Blvd., Mason, OH 45040 (513)398-7773

www.montacademy.org Grades: 3 years – 8th grade Enrollment: 300

Now in our 23rd year offering Montessori curriculum with an individualized nurturing approach. Experienced, degreed teachers foster a love of learning, promote independence and develop the necessary skills for success. New 7.5-acre campus!

State Chartered. AMS Affiliated. Extended Care available on-site.

The New School Montessori 3 Burton Woods Lane, Cincinnati, OH 45229 (513)281-7999

www.thenewschool.cc

Grades: 3 year-olds through 6th Grade Enrollment: 150

Founded on Montessori principles in 1970, our wooded playgrounds, home-cooked meals and family-like setting in North Avondale’s Mitchell Mansion provide a stimulating and nurturing environment for learning. We value diversity and create a caring and supportive community. Our graduates excel academically, but more importantly are empowered as citizens of our global community. (Accredited by AMS and ISACS).

Summit Country Day School 2161 Grandin Road, Cincinnati, OH 45208 (513)871-4700

www.summitcds.org Montessori Age 2 - Grade 12 Enrollment: 1100

The state-of-the-art Lower School is home to the Montessori Program where children ages 2 to 6 receive a world-class academic and enrichment curriculum. Multiple programs include a new Montessori Toddler Program for 2 yr. olds and full and half-day programs for ages 3-6. Before- and aftercare, and holiday care available.

The Child’s Place 4936 Old Irwin Simpson Rd, Mason, OH 45040 (513)398-6928

www.montacademy.org Grades: 9 months – 5 years Enrollment: 150

Montessori Early Childhood Program! Exceptionally low ratios in a nurturing environment! Our 2-acre campus provides bike and cart paths. Separate play areas for toddlers and preschoolers. Spanish and Music classes offered! Full-time and Part-time available. AMS Affiliate

Childcare/Preschool

Chai Tots Early Childhood Center 7587 Central Parke Blvd., Mason, OH 45040 (513)234-0600

www.chaitots.com Grades: 6 weeks - 6 years Enrollment: 40

Academic excellence via unique blend of Montessori method and traditional Jewish education. Chai Tots teaches children the culture and traditions of Judaism, while developing their creativity skills and promoting independence. Flexible schedule. Before and Aftercare.

The Compass School 9370 Waterstone Blvd., Cincinnati, OH 45249

The Gardner School of Blue Ash 9920 Carver Road, Cincinnati, OH 45242 513-985-9444 ages 6 weeks - Pre-K

This award-winning, academically focused preschool has recently opened in the Blue Ash Community. You want the best for your child, and so do we. With our nationally-recognized curriculum taught by our degreed teaching faculty, we are committed to providing a nurturing environment for learning readiness where your child can prepare for academic achievement and lifelong success.

Goddard School Grades: Ages 6 weeks to 8 years To learn more about The Goddard School® in you neighborhood, call 1-800-GODDARD or visit online at www.goddardschool.com.

The Goddard School provides the foundation to encourage your child’s lifelong love of learning. Whether gently holding your infant, encouraging your toddler to share, or providing your preschooler with a variety of enriching activities, caring teachers support your child’s healthy development from 6 weeks to 6 years, and up to 8 years for after-school enrichment.

Pleasant Ridge Presbyterian Nursery School 5950 Montgomery Rd., Cincinnati, OH 45213 (513)631-0170

www.prpc.org Grades: 2 1/2 - 5 years, Parent/Child classes birth to 32 months Enrollment: 65

Professionally qualified teachers provide active, expressive, childcentered learning experiences at this 3-star award-winning program.

Choose 2, 3, 4, or 5 day AM or PM sessions. Excellent ratios, degreed teachers and spacious, sunny, classrooms await your preschooler.

Parent and child classes also available for babies and toddlers.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 31

www.TheGardnerSchool.com

Discover

TGS_CinnParent1-3Horiz_4-10.indd 3

Ages 6 weeks-6 years plus after school & summer camp up to age 12. Offering outstanding Reggio-Inspired full and parttime Infant, Toddler, Two’s, and Preschool programs, as well as Kindergarten, After School, and Summer Camp for school-age children. Degreed teachers, extensive parent communication, and welcoming family environment. Setting the standard in early care and education. Call today for your personal tour.

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It’s all about...

The Gardner School, an award-winning academically focused preschool for ages 6 weeks to Private Kindergarten.

Contact: Laura Carr Phone: 513-683-8833 Email: CompassLC@yahoo.com URL: www.TheCompassSchool.com

The Gardner School of Blue Ash 9920 Carver Road Cincinnati, OH 45242 (513) 985-9444

Please join us for a Record-Breaking Summer at

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CINCINNATIPARENT.COM 11 2/22/10 11:23:04 AM

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profile: camps

A Field Guide to Preserving Childhood Why Play is Essential

It is commonly said that it takes an entire village to raise strong, healthy children. Yes, it takes a village of people to raise a child, but it also takes the village itself.

What do we know?

When nature and play go hand in hand, they have a profound impact on the health and development of children on the road to adulthood.

A hundred years ago, homes were in villages or cabins in the woods. People were surrounded by wide-open spaces with green as far as the eye could see. That is not the case now—the “village” has changed.

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) says, “Play is essential to development as it contributes to the cognitive, physical, social and emotional well-being of children and youth.” The AAP also reports that, “Play is so important to optimal child development that it has been recognized by the United Nations High Commission for Human Rights as a right of every child.”

What have we forgotten?

For generations, children grew up outside. They walked to school, rode their bikes and walked barefoot through the grass. Childhood was characterized by innocence, imagination, wonder and laughter. Being inside all day was torturous.

According to a 2005 study conducted by the Kaiser Family Foundation, today’s children spend over five hours each day plugged into some kind of electronic medium. That’s more time than they spend doing anything else besides sleeping. There’s mounting evidence that all of this electronic input is affecting our children’s ability to think for themselves.

In addition, exercise is a forgotten practice. A new term has been coined for the world’s weight problem: “globesity.” An estimated 22 million of the world’s children under the age of five are already considered obese.

According to Richard Louv, author of Last Child in the Woods, society is sending kids a message: “Nature is the past, electronics are the future and the bogeyman lives in the woods.”

It’s impossible to remove a child from nature without consequences. Louv explains that when nature is replaced with a constant barrage of television and computers, the use of a child’s senses is reduced to the size of the screen they stare at day in and day out, becoming packaged and limited.

12 CINCINNATI PARENT * MAY 2010

idyllic woods might become adults for whom conserving the environment isn’t a priority.”

Women’s Health:

A study at the University of Essex in England concluded that nature helps recovery from preexisting stresses or problems, has an immunizing effect that protects from future stresses and helps concentration and thought clarity.

With TV, computers, cell phones and iPods®, children are exposed every day to more images and ads than they can possibly process. It’s no wonder kids today are stressed out.

If you watch as much TV as the developed world’s children, you may be under the impression that the world is full of crack addicts and pedophiles.

Writer Rosa Brooks said, “Forget the television fearmongering: Your child stands about the same chance of being struck by lightning as of being the victim of what the U.S. Department of Justice calls a ‘stereotypical kidnapping.’ And unless you live in Baghdad, your child stands a much, much greater chance of being killed in a car accident than of being seriously harmed while wandering around your neighborhood.”

Where are we headed?

According to the American Public Health Association, “The retreat indoors for many children has environmental advocates worried that children who grow up without memories of fishing in a local stream or hiking through

A “Call to Action” petition was sent recently to the Surgeon General stating, “Regardless of age, being in nature helps us lower our stress levels, get exercise and relax our minds. For children, contact with green space and natural settings improves their ability to learn, hones their agility and balance and can significantly calm those with anxiety and mood disorders. And, a childhood connection with the outdoors can lead to a lifelong ethic of respect for a clean and healthy environment.”

What must we do?

There needs to be an awareness that a child’s life without the benefit of nature is lacking an essential component. There is a risk seeing a failure to thrive in adolescents if they are deprived of critical developmental opportunities.

It is essential that children are introduced back to the natural world. There is nothing more precious than childhood; it is a right, a time of discovery and exploration. And camp fits exquisitely into that equation.

With nearly three decades of experience working with children, youth, and families, Peg L. Smith is the chief executive officer of the American Camp Association® (ACA). With up to 300 health, safety, and programming standards, ACA is the only national association that accredits camps and promotes a safe and fun camp experience with developmental benefits backed by independent research. To learn more about ACA, please visit www.CampParents.org or www.ACAcamps.org.

Camp is Essential for All Children Research continues to provide evidence that, of all the different youth development options, camp has become even more essential. Camp helps children develop critical skills, such as leadership,

independence and the ability to make authentic human connections. And while camp might be thought of as a privilege, research shows that all children benefit from the experiences camp offers.

• C5 Youth Foundation was started as a way to give underprivileged children in the Los Angeles area an opportunity to benefit from camp. Students begin the five-year program in the seventh grade. The program has seen amazing results. Seventy-eight percent of the students who begin the program complete the program, of those who complete the program, one hundred percent graduate from high school, and ninety-eight percent go on to college.

• Camp Sunshine, located in Maine, provides a year-round, free program to children facing life-threatening illnesses and their families. This unique approach provides respite, support, joy and hope through various stages of the child’s illness.

• The essence of the UCLA UniCamp program is relationship based — camper and UCLA student. At least 160 campers, ages ten to fourteen, participate in each eight-day resident camp session. This program provides a service-learning opportunity for campers, enabling them to obtain leadership experience helping in camp operations. Each year, UniCamp inspires nearly 1,000 children from low-income families to envision better futures as they grow and learn along-side nearly 350 student volunteers.

• Camp Twin Lakes, located in Rutledge, Georgia, is a nonprofit, year-round program for children with serious illnesses and special needs. Campers gain self-esteem, self-awareness, independence and a sense of belonging by participating in recreational, therapeutic and educational programs in a supportive, nurturing, fully accessible environment.

• Project Morry is a year-round program anchored by a summer camp experience. The program,

which serves inner-city youth, boasts a one hundred percent graduation rate in areas where the average graduation rate is below fifty percent.

The American Camp Association® (ACA) community works tirelessly to provide a camp opportunity for every child through partnerships and camp scholarships. Most independent for-profit camps support ACA’s efforts and their nonprofit counterparts with

donations, in-kind services, fund-raisers, and volunteer efforts.

ACA research confirms that camp builds skills necessary to prepare campers to assume roles as successful adults. There is a camp for every child and every child deserves the opportunities and skills that camp develops.

To find the perfect camp for your child, visit the Find A Camp feature on ACA’s parent Web site at www.CampParents.org

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camp guide

Day Camps

Ballet Theatre Midwest 3738 Eastern Ave., Cincinnati, OH 45226 (513)520-2334 Co-ed: Day AND Residential www.ballettheatremidwest.com Ages 4 - 25 Various Workshops; June 14 - July 30

Children’s Dance, Music and Art (Ages 4-8): Weekly themes with Friday performances.

Jazz/Musical Theater (Ages 8-18), Ballet I/ II (Ages 9-12) and Intensive Performance Workshop (Ages 11-25): Outstanding technical and artistic training with bi-weekly performances. Please visit web site for details.

Blue Ash YMCA 513-791-5000 www.myy.org Coed: Day Hamilton County Vouchers accepted, Scholarship assistance is available.

Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Ages/Grades: 5 to 12 (Must have finished Kindergarten) Cost: $135/week for YMCA members and $175/week for non-members $10 per camp due at time of registration When parents register a child for both a day camp and a half-day specialty program, they can save $40.

Registration is required. Registration forms are available by calling 513791-5000 or at the Blue Ash YMCA. Drop off starting at 6:30 am, pick up until 6pm.

Pre Camp: $25/week for YMCA members and $35/week for non-members.

Post Camp: Ages 5-12 (Must have completed Kindergarten) Cost: $25/week for YMCA members and $35/week for non-members

Dates and themes: June 7-11 Rodeo Roundup; June 14-18 Treasure Island; June 21-25 Sky’s the Limit; June 28-July 2 Medieval Madness; July 5-9 Holiday Happenings; July 12-16 Gross Me Out; July 19-23 It’s a Jungle Out There!; July 26-30 Around the World in 5 Days; August 2-6 Survivor Fun Factor; August 9-13 Music Mania; August 16-20 Splish Splash.

Caring, honesty, respect and responsibility are the cornerstones of all YMCA summer camps. At Camp Creekwood traditional day camps include swimming, environmental education, arts and crafts, service learning, science, literature, free time and more. Field trip or a fun activity weekly! Other sports and specialty summer programs are available. For information on YMCA camps, please visit www.myy.org

BootCamp Jamz Rock Music Day Camp Purcell Marian High School 2950 Hackberry St., Cincinnati, OH 45207 Phone: 513-751-4001 Fax: 513-751-4001 Email: info@bootcampjamz.com Website: www.bootcampjamz.com Gender of Campers: Coed Type of Camp: Day Basic Category: Arts Special Needs Camps Offered: Yes (During everyday camps) Hours: 9 am to 4:30 pm Monday through Friday 5 pm Concert Friday Jefferson Hall, Newport on the Levee Dates: July 5-9 July 12-16 Ages/Grades: Ages 9-17 Cost: $549

All beginners welcome (6 months experience) Bring guitars, bass guitars and practice amps.

Keyboards, drums and PA systems provided.

2 Band Rehearsals daily, Instrumental lessons daily, Songwriting classes, Music Theory and Eurhythmics, Stage Performance practice, Computer lab, Master Classes and Clinics with rock greats.

14 CINCINNATI PARENT * MAY 2010

Live your rock star dreams and perform live in concert Fridays of camp week at 5 pm at Jefferson Hall, Newport on the Levee with your band in front of hundreds of your fans.

Join a band, play rock hits and write an original song.Guitar, Bass, Drums, Keyboards, Djing, and Vocals.

R E SO U RC E S 513-742-5800 laura@centralmontessoriacademy.com www.centralmontessoriacademy.com Coed: Day Hours: Programs avaiable within the time frame of 7:30 a.m - 6:00 p.m.

Dates: Programs available with the time frame of June 7 - August 6th Ages/Grades: Infancy through fourth grade Rates begin at $145 per week.

Summer Camps 2075 James E. Sauls Sr. Dr., Batavia, OH 45103 513-724-9622 www.myy.org Coed: Day Scholarship assistance is available Hours: 9:00am-4:00pm

Pre/Post Camp Ages: 5-15 PreCamp 6:30-9:00am Post Camp 4:00-6:00pm Children’s Dance, Music and Art Summer Pre OR Post Camp: $25/week YMCA camp titles include: Ooey!, Earthwalkers Member, $40/week Program Participant (about Native American life), Planes and Financial assistance to participate is available Trains, Field Life Science, Dynamic Dinos, to those who qualify Lions and tigers and bears!, High-tech Ages/Grades: 5-12 (Must have completed Science Detectives, Mural, Mural on the Kindergarten) Wall, Dazzling Dramatics Camps at Central Cost: $112/week for YMCA members; $140/ Montessori Academy offer an integrated week for non-members curriculum woven throughout each thematic session, emanate the Montessori Philosophy Registration is required. Please call the with trained staff and a supportive and Clermont Family YMCA about registration peaceful community, facilitate independence information or visit www.myy.org and self-discipline and provide endless (May 31- June 4) School’s Finally Out; (June opportunities for fun and exploration 7-June11) Junkyard Inventions; (June 14June 18) Survivor; (June 21-June 25) Journey Extended care is available for any family through many outdoor activities and the to the Jungle; (June 28-July 2) Holiday classrooms and teachers themselves.

Monday through Friday.

Hullabaloo; (July 5-Juy 9) Believe it or Not; Ages: 5 to 16 (July 12- July 16) Music Mania; (July 19Cincinnati Country Pre camp: 6:30 a.m. to 8:45 a.m.

July 23) Around the World in 5 Days; (July Day School 26-July 30) Alien Invaders; (August 2-August Post camp: 4:15 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

6) Splish Splash; (August 9-August 13) Show 6905 Given Road, Cincinnati, OH 45243 Pre camp: $25 per week/child for YMCA Business members and $35 per week/child for non(513)979-0365 All Clermont Family YMCA summer members Co-ed camps provide opportunities to learn, make Post camp: $20 week/child for YMCA June 15 – August 7 friends, and have fun. Daily activities include members and $30 per week/child for non18 months – Adult swimming, environmental education, arts members Academic, arts, athletic, and adult programs Pre AND post camp: $40 per week/child for are offered weekly. Day camps are offered and crafts, service learning, science, literature, YMCA members and $50 per week/child for weekly and monthly for students 18 months free time and more. Day are campers divided into groups with activities appropriate to age non-Members through entering grade 6 with either a (May 31st – June 4): School’s Out (NO traditional or Montessori focus. Prices vary interests and needs. Pre/Post camp, preschool, teen and sports camps also available.

PROGRAM OFFERED ON MONDAY, per program and camp session selected.

MAY 31ST); (June 7-June June 11): Wild Wild West; (June 14-June 18): Games Galore; Clippard Family YMCA (June 21-June 25): Holiday Happenings; (June Cincinnati Junior Academy 8920 Cheviot Rd, Cincinnnati, OH 45247 28-July 2): Around the World in 5 Days; Adventure Camp 513-923-4466 3798 Clifton Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45220 (July 5-July 9): Survivor - Outwit, Outlast, Olympics; (July 12-July 16): Hollywood www.myy.org 513-751-1255 or 513-504-4899 Bound; (July 19-July 23): Operation Y Spy; bertarobs@hotmail.com Coed: Day (July 28-July 30): Splish Splash; (August Scholarship assistance is available/ www.cincinnatiacademy.org 2-August 6): Treasure Island; (August Hamilton County vouchers are accepted Coed: Day 9-August 13): It’s a Jungle Out There Hours: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Dates: June 1 to July 23,2010 All Campbell County YMCA traditional day Ages: Grades 3-9 Ages/Grades: 6 to 12 yrs camps provide opportunities to learn, make Pre Camp 6:30 am-9:00 am friends, and have fun. Includes swimming, $50:00 Registeration Fee, $110:00 environmental education, arts and crafts, Weekly. Accept vouchers. Pay in advance Post Camp 4:00-6:00 pm service learning, science, literature, free Requirements of Campers: Good behavior, Cost: Pre or Post Camp $27.00/week for time and more. Other preschool, sports and respect for authority and a happy disposition. YMCA members and $32/week for nonActivities Included: Tennies, dancing, foreign members specialty summer programs are available. languages,computer, art and craft, reading, Pre and Post Camp $48.00/week for YMCA field trips Camp adventure offers day care members and $63/week for non- members Carl H. Lindner YMCA option for the summer Holidays.fun and Financial assistance to participate is available to those who qualify Summer Camps learning experience for all.

Ages/Grades: grades K to 5 1425B Linn Street, Cincinnnati, OH 45214 Cost: $142 members/$173 non-members per week 513-241-9622 Cincinnati Zoo & Registration forms are available by calling or www.myy.org Botanical Garden stopping by the branch Coed: Day 3400 Vine St., Cincinnati, OH 45220 (June 7-11) School’s finally Out; (June 14Scholarship assistance is available Melinda Voss, Education 18) It’s a jungle out there!!; (June 21-25) Program Manager 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. with FREE Around the World in 5 Days; (June 28extended care offered from 7:00 a.m. to 513-559-7767 July2) Star Spangled; (July 5-9) Gross Me 9:30 a.m. and from 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Out; (July 12-16) Wacky Water; (July 19-23) registrars@cincinnatizoo.org Ages/Grades: 5 to 13 Holiday Happenings; (July 26-30) Mystical http://www.cincinnatizoo.org Cost: $175/week and a $5 Magic; (Aug 2-6) Show Business; (Aug 9-13) Coed: Day deposit per week Flashback; (Aug 16-20) Discovery; (Aug 23Special needs camps are 27) Survivor Registration forms are available by offered during daily camps. calling or stopping by the branch.

Caring, honesty, respect and responsibility are Financial aid is available. cornerstones of all YMCA camps. In Clippard (June 1 – 4): Mystery Week; (June 7 – 11): Hours: M - F- 9:00a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Family YMCA traditional day camps, each Character Crazy; (June 14 – 18): Scooby Doo, Dates: M - F, May 31- August 20. week provide opportunities to learn, make Where are You?; (June 21-25): Super Sports Ages 4-5 year olds, 6-7 year olds, friends, and have fun. Pre and post care, Fan; (June 28 – July 2): Journey to the Jungle; 8-11 year olds, and 12-14 year olds. preschol camps and sports camps also available (July 5 – July 9): Star Spangled; (July 12 – 16): Splish Splash; (July 19 – July 23): Olympics; Full Day Camp- $200/ Member, $215/ (July 26 – July 30): Survivor; (Aug 2 – Aug 6): Non-Member Half Day Camp- $90/ Drake Science Center Members, $105/ Non- Members.

Mystical Magic; (Aug 9 – Aug 13): YMCA’s 2060 Sherman Avenue, Got Talent.

Pre- registration and preCincinnati, OH 45212 Sports Camps offered in addition to payment required. traditional camp. For information, call the Camps include live animal encounters, games, Pam Bowers, Director branch or visit www.myy.org. hikes, animal feedings, keeper talks, t-shirt, 513-396-5578 snack and so much more!Fun, educational, pbowers@drakeplanetarium.og and age appropriate topics for 4-14 year olds, www.drakeplanetarium.org Central Montessori Academy weekly June - August. Choose from multiple Academic/Pre-college 1904 Springdale Rd., topics per age group. Before and After Care Special Needs Camps Offered: Cincinnati, OH 45231 also available for Full Day Summer Camp.

Special needs camps offered Laura Saylor Clermont Family YMCA during everyday camps Campbell County YMCA Camps 1437 South Ft. Thomas Ave, Ft. Thomas, KY 41075, 859-781-1814 www.myy.org Coed: Day Scholarship assistance is available Hours: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Ages/Grades: 5 to 10 Cost: $110 members/$140 nonmembers per week per child; also, $25 child or $40 family registration fee Registration is required. Registration forms are available by calling 859-781-1814, visiting www. myy.org , or at the branch.

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camp guide

9 a.m. - 12 p.m., 1- 4 p.m.

June 14 - August 6 Ages 4 - 13

Activities include working with Legos, K’nex, or other manipulatives. Our campers apply math and science skills in a fun, interactive environment where they develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

Come let your imagination soar in our hands-on Camps! Featuring our popular Lego Camps: Robotics, Architecture, Crazy Contraptions, and Young Builders. New this year are Rocketry, Robot World, Total Science & Anything That Moves. Plus, Space Camp is back! Discounts for Drake Planetarium Members, multiple weeks, and siblings .

Five Seasons Sports Club 11790 Snider Road, Cincinnati, OH 45249 Rosemary McNamara 513-469-1400, Ext. 121 513-469-1422 rmcnamara@fiveseasonssportsclub.com www.fiveseasonssportsclub. com/cincinnati Basic Category: Sports Hours: 9 am-5 pm June 7-August 20 Ages/Grades: 3-12 Cost: $200/week (Full Week) $115/week (Half Day AM) $155/week (Half Day PM)

Full payment for the week of camp is due on Monday morning of the week the child is attending.

Activities Include: Tennis, Swimming, Fitness, Arts & Crafts, Weekly On-site field trips/ special events Camp Five Seasons is back for another year of fun, friends, and organized activities for youngsters ages 3-12. We will continue to offer outstanding programs with experienced counselors in a comfortable and fun environment, utilizing our 125,000 square foot facility on 22 acres of wooded property.

Freedom Camps 50 E. Freedom Way, Cincinnati, OH 45202 Kieli Ferguson, Education Sales Manager 513.333.7570 kferguson@nurfc.org www.freedomcenter.org Coed: Day Camp Academic/Pre-college Special Needs Camps Offered: Yes (Everyday and Specialty camps) 10:00 AM-12:00 PM or 1:00-3:00 PM Dates: 6/29/2010-8/6/2010 Ages 3-13 or Grades Pre K-6 Cost: $3.00 per child; 1 chaperone per 10 children (each additional adult is $9.50) For organized camps/groups ONLY! Activities Included: Escape Gallery, RagGonNon art activity, star gazer making, 19th century games, story telling, Movies, Slave pen assembling.

Students will be engaged in an age specific scavenger hunt designed to provide children with a hands-on experience of life during the 19th century for enslaved individuals and tell the stories of freedom struggles past and present.

Gamble Nippert YMCA Summer Camps 3159 Montana Ave, Cincinnnati, OH 45211 513-661-1105 www.myy.org Coed: Day Scholarships are available Hours: 9: 00 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Ages/Grades: 6 to 12 Cost: $119 for members/$149 for non-members per week Register by calling the GambleNippert YMCA at 513-661-1105 or stopping by the branch.

(June 1- June 4) Discovery; (June 7-11) Gross Me Out; (June 14-18) Games Galore; (June

reso urces 21-25) Operation Y Spy; (June 28-July 2) M.E. Lyons YMCA Summer Camps Holiday Happenings; (July 5-9) Junkyard 8108 Clough Pike, Cincinnnati, OH 45244 Inventions; (July 12-16) It’s a Jungle Out 513-474-1400 There; (July 19-23) Wild ‘N Crazy Kids; www.myy.org (July 26-30) – Y Arts Adventures; (Aug 2-6) Coed: Day Mystical Magic; (Aug 9-13) Survivor Fun Scholarship assistance is available Factor In Gamble-Nippert’s traditional day Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. camps, each week provide opportunities to learn, make friends, and have fun. Pre and AGES: 5-13 (must have post camp options and sports camps also completed Kindergarten) available. For information on all YMCA Pre Camp: 6:30am-9:00 am, Post summer camps, please visit www.myy.org Camp: 4:00pm- 6:00 pm

$130/week for YMCA members and $160/week for non-members Camp brochure is available online at www.myy.org or by calling or visiting the branch.

Pre/Post Camp Options (for ages 5 to 14): Pre Camp: 6:30-9:00 a.m., Deposit: $5 per week (nontransferable and nonrefundable), Cost: $22 per week; Post Camp: 4:00-6:00 p.m., Deposit: $5 per week (nontransferable and nonrefundable), Cost: $22 per week

(June 1-4) School’s Out for Summer; (June 7-11) Weird Science; (June 14-18) Games Galore; (June 21-25) A Day At The Museum; 10052 Reading Rd., Cincinnati, OH 45241 (June 28-July 2) Barnyard Bonanza; (July 5-9) Mike Roman, Camp Director Splish Splash; (July 12-16) Mystical Magic; (513)563-6663 (July 19-23) Treasure Island; (July 26-30) camp@gormanfarm.org Back to the Future; (Aug 2-6) YMCAs Got Talent; (Aug 9-13) Carnival Capers. www.gormanfarm.org Caring, honesty, respect and responsibility are Coed: Day Animals (June 7-11) Super Sports Fan; (June 14-18) cornerstones of all YMCA camps. In Powel Gross Me Out; (June 21-June 25) Character Closely, Jr.YMCA traditional day camps, each Special Needs Camps Offered: Crazy; (June 28-July2) Holiday Happenings; week will provide opportunities to learn, Special needs camps offered (July 5-July 9) Shiver Me Timbers; (July 12- make friends, and have fun. Pre and post during everyday camps July 16) Mystery Week; (July 19-July 23) It camp options, Preschool Programs, Specialty Financial aid is available Is a Jungle Out There; (July 26-30) Back to Programs, Campers in Leadership Training, 9:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. the Future; (Aug 2-6) Wild ‘N Crazy Kids; Teen Camp, Youth Sports Programs and June 7 - August 13.

(Aug 9-13) Music Mania; (Aug 16-20) Best Overnight also available.

Ages 4 - 15. of Summer Caring, honesty, respect and $160-$215/week for main camps, themed responsibility are cornerstones of all YMCA R.C. Durr YMCA Summer Camps camps offered at additional cost. camps. In M.E. Lyons YMCA traditional day 5874 Veterans Way, Burlington, KY 41005 Activities Included: Animal chores, animal camps, each week will provide opportunities 859-534-5700 grooming, garden activities, cooking activities, to learn, make friends, and have fun. Pre and www.myy.org arts and crafts, hiking, pond explorations, post care, Counselor-In-Training/Camp Coed: Day science activities, camp songs and games, Volunteer Program, specialty, sports and arts fort building, scavenger hunts, puppet shows camps also available.

Scholarships are available. State childcare assistance is accepted. and more!Farm campers love the handson animal, garden, food, and nature-based Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. experiences they participate in at camp. Mad Science Ages/Grades: 5 to 11 Multiple locations in the Tri-State area.

Gorman Heritage Farm’s talented and Cost: $125 members/$170 nondedicated camp staff are recruited nationally. Eugene Wulsin/Owner members per child per week and $25/ Camp counselors are selected based on 513-793-6784 child or $50 family registration fee their experience with children, passion and MadSciCin@aol.com Registration: Registration creativity for teaching, and knowledge of www.madscience.org/cincinnati forms are available by calling agriculture and the environment. or stopping by the branch.

Gorman Heritage Farm

Kenton County YMCA Camp Independence 10987 Marshall Road, Taylor Mill, KY 41015 859-781-1814 or (between June 1 and Aug 14) 859www.myy.org Coed: Day Scholarship assistance is available Hours: 8:45 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Ages/Grades: ages 5 to 11 Registration fee $25 child/$40 family; Camp is $100/week for YMCA members; and $120/week for non-members Registration forms are available every Saturday at the Kenton County YMCA from April 10 to May 8 from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Forms will also be available at the Kenton County YMCA on Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. in May. Parents can also stop by or call the Campbell County YMCA.

Pre and Post Camp Options: Morning (Pre Camp): 6:30AM-8:45AM, Cost: $25/ week member and $35/week non-member; Afternoon (Post Camp): 4:15PM-6:00PM, Cost: $20/week member and $30/week non-member; Morning and Afternoon Care (Pre and Post Camp),Cost: $40/week member and $50/week non-member (May 31st – June 4): School’s Out (NO PROGRAM WILL BE OFFERED ON MAY 31ST); (June 7-June June 11): Wild Wild West; (June 14-June 18): Games Galore; (June 21-June 25): Holiday Happenings; (June 28-July 2): Around the World in 5 Days; (July 5-July 9): Survivor: Outwit, Outlast, Olympics; (July 12-July 16): Hollywood Bound; (July 19-July 23): Operation Y Spy; (July 28-July 30): Splish Splash; (August 2-August 6): Treasure Island; (August 9-August 13): It’s a Jungle Out There Caring, honesty, respect and responsibility are cornerstones of all YMCA camps. In Kenton County’s traditional day camps, each week will provide opportunities to learn, make friends, and have fun.

Pre OR Post Camp ONLY: $25 YMCA Members, $40 Program Participant FEES: (all are based on weekly) Cost: $112/week for YMCA members and $168/week for non-members; $10 deposit due at registration Registration: Registration forms are available by calling or stopping by the branch

Coed: Day Hours: vary depending on location.

Camps run the weeks of: June 14th & 21st, July 6th, 12th, 19th & 26th, August 2nd & 9th.

Ages 5-12 $10-$15/classroom hour.

Pre/Post Camp Options (ages 3 to 15): Pre camp: 6:30 a.m. to 9:00 a.m., Post camp: 4:00 p.m. to 6 p.m.; Cost - Pre OR post camp: $25 per week/child; Pre AND post camp: $40 per week/child

(May 24 – 28) School’s Finally Out; (June 1 – 4) Prorated Super Sports Fan; (June 7 – Camp themes include: “Let’s Blow Stuff 11) Back to the Future; (June 14 – 18) Get a Up!”, “Crazy Chemworks”, “Scene of the Clue; (June 21 – 25) Character Crazy; (June Crime”, “Invisible Forces”, “Did You See 28 – July 2) Holiday Happenings; (July 5 – 9) That?!”, “Radical Reactions”, “3, 2, 1... Walk like an Egyptian; (July 12-16) World of Blast Off!”, “Science 101”, “Eco-Explorers”, Discovery; (July 19 – 23) Shiver Me Timbers; “Junior Engineers”.

(July 26 - 30) Splish Splash; (August 2 – 6) YMCA’s Got Talent; (August 9 – 13) Wacky Water Mercy HealthPlex Kids Camps 2010 Caring, honesty, respect and responsibility are cornerstones of all YMCA camps. In R.C. (513)942-PLEX Durr YMCA traditional day camps, each www.mercyhealthplex.com week will provide opportunities to learn, Day: Co-ed make friends, and have fun. Other specialty June - August camps are available.

Ages 3 - 14 Anderson: 7495 State Rd. Fairfield: 3050 Mack Rd.

Western Hills: 3131 Queen City Ave.

Become an artist, chef, scientist, sports hero or just have fun in our interactive, educational and unique camps! Go on field trips, have fun in the gym, pools, classrooms, gymnastics center, tennis courts and more! Full day and extended camps available.

Powel Crosley, Jr. YMCA Summer Camps 9601 Winton Rd, Cincinnnati, OH 45231 513-521-7112 www.myy.org Coed: Day Scholarship assistance is available, Hamilton Co. childcare vouchers accepted Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Ages/Grades: Pioneers Camp – kindergarten, Explorers Camp – ages 6 to 8, Voyagers Camp – ages 9 to 12 Camp Cost: $5 non-refundable deposit per week per child due at registration,

Richard E. Lindner YMCA 2039 Sherman Ave, Norwood, OH 45212 513-731-0115 http://www.myy.org Coed: Day Vouchers accepted and scholarships are available Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Ages/Grades: 5 to 12 (must have graduated kindergarten) Cost: $119 members & $149 nonmembers per child per week.

Pre/Post Camp Options (ages 6 to 12): Pre Camp – 7 to 9 a.m. and Post Camp 4 to 6 p.m.

Registration: Registration forms are available by calling or stopping by the branch.

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camp guide

Mania; (Aug 9 – Aug 13) YMCAs Got Talent and Post camp is 4 p.m. until 6 p.m.

Caring, honesty, respect and responsibility are cornerstones of all YMCA camps. In R.C. Durr YMCA traditional day camps, each week will provide opportunities to learn, make friends, and have fun.

Easter Seals Camp KYSOC

Residential Camps

Stories By the Riverside 50 E. Freedom Way, Cincinnati, OH 45202 Kieli Ferguson 513.333.7570 kferguson@nurfc.org www.freedomcenter.org Coed: Day Camp Academic/Pre-college Special Needs Camps Offered: Yes (Specialty camps) Wheel chair accessible, etc.

Financial Aid Offered Hours: 9:00 AM-3:00 PM Dates: July 12-16, 2010 and July 19-23, 2010 Grades 4-8 Cost: $125.00 (includes lunch) Activities Included: Produce mulitimedia stories, Create 3-D Exhibition, Historical re-enactment.

A week long camp that allows students to exhibit their creativity through various hands on activities. Campers will experience the stories of the Underground Railroad from a backstage view.

SummerCare 2010: Adventures in Wonderland Ft. Wright Elementary School- 501 Farrell Dr, Ft Wright and Ocke, Florence, KY Cindy Pinto, Director 859-431-2075 cindy@childreninc.org www.childreninc.org Coed: Day Financial Aid Offered: Yes 7:00am-6:00pm June 7th - July 30th Ages 5-11 $128 per week, or $29 per day $15 Registration Fee per family $30 Activity Fee per child

Visitors- include Mad Science, Magician with a Mission, Out of Control Wildlife!

Field trips include swimming, picnic, Coney Island and Cincinnati Museum Center.

SummerCare offers entertaining, exciting and educational Adventures in Wonderland.

Activities, visits and field trips support weekly themes such as: Down the Rabbit Hole, A Very Merry Unbirthday, Nonsense & Curiosity, Fractured Fairy Tales & Folklore, Playing by the Rules, Who in the World Am I?, In the Garden and Waking from a Dream.

YMCA CAMP LOVELAND Phillips Park, Loveland, OH, 513-791-5000 www.myy.org Coed: Day Financial assistance (scholarship) is available for ALL YMCA summer programs.

9 a.m. until 4 p.m.

Ages/Grades: 6 to 11 $165 for non-members/$109 members per week Registration required by calling the Blue Ash YMCA at 513-791-5000.

Activities Included: June 9 to 13 - Pirate Party theme, June 16 to 20 - Medieval Madness, June 23 to 27 - Survival Fun Factor, June 30 to July 3 - Star Spangled (no camp July 4), July 7 to 11 - Super Silly Mess Week, July 14 to 18 - Mystical Magic, July 21 to (May 31-June 4) Schools finally out; (June 25 - Holiday Happenings, July 28 to Aug 1 7-June 11) Wild ‘N Crazy Kids; (June 14- - Splish Splash, Aug 4-8 - Music Mania, Aug June 18) Sky’s The Limit; (June 21-June 25) 11-15 - Gross Me Out! Junkyard Inventions; (June 28 – July 2) It’s Each week will have a different theme as a Jungle Out There!; (July 5 – July 9) Splish children ages 6 to 11 have fun, make new Splash; (July 12 – July 16) Y Arts Adventures; friends, and build character, self-esteem, and (July 19 – July 23) Discovery; (July 26 – July leadership skills. For Busy Parents: Optional 30) Gross Me Out; (Aug 2 – Aug 6) Music Pre camp is 6:30 a.m. to 9 a.m. each camp day

1902 Easterday Road, Carrollton, KY 41008 Jim Ebert 502-732-5333/866-357-4712 (Toll Free) fun@chhs-kysoc.org www.cardinalhill.org; www. alpenglowadventures.org Coed: Residential: Special Needs Special Needs Camps Offered: Developmental Adult, Physical Adult, One to One, Learning Behavior Disorder, Developmental Youth, SCL Respite Financial aid is available 8:00-5:00, Monday - Friday May 30 - June 4, Developmental Adult and Physical Adult Age-18 and up; June 13-18, One to One (Age 6 and up), Learning Behavior Disorder (Age 6-18); June 20 -25 Developmental Youth (Age 6 and up), Physical Youth (Age 6 and up); Operation Purple Camp Jun Special Needs Camps $811; One to One $1,393; Traditional ($150); Operation Purple Camps (Free)

Nine Station High Challenge Course, 3-30 foot high climbing walls, 2-300 foot zip lines, 5-Station Low Elements Course, Fishing, Canoeing, Pontoon Boating, Indoor Heated Pool, Hay Rides.

Easter Seals Camp KYSOC is celebrating it’s 50th Anniversary. It has a large Dining Hall and 27 sleeping cabins situated on 124 acres of wooded and 12 acre lake property, 60 trained staff, all with thorough backgound checks, 10-days of staff training, CPR and First-Aid Certified, professional school cooks, Nurse 24/7, 2 minutes from hospital, a Facility of the Cardinal Hill Healthcare System.

Falcon Horse Lover Camp 4251 Delta Rd. SW, Carrolton, OH 44615 Emily Devey, Director 800-837-CAMP HorseCamp@FalconCamp.com www.FalconCamp.com All-Girl: Residential One week sessions June 20 - August 14 Girls ages 11 - 15 $950/wk For horse lovers only. Some experience necessary.

Daily mounted lessons, trail rides, fun rides, games, guest instructors, field trips, your “own horse”, parent demo, take home video, ground lessons, approx. 4 hours actual riding each day.

For Horse Lover’s only! Eat, sleep and breathe horses in this special program designed to improve riding skills, teach horsemanship, horse health and care.Very limited enrollment ensures individual instruction and attention.

Excellent instructors and horses. ACA accredited since 1959. References available. If you love horses, you’ll love this camp!

YMCA Camp Ernst 7615 Camp Ernst Rd., Burlington, KY 41005 859-586-6181 http://www.myYcamp.org Coed: Residential One week sessions: June 13 - Aug 21 Ages 6-15 Cost: $520 YMCA Members; $570 non members; $95 additional for the Western Ranch horseback program; plus the new Camp Ernst Adventure Trips and Experiences for Teens! (pricing varies)

Steeped in tradition and built on the YMCA character values of honesty, caring, responsibility and respect, Camp Ernst hosts campers who enjoy top notch counselors and making friends while doing a wide variety of activities including zipline, banana boat, 100 ft. waterslide, giant swing, horseback riding, the BLOB and much more!

CINCINNATIPARENT.COM 15

A RO U N D TOW N

*

arts & enrichment

Batter Up!

Making the Most of Summer Sports Shhh. Do you hear it? It’s the sound competition that brings out the best in each player, of tennis shoes lacing up, baseball gloves and we believe that participation in team sports can catching fly balls, water skis gliding on improve each player’s self-esteem.” water. It’s the sweet sound of summer sports.

Of course, Little League isn’t the only game in Or, more importantly, it’s the sweet sound of town. The Reds Rookie Success League provides opportunity for parents to encourage their kids terrific opportunity for area youth. Now in to get up, get out and get moving. Kids who are its eighth year, the introductory coed baseball active at a young age, after all, will likely stay active program targets at-risk kids ages 6 to 12. The free throughout life and there’s no better time than six-week program uses baseball and a charactersummertime to help kids get excited about getting based curriculum to teach kids valuable life lessons. active. One place many parents start their children About 1,500 kids go through the program each summer through camps in Cincinnati, Fairfield, is Little League.

Mason, Dayton and Louisville.

Practically synonymous with the term summer sports, Little League is for boys and girls ages 5 to The program is undeniably good for participants, 17 and like many team sports is a great way for kids, but is also a good place for older kids ages 16 on up through team play, to learn how to interact with to coach and mentor the fledging ballplayers. their peers and communicate with adults in addition to good sportsmanship, safety, and the game of According to Charley Frank, executive director baseball or softball itself. Each player is assigned to of the Reds Community Fund, volunteer coaches divisions based on age and skill level. range from area college baseball players to recreation employees to contractors to former and Jay Lewis, Anderson Township Little League current Cincinnati Reds. “It’s definitely a whole president, says the volunteer-run Little League community that engages in the process.” teaches kids about more than baseball through its emphasis on teamwork. “We want all players to Just as Little League isn’t the only game in town, experience the pride and responsibility of belonging baseball isn’t the only sport. Not by a long shot. to a team. We hope to introduce a healthy level of Many kids opt for sport camps that allow them to

refine skills in a sport of their choice or get a taste Joy Fawcett, three-time Olympic medalist, World of a variety of sports so they can test their talents.

Cup champion and soccer mom to three girls, was recently in the area and has thoughts for parents Cincinnati Sports Club is an example of one path of young athletes, “The biggest thing for parents families take for honing their child’s inner athlete. This is just to listen to their child. Listen to what they east-side health and fitness club offers a general sports have to say after a game. As a parent we want to camp for kids along with many sports-specific camps evaluate the game and go over it and talk about it. A lot of kids don’t enjoy that, especially if they including tennis, golf, soccer, volleyball and more. had a bad game.” This advice applies to all levels The YMCA is another popular option for many area of play and may be the secret to keeping kids on families seeking a physical outlet over the summer. the field and off the couch.

Though the activities vary branch to branch, kids ages 3 to 12 can enroll in summer basketball, t-ball, baseball, Her recommendations to parents are basic: ask tennis, golf and soccer sessions, many of which are simple questions about the game and focus on offered as one-week camps that teach the fundamentals your child’s effort and accomplishments during of the sport. A few teen programs are offered, too. the game rather than the final score. “A lot of parents want to focus on the score and end up Alan Geanes, district vice president of the YMCA of putting a lot of pressure on kids whether they Greater Cincinnati, says the YMCA sports programs know it or not. We want kids to feel good about provide a teamwork experience through which kids sports and athletics and to stay in the game,” develop positive character traits such as caring, honesty, she says. respect and responsibility. Plus, he says, “It’s fun, enriching fitness that gets kids off the couch.”

It sounds simple enough. So get out and enjoy the summer through sports. Batter up!

Regardless of how your child comes to a summer Carrie Bishop is a freelance sport, whether it’s through an existing passion writer and mother of two young sons, whose daily antics or desire to try a variety of sports, it’s important inspire her work and her life. parents work to keep the sport what it is: play. In other words, keep it fun.

Art Helps Build Smarter Kids

16 CINCINNATI PARENT * MAY 2010

R E SO U RC E S

*

arts & enrichment directory

Music

Baldwin Music Education Center 3799 Hyde Park Ave/Hyde Park, Cincinnati, OH 45209 Contact: Rachel Kramer Phone: 351-1109 Fax: 351-3934 Email: rkmlb1@earthlink.net

A Program of the Jewish Community Presents...

8374 Princeton Glendale Rd, West Chester, OH 45069 (513)829-2345

Quality private lessons in piano, voice, guitar, violin, cello, clarinet, saxophone, flute, drums, harp, trumpet and steel drums. Also offers nationally acclaimed Music for Young Children, a group keyboard curriculum for ages 5 and up, and Music Pups, a music and movement class for birth to 4. Call for FREE trial class.

Theater

Cincinnati Playhouse In The Park

Cincinnati Boychoir 4501 Allison St., Cincinnati, OH 45212 Christopher Eanes 513-396-7664 sing@cincinnatiboychoir

http://www.cincinnatiboychoir.org

The Cincinnati Boychoir provides vocal training and ensemble experience in the traditional art of boychoir singing. Founded in 1965, the Boychoir seeks to enhance the social, emotional and musical development of young boys through dedication, self-discipline and respect. By striving for artistic excellence and learning a diverse repertory of choral literature, the boys are prepared for a lifelong love of music and ensemble singing.

5513-860-3540 cincinnati@pianolessonsinyourhome.com

Piano, Voice and Guitar Lessons in Your Home -Learn to play piano, guitar or receive voice lessons in the comfort of your home.

PLYH offers highly qualified teachers, flexible schedules, optional recitals, and a lending library. Serving students ages 4 to adult from Lebanon, Ohio to Northern Kentucky.

MUSIC FOR ALL AGES! Piano Voice

Silly, Sandy, Summertime Fun for Families with Children 10 & Under

P.O. Box 6537, Cincinnati, OH 45206-0537 Mark Lutwak 513-345-2242 mark.lutwak@cincyplay.com

http://cincyplay.com

EXPRESS YOURSELF! Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park offers acting and drama classes for toddlers, children, teens and adults at multiple locations. Call 513/421.3888 for information and registration or visit www.cincyplay.com.

Sports

Friars Club

Piano Lessons In Your Home

2316 Harrywood Ct, Cincinnati, OH 45239 Annie Timmons, Executive Director 513.381.5432 atimmons@friarsclubinc.org

www.friarsclubinc.org

Friars Youth Programs: Basketball & Baseball

add your listing here!

Contact Erin at erin@cincinnatiparent.com

Indian Springs ACADEMY OF

MUSIC

9690 CINCINNATI-COLUMBUS ROAD

Drums Violin Viola Cello

8374 Princeton Glendale Road West Chester, OH

Sunday, June 6 th 12 pm -2 pm

Grand Sands, Loveland 513-779-7373 • Traditional Studies Programs • Recitals - Activities • Certificates Of Merit • Ribbon Events • Music Lab VOICE • CHILDREN’S VOCAL STUDIES • PIANO STRINGS • WINDS • GUITAR • BAND INSTRUMENTS JAZZ PIANO • MUSIC THEORY

Private instruction by professional teachers. Both formal and recreational study available.

Faculty affiliated with: National Music Certificate Program, Music Teachers National Association, RCME College of Examiners, Ohio Music Teachers Assocation www.indianspringsacademy.org

express

YOURSELF!

Guitar

Call 829-2345 for a FREE sample lesson.

www.wcaom.com

West chester academy of music

www.wcaom.com

Keyboard-based group music programs for ages 6-months to 4-years. Piano classes ages 5 and up.

Specially designed curriculum taught by trained, degreed music educators. Family discounts, convenient location.

Saxophone Clarinet Flute Trumpet Harp Kids' Steel Drum & Drama! Music Pups classes for birth-4

Shalom Family

Kid-Sized Water Slide Mechanical Surfboard

FREE!

20,000 Sq Feet of White Sand Tiny Tot Sand Lot Giant Inflatable Slip & Slide

Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park

Acting

CLASSES

• Toddlers, Children, Teens & Adults!

• Classes now available at five locations: Baker Hunt Arts and Culture Center (Covington), Clifton Cultural Arts Center, Madisonville Arts Center, Mayerson JCC & Playhouse in the Park

Advance RSVP required by May 27th

www.myshalomfamily.org For registration and information call 513/421.3888 or visit

www.cincyplay.com

Event details with RSVP Shalom Family is an initiative of The Mayerson Foundation CINCINNATIPARENT.COM 17

Cit y

Special Needs

Gu i d e

Cincinnati’s Special Needs Resource

i

f there is a common thread among families with special needs kids, it is the need for support. Unfortunately, support that may very well be available is not always easy to find.

Enter Cincinnati Medical Center.

Children’s

Hospital

Cincinnati Children’s has taken its conglomeration of special needs resource information and put it online for people with special needs and their families, as well as for the professionals helping those families. The information runs the gamut from f inancial and insurance information to advocacy and legislation to communit y events and support groups and much more.

18 CINCINNATI PARENT * MAY 2010

Dr. Ron Levin, director of the Center for Infants and Children with Special Needs at Cincinnati Children’s, admits the Web site is biased. “We don’t list everybody. We list resources either we have dealt with or our families have recommended, or they are experts we rely on,” he says. In short, it’s not the Yellow Pages, but rest assured, it is thorough and well-maintained.

The directory even provides an email and phone number for people to speak with a special needs expert who can point them in the right direction should the online resource not have helped.

“This type of assistance to families is equal to if not more than equal to coming up with the right medication and treatment. It’s part

of what the American Academy of Pediatrics calls the medical home concept where we go beyond diagnosis and prescriptions,” Levin says.

Feedback the hospital gets about the resource directory from families supports his conclusion. “We find our families are less stressed and their kids are doing better and not in the hospital as much. It’s not a cure; it’s a major piece of what the medical community should be doing,” he says.

In the spirit of pointing area families to valuable community resources, Cincinnati Parent has compiled the following special needs city guide. It offers a taste of the variety of resources available to local families with special needs kids.

SPECIAL NEEDS SERVICES GPS

Families should bookmark this guide to local, regional and national resources for special needs kids.

Special Needs Resource Directory: The Special Needs Resource Directory, created by the Center for Infants and Children with Special Needs at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, is a comprehensive accumulation of resources for any significant or acute medical condition.

While the directory lists many tri-state resources for Ohio, Kentucky and Indiana, it allows parents, caregivers and health care providers to understand as well as connect to great resources that are regional and national. This special needs on-line resource

allows someone to locate information on specific disabilities, identify strategies to help parents advocate for their children, develop community connections and overcome barriers to accessing health care resources. In addition, this Web site allows patients who are not connected with a special needs pediatrician and a social worker to access psycho-social information and services while remaining with their community physician. www. cincinnatichildrens.org/special-needs

LET’S PLAY

Kids can relax and play in environments accommodating to their special needs. A few ideas include:

AMC Theaters: AMC Theaters plays a sensory-friendly film each month so that families affected by autism and other disabilities have an opportunity to enjoy their favorite movies in a safe and accepting environment.

The movie auditoriums have their lights brought up and the sound turned down and families can bring in their own snacks. The theater will air no previews or advertisements and audience members are welcome to get up and dance, walk, shout or sing. www.amcentertainment.com/SFF/

Dramakinetics:

Dramakinetics engages individuals of all abilities through movement, music and drama. The company offers hour-long classes to promote social connections, physical skill development, and language and thinking skills through performing arts. Dramakinetics’ classes are for all people ages three and up. In

addition to its center-based performing arts classes, Dramakinetics develops programming for schools, libraries, and recreation and habilitation centers, using performance arts for social emotional learning and service projects. www.dramakinetics.org

there are a handful of accessible playgrounds for kids of all abilities, including Beech Acres Park, Mt. Airy Forest, Parky’s PlayBarn, Sawyer Point, Sharon Woods Adventure Station and Thomas P. Quinn Park. www.cincinnatiparks.com, www.cincinnatichildrens.org

Rising Star Studios: The non-profit

American Camp Association: The American

Rising Star Studios provides an art studio and community center for youth with Autism Spectrum Disorders and other communication challenges. The center contains a fullservice art studio and gallery, exercise space, lending library, parent lounge and computer classrooms. www.risingstarstudios.org

Camp Association is a community of camp professionals who work to preserve, promote and improve the camp experience. ACA-accredited camps meet up to 300 standards for health, safety and program quality. Families can visit www. campparents.org or follow ACA on Twitter at www.twitter.com/ACACampParents for helpful hints, camp information and to search ACA’s online database of accredited camps, including those that serve special needs kids. www.campparents.org

Pump It Up: This bounce house puts on a sensory night for kids with varying special needs the last Tuesday of each month.

Families attending this event can expect to be greeted by the Pump It Up staff upon arrival. Noise is also kept to a minimum and all music is turned off in the arena and lobby areas. The staff is also prepared to keep kids occupied through organized individual or group play both on and off the inflatables. www.pumpitupparty.com

LET’S GET PHYSICAL

Physical fitness is a healthy part of everyone’s lives and Cincinnati has a good number of opportunities for kids with special needs to get active and off the sidelines.

Accessible Parks and Playgrounds:

All city parks are handicap accessible. In addition,

Cincinnati TOP Soccer. Part of a national soccer program to train kids ages four to young adult with disabilities in a caring environment, TOP soccer allows a child to experience the joy sports can offer.

They have indoor and outdoor soccer, depending on the season. They also welcome wheelchairs. www.cincytopsoccer.com Fishing Has No Boundaries: This non-profit organization is dedicated to opening the world of fishing to physically and mentally challenged individuals of all ages. Their fishing event occurs each year in May or June at Cowan Lake State Park. www.f hnbcinti.com Hamilton County Special Olympics: The Hamilton County Special Olympics provides 24

year-round sports and competition in a variety of sports for people with mental and developmental disabilities to create continuing opportunities for them to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience the joy of achievement, be included in the community, build skills and make friends. www.hamiltondds.org Miracle League Baseball: Miracle League Baseball offers athletes of all abilities an opportunity to participate in an organized and competitive league. Every effort is made to create a true baseball experience with minimal changes. www.miracleleaguegreatercincinnati.org

YMCA of Greater Cincinnati: The YMCA of Greater Cincinnati offers a variety of adaptive programs at various branches for kids with special needs including a Youth with Special Needs Fitness Program that includes swimming, gym, soccer and basketball; Autism Inclusion Summer Camp for children on the autism spectrum ages three through first grade; adaptive swim lessons; a swim team that competes in the Special Olympics and adaptive dances for people with special needs ages 13 and up. www.myy.org

HORSIN’ AROUND

According to the American Hippotherapy Association, hippotherapy can improve muscle tone, balance, posture, coordination, motor development and emotional well-being. It’s a unique, therapeutic approach that many area kids are finding helpful.

CINCINNATIPARENT.COM 19

Cincinnati Therapeutic Riding and Horsemanship: Cincinnati Therapeutic Riding and Horsemanship provides a comprehensive recreational and therapeutic horseback-riding program for children and adults with disabilities in the greater Cincinnati area. The program has served over 100 riders in both hippotherapy and recreational riding classes. www.ctrh-online.org

Love Quest Children’s Foundation: The Love Quest Children’s Foundation offers equine-facilitated therapeutic interventions and educational activities for persons with disabilities. The foundation provides physically and emotionally challenged children and adults the medically acknowledged benefits of equine-facilitated therapeutic interventions, equine educational activities and care of animals. www.lovequest.org

THERAPIES AND SERVICES

Therapeutic services come in many shapes and sizes. Before committing to one center or type of program, families should speak directly with the therapists, visit the centers and obtain referrals.

ABC

Pediatric

Therapy

Network:

ABC Pediatric Therapy Network takes a multi-disciplinary approach to treating patients with an Autism Spectrum Disorder, cerebral palsy, oral motor and feeding disorders and other developmental delays.

Treatment programs offered include speech, occupational and physical therapy, a comprehensive feeding program, lactation support program, summer camps and more. www.abcpediatrictherapy.com

Applied Behavioral Services: Applied Behavioral Services is a comprehensive treatment and training center for children with Autism Spectrum Disorders and other developmental disabilities. The center specializes in verbal behavior therapy, sensory integration, music therapy and other treatments specific to Autism Spectrum Disorders. www.appliedbehavioralservices.com

The

Affinity Center: The Affinity Center is a comprehensive evaluation and treatment center for children, adults and

20 CINCINNATI PARENT * MAY 2010

their families affected by learning disorders, ADHD and other mental and emotional disorders. Through individualized treatment, educational testing, consultation, support and ongoing management programs, the center works to meet the child’s needs and help him or her get on the right track toward success at school, at home and emotionally. www.theaffinitycenter.com

Beech Acres Parenting Center: Beech Acres Parenting Center provides a variety of family services including parenting education, peer-to-peer mentoring, expert coaching, mediation and consultation services, treatment foster care and mental health services for children and families. www.beechacres.org Building Blocks for Kids:

Building Blocks for Kids improves the quality of life for children with health-related needs that are unmet through traditional means by offering grants, referrals and alternative resources. These are needs not being met due to lack of insurance, insurance coverage, government assistance or family resources. www.bb4k.org

Cincinnati Center for Autism: The nonprofit Cincinnati Center for Autism provides a variety of services designed to help children with autism reach their full potential. The center’s programs address many of the behavioral, social, communication and motor delays common in children with autism. www.cincinnaticenterforautism.com

Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Center for Infants and Children with Special Needs: The Center for Infants and Children with Special Needs at Cincinnati Children’s provides medical, psychological, social, environmental and spiritual support to children and young adults with significant chronic illness. www.cincinnatichildrens.org

Cincinnati Speech Services: Cincinnati Speech Services serves children and adults whose speech is affected by developmental delays, speech and language delays, articulation or oral-motor disorders, feeding/swallowing issues, Autism Spectrum Disorders, stuttering, Parkinson’s disease, Down syndrome and more. The agency strives to be on the cutting

edge of pediatric and adult intervention, offering therapeutic options personalized for clients’ specific needs. Services include evaluation/assessment, individual therapy, group therapy, specialty treatments and more. Cincinnati Speech Services offers free speech/language screenings by appointment to determine if an evaluation is needed. www.cincinnatispeech.com or e-mail solthaus@cincinnatispeech.com

Conductive Learning Center of Greater Cincinnati: The center brings conductive education to Cincinnati.

Conductive education is an intensive, multidisciplinary approach to education, training and development for individuals eight and younger with cerebral palsy, spina bifida and other motor challenges. It is based on the theory that the central nervous system has the capacity to form new neural connections, despite neurological damage. By repeating tasks and integrating intentional movement with learning, the brain creates alternate paths to send messages to muscle groups, creating the desired movements enabling a child to gain movement and skills and achieve greater levels of independence. It integrates motor-skill development with cognitive and emotional-skill development within a group setting. www.clcgc.org

Hearing Speech & Deaf Center of Greater Cincinnati: Supporting individuals and families to overcome obstacles to communication, the Hearing Speech & Deaf Center of Greater Cincinnati serves people with hearing loss, those with speech disorders and people who are deaf. www.hearingspeechdeaf.com

The Kelly O’Leary Center for Autism The Kelly Spectrum Disorders: O’Leary Center for Autism Spectrum Disorders at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center is a collaborative parent and professional program that provides diagnostic, treatment and support services.

It was established when families advocated for a response to the needs of children with autism and their families. The makeup of the center was determined largely by family input.

Based in the Division of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics at Cincinnati Children’s, the center opened in 1999. To advance

knowledge of autism spectrum disorders, the center also conducts research studies. www.cincinnatichildrens.org

Kid Power Therapy Services: Providing occupational and speech therapy services to children of all ages and abilities, Kid Power Therapy Services is a therapist owned and operated clinic that provides traditional and alternative therapy programs to facilitate growth and skill acquisition. Kid Power therapists combine techniques to create an eclectic and individualized approach for each child. Clients include children diagnosed with attention deficit disorder, Autism Spectrum Disorder, dyslexia, sensory processing disorders, language processing problems, speech and language delays, Down syndrome and cerebral palsy. www.kidpowertherapyservices.com

The Lindner Center of HOPE: A stateof-the-science, free-standing mental health center, the Lindner Center of HOPE provides psychiatric hospitalization for individuals age 11 and older, outpatient services for all ages, research and voluntary, live-in services as well as an adolescent partial hospitalization program. www.lindnercenterof hope.org Redwood: Redwood provides an array of services to children and adults with severe and multiple disabilities. Its range of programs include therapeutic childcare, summer camp, school-age services and preschool education, assistive technology evaluations, coordination and assessments, summer computer camp, and rehabilitative engineering; computer learning center, adult life skills, community experiences, and adult day healthcare; sheltered workshop and employment services; and occupational, physical, and speech therapy. Redwood empowers children and adults to flourish, prosper and achieve the quality of life they deserve using enriching educational, therapeutic and vocational programs, specialized services and assistive technology. www.redwoodnky.org

Stepping Stone Center: The Stepping Stone Center is a non-profit United Way Partner agency that serves nearly 1,000 children and adults with disabilities each year. Programs include early childhood services, adapted aquatics and more, including an intensive

human rights, personal dignity and community participation of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities through legislative and social action, information and education, local chapter support and family involvement.

Find local chapters in each county including Butler, Hamilton, Warren, Clermont/ Brown counties and more throughout state. www.thearcofohio.org

Autism Society of Greater Cincinnati: The Autism Society of Greater Cincinnati serves over 2,000 parents, educators and professionals in southwest Ohio, northern Kentucky and southeastern Indiana. The group hosts support groups and meetings on a variety of subjects, provides a monthly newsletter, connects people affected by autism with other families and more. www.autismcincy.org educational alternative Step-Up program for school districts serving children on the autism spectrum who are unsuccessful in their current placement due to behavioral concerns. www.steppingstonescenter.org

COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS

Part of living a healthy life as a kid with special needs or as the family of a special needs child is knowing that you are not alone. The value of connecting with others in similar circumstances and sharing similar experiences is immeasurable. Fortunately, nearby associations, support groups and the like exist and want to help.

The Arc of Ohio: Advocating for the rights of citizens with developmental disabilities, the Arc of Ohio is a statewide membership association representing more than 330,000 Ohioans with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families. Its mission is to advocate for

The Butler County Board of Developmental Disabilities: The Butler County Board of Developmental Disabilities is rooted in the belief that all people have inherent worth and the right to be treated with dignity. The agency provides information, support and service to Butler County residents of all ages with developmental disabilities and their families. The Butler County Board of Developmental Disabilities helps people participate in community life and develop a sense of belonging to the community. www.butlerdd.org

Clermont County Board Developmental Disabilities:

of

The Clermont County Board of Developmental Disabilities serves babies, children and adults. Services include a School Age Program and an Early Childhood Program that consists of the DD Early Intervention Department, Help Me Grow and the Regional Infant Hearing Program. An Adult Services Program and Respite

Cooperative are also counted among its services. www.clermontdd.org

The Down Syndrome Association of Greater Cincinnati The Down Syndrome Association of Greater Cincinnati has been providing inspiration, education and support to more than 1,400 individuals with Down syndrome and their families who are living and working in Greater Cincinnati. Since 1981, the organization has been serving the communities of southwest Ohio, northern Kentucky and southeastern Indiana.

Individuals with Down syndrome benefit from loving homes, appropriate medical care, inclusive education and positive attitudes. www.dsagc.com

Epilepsy Foundation of Greater Cincinnati: The foundation helps people with epilepsy and their families meet their health and social needs by providing direct services to optimize their understanding of and coping with epilepsy in all facets of their lives. Programs include camp, Kids on the Block puppet show program, support groups, employment preparation services and more. www.cincinnatiepilepsy.org

Hamilton County Developmental Supporting Disabilities Services: individuals with disabilities and their families to achieve what is important to them, the Hamilton County Developmental Disabilities Services serves individuals birth through adult. Its children services division works with individuals birth to school age, providing a variety of support services through school programs and early intervention, along with therapy and other services. For instance, the Hamilton County Developmental Disabilities Services helps families prepare an Individual Family Services Plan (IFSP) for children three and younger as well as the Individualized Education Plan (IEP) for those three and older. www.hamiltonmrdd.org or e-mail jennifer.taylor@hamiltondds.org

Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, Greater Cincinnati Chapter: The Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation International is the worldwide leader in funding research to cure type 1 diabetes. The local chapter serves as a central resource for information about type I juvenile diabetes, about the progress JDRF and others have made in the search

Families with ASD:

The non-profit Families with ASD funds the Families with ASD Autism Support Group, puts on the annual Families with ASD Autism Expo, and publishes the annually updated Autism Yellow Pages, which is a listing of local, state and national autism resources and other information. The group also runs the Autism Family Resource Center for greater Cincinnati and northern Kentucky. www. familieswithasd.org

Families

Living

with

Diabetes:

A family-sponsored support group, Families Living with Diabetes provides resources and support to families living with Type 1 Diabetes. www. familieslivingwithdiabetes.com

“A Higher Level of Urgent Care�

Walk In *Most Insurances Accepted Hours: M-F 8am-8pm; Sat-Sun 8am-6pm 9549 Montgomery Rd., Suite 100

513-489-3737

CINCINNATIPARENT.COM 21

St. Rita School for the Deaf: A Catholic day and residential educational program for infants and students who need special methods of communication and technological support. The school educates deaf and hard of hearing children through a philosophy of Comprehensive Communication, which offers a child every available stimulus for human interaction including sign language, lip-reading, assistive listening devices, visual aids and technology. www.srsdeaf.org

...AND A FEW MORE

A seemingly endless list of resources are available to Cincinnati-area families with special needs. Following are a few more businesses and organizations to be made aware of.

Cookie Cutters Haircuts for Kids: Cookie

for a cure, and about the local diabetes community. www.jdrf.org/cincinnati

Ohio Valley Branch of the International Dyslexia Association: Dedicated to the study and treatment of dyslexia, the group exists to increase public awareness of dyslexia in the region.

The Ohio Valley Branch of the International Dyslexia Association can provide information on tutoring, testing and other referral needs, and has parent support groups. www. cincinnatidyslexia.org

Spina Bifida Association of Cincinnati: Spina Bifida Association of Cincinnati works to supports individuals with Spina Bifida as they reach for their goals and pursue a more fulfilling life. The association consists of parents, adults with Spina Bifida and dedicated professionals working together to support and encourage families and individuals throughout the greater Cincinnati area affected by the disabling birth defect.

The group offers education, parental support, social networking, advocacy, public awareness and more. www.sbacincy.org/ 513-9231378

Warren County Board of Developmental Disabilities: The mission of the Warren County Board of Developmental Disabilities is to support individuals with disabilities and their families to achieve what is important to them. The organization offers a wide variety of services and supports, including early intervention services, service coordination, family support, day programming for adults, community employment, transportation, assistance with residential services and much more. www.warrencountydd.com

Education

Kids of all abilities are entitled to a good education and both public and private school options are available to Hoosier families with special needs children.

22 CINCINNATI PARENT * APRIL 2010

The Carl & Edyth Lindner 32° Scottish Rite Masonic Children’s Learning Center: The Children’s Learning Center provides children with dyslexia free oneon-one multisensory reading and written language tutoring. The program is available to all children, regardless of Masonic aff iliation. www.32masons.com

Cutters offers a fun haircut experience for kids of all abilities. While Cookie Cutters doesn’t require its stylists undergo specific training on how to serve kids with specific needs, the kiddie salon has been fortunate over the years to have stylists in each of its stores who connect well with these kids and their parents. Parents are always welcome to call a nearby salon and ask them to recommend a stylist who may be a good fit for their child. www.haircutsarefun.com

R E SO U RC E S

*

Special Needs Trusts: A major concern of families regarding a family member with a disability is how will this person live his or her life safely and with dignity. For those individuals who probably will not be able to support themselves and will need the support of government benefits, a special needs trust is designed to ensure the continued availability of government benefits while allowing additional money to be spent for the benefit of this individual to enhance his or her quality of life. Paul Nidich is one area attorney experienced in drafting special needs trusts. www.paulnidich.webs.com

IS THAT ALL? NOT BY A LONG SHOT.

While this special needs city guide offers a glimpse into resources for special needs kids and their families in Cincinnati, it is the magazine’s hope that it will provide insight into specific organizations while leading readers to other resources they may also find valuable.

Carrie Bishop is a freelance writer and mother of two young sons, whose daily antics inspire her work and her life.

special needs guide

Cincinnati Public Schools: Cincinnati Public Schools serves 7,500 kids identif ied under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act of 2004 (IDEA). Parents of a child with an identif ied or suspected disability that interferes with his education are entitled by law to work with their local school and other public agencies to determine the best course of education for his needs. www. edresourcesohio.org

Autism Treasure Chest PO Box 1521, West Chester, OH 45071 Diane Sung 513-600-1804 custserv@autismtreasurechest.com www.autismtreasurechest.com Special Needs-Toys/Therapy Aids Autism Treasure Chest offers educational toys, therapy aids, GFCF food, furniture and books to help make a positive impact on your child’s life. The items on our site have been tested and approved by our own kids or are found in the top therapy centers in our area.

Langsford Center: Unlike traditional

Cincinnati Speech Services 3301 Westbourne Dr., Cincinnati, OH 45248 Contact: Sharon Olthaus, SLP/Owner 513-451-1551 www.cincinnatispeech.com Our highly experienced therapists focus on the assessment and treatment of children, adolescents, and adults who are dealing with speech, language, and pragmatic disorders, as well as fine motor, sensory issues, self-help skills and visual/perceptual difficulties.

Summertime enrichment programs also available. Call today to learn more.

tutoring programs, Langsford Learning completes a diagnostic assessment necessary to target the underdeveloped brain processes causing a reading or learning diff iculty. The center uses researchbased approaches to strengthen cognitive processes for all ages and abilities, including those with learning disabilities, auditory processing disorder, dyslexia and ADHD. www.langsfordcenter.com

Springer School and Center: Springer School and Center is devoted entirely to the education of children with learning disabilities. Its day school provides students a specialized curriculum tailored to each child’s readiness and needs and includes art, music, physical education and other extracurricular activities. Faculty includes an interdisciplinary team of teachers, language and motor therapists, and psychologists. Springer School and Center also provides parent programs, professional development for educators and student programs like summer camps. www.springer-ld.org

Center for Dyslexia @ Learning Curve 2004 Callie Way, Union, KY 41091 Sheila Levi 859-760-0795 www.learningcurvetutoringcenter.com Orton-gillingham trained teachers for dyslexia and other reading issues; experienced and certified teachers; other reading, math, camp programs available for the summer; enrollment now! check our website, email or call for further information.

Paul A. Nidich, Attorney at Law 225 West Court Street, Cincinnati, OH 45202 Paul A. Nidich, J.D., LL.M. 513.563.1595 paul@paulnidich.com http://paulnidich.webs.com Paul Nidich has an adult son with autism. This led Paul into the field of drafting Special Needs Trusts which he has been doing since 1993. Paul also gives seminars on taxes and financial planning for people with disabilities.

Choosing a pet

is a life-changing decision. Is that an overstatement? Think carefully about the animals with which you’ve shared your life—from your first goldfish to that special dog or cat.

Accepting an animal into your family isn’t something to be taken

Finding

FIDO (or Fluffy) How to Find a Family Pet—And What to Be Prepared For

lightly—if it were, then maybe there wouldn’t be nearly 300,000 pets for adoption on PetFinder.com. Being educated and asking the right questions can make that life changing decision a happy one, for you and your pet.

Think things through

Before you embark on a pet-finding mission, look at your life –work schedule, kid’s activities, living conditions, finances—and ask yourself honestly if you have the time, space and resources for a pet: If you’re too busy to care for yourself or your home, you likely won’t have time for an animal. If you’re having trouble paying your bills, you should consider all the costs involved with owning a pet. If space is tight, remember that you’ll be inviting another creature—that takes up space—into your home.

Also consider your family dynamic and the ages of your children. If you’re counting on your middle-

schooler to take care of the pet but he’s at his dad’s three days a week, who will care for the animal when he’s gone?

If you have a toddler who’s into everything, what are the chances she’ll be in a dog’s face, a possibility that could end in disaster?

Joel Silverman, dog trainer and host of Animal Planet’s “Good Dog U,” categorizes dog personalities by color in his new book “What Color is Your Dog?” “Reds and orange dogs are very high strung, blues and greens are shy and timid, yellow’s like the perfect dog, it’s very laid back,” he said.

Extending the color analogy to other animals also might help you assess whether now is the right time for a pet.

Forging ahead

If you’ve determined the time is right for a pet, all the soul searching you did to determine whether you should get a pet at all likely gave you some clues about what pet will suit you best. This might be at odds with what you want—your heart might be set on a big lovable dog, when a goldfish might be a better choice. Thinking only of yourself—and not the animal—is a poor way to decide on a pet.

Multiple resources now exist to help potential pet owners determine which animal will best fit their lifestyles. Animal Planet has a quiz that can help match a person or family with the right dog breed. Another organization, PetChoice.org, itemizes what to keep in mind while considering several different kinds of pets, including dogs, cats, birds, rabbits, gerbils and hamsters.

Dogs can be challenging because there are so many breeds of dog, each with its own distinct set of characteristics. If you’re looking for a pure bred dog, do your homework.

Countless resources are available that will help you determine which breed is right for you. Mixed breed dogs will carry some characteristics from each of their parents, but in diluted form.

“With those stray dogs you get nothing official. It’s pretty rare to get much information with a shelter dog,” said Shannon DeBra, owner of Recycled Doggies. “We can start to make up a little information about them after we’ve had them for a while.”

Most family cats come from shelters or rescues. If you’re interested in learning about distinct cat breeds, the Cat Fancier’s Association is a good resource. It also can link you to breeders in your area.

Deciding whether to rescue a dog or cat is a personal decision, but it helps to understand the terminology.

Shelters are where dogs are either picked up or surrendered and provide immediate care for the animal.

By law, the shelter is required to keep the animal for a certain number of days before it is euthanized. If the animal hasn’t been claimed by its owner and is near its

CINCINNATIPARENT.COM 23

maximum allotted time, rescues can for feline leukemia, AIDS, infectious step in. Rescues either house or foster peritonitis and rabies. Cats can also contract heartworms and need a the animals and facilitate adoption. monthly heartworm preventative.

“When you’re getting a shelter dog, the fee is going to be lower usually “Heartworm preventative is about because you’re getting a dog that hasn’t 99 percent effective,” Blackmore been vaccinated or treated for anything said. “I’ve never had a heartworm and generally hasn’t been watched positive dog who’s been on very closely. You’re responsible for all heartworm preventative, it’s always the vetting and all the medical things a dog that’s not been on it or hasn’t going on that haven’t been treated,” been on it recently.”

DeBra said. “With a rescue dog we hold the dogs at least 10 days to watch It’s not uncommon for pet owners them make sure nothing’s going on.” to visit their veterinarian more than once a year. Just like people, animals Since the history of rescued animals is get sick, sometimes temporarily, often unknown, be sure to introduce sometimes chronically. Be prepared the whole family to the animal at the for the occasional visit to investigate adoption event. Ask as many questions potential health concerns. as you can and call the rescue if additional questions arise after you get Before you your vet exam, arm the animal home. The organization yourself with questions for which likely will have answers or be able to you need answers. Vets can address refer you to someone who does. questions about your animal’s physical, mental and behavioral health.

Healthy and happy

When you bring home a new pet, make an appointment for it to be checked out by the vet and share any vaccination records with him. Most pets need to visit the vet once a year, especially dogs and cats. Other animals may require different wellness visits, so contact your vet to find out what’s recommended. Dogs and cats also need to be spayed or neutered.

A dog’s annual check up will include an examination and vaccinations that will protect it against distemper, hepatitis, parainfluenza, parvovirus, leptovirus and kennel cough. The rabies vaccine is administered every three years. The vet also will check the dog for heartworms, which are prevented by the owner administering a pill each month and test a stool sample for the presence of parasite eggs.

All kinds of care

Caring for your pet doesn’t start at the vet and stop at obedience training.

For those with dogs and cats, the training begins the first day you bring the animal home in the form of housetraining and litter box training.

Some adopted animals may be trained already, while puppies, kittens or other shelter animals will need to start from the beginning. A crate, treats and frequent trips outside are great for dogs while a clean littler box, confined space and regular feeding schedule are a good approach for cats.

“We also board cats. Our kitty condos are six feet tall and have five levels and we let them out into the room between two and 12 hours a day. We will board other kinds of animals as long as cage system is brought in for that animal.”

heartworm prevention is $50, boarding is around $20 a day, puppy day care is about $15 a day, pet waste removal is $15 a visit, obedience training is $100 for eight sessions and the list keeps going. In all, the average dog costs about $2,000 the first year and $800 each year after.

Dog daycares are an option for families Cat costs average about $800 the first who have little time to exercise or year and $500 each year after. socialize their dogs. These businesses offer a supervised area to play with “You’re taking ownership of a living other dogs, treats and, in some cases, being, so there needs to be a sort of reserve there in case there’s some basic obedience training. type of accident because we see a lot And when the time comes, more emergencies,” Blackmore said. “A lot of and more pet memorial services people who just aren’t prepared—they are appearing across the country, don’t expect their animals to get sick— giving families options for how to and when they do it’s hard on them and memorialize their pet and its remains. it’s hard for us because we want to care for the animals but we don’t want to put the owners in a bind. It leaves everyone Times have changed for pets in America. kind of stuck.”

Once relegated to the backyard or swatted with a newspaper, pets have Other pets, such as rabbits, snakes and taken on a status close to human. A lizards tend to be less expensive, but recent article in The Indianapolis vets charge more for treating these pets Star discussed the recession-proof pet because they’re considered exotic. Such care business, which, despite tough pets also might require special foods or financial times have grown 16 percent other care that can be expensive. since the recession began. With new businesses cropping up and people Before you embark on pet ownership, do willing to spend more to keep aging your homework—so your life changing and sick pets alive, pets are on solid decision positively changes the life of your family and your pet. ground financially.

It adds up

The dichotomy: those giving up their pets because they cost more than they bargained for. In all, pets can be expensive, from their initial purchase, vaccines, food and regular vet care to grooming, boarding or pet sitting, obedience training, puppy day care, pet waste removal, memorials, clothes, toys and treats.

Holly Wheeler is a freelance writer for Cincinnati Parent.

Animals need to be cared for while you travel, so consider your travel schedule when looking at pets. Dogs and cats generally need to be boarded while other small animals might do fine with a sitter who visits regularly. Dog boarders have Cats must be vaccinated for feline viral become one-stop shops for grooming, Regular vet checks for rhinotracheitis, calicivirus and feline obedience or puppy day care. dogs are about $170, distemper beginning at 6 weeks of age and get a booster every three to four “We board and train, day care and train food can cost upwards weeks until they are 16 weeks old. and puppy classes of our boarding dogs of $1 a pound, flea Adult cats will get a booster for the receive free day care,” said. Antionette prevention is $80 for FVRCP vaccines as well as vaccines Mesman, owner, Puppywood Pet Resort. a one-year supply,

Top 9 Things to Remember When Adopting a Pet

1.

When you get a pet, you’re committing to care for it for the rest of its life.

2.

Don’t be afraid of adopting a shelter or rescue animal: You’ll be helping an animal that would otherwise die.

3.

Spend some time with the animal before taking it home. Take it for a walk play with it.

4.

Bring all people in your family, including other animals, to meet the pet you’re adopting.

5.

Read books, watch Cesar Millan (The Dog Whisperer) on TV and do online research to learn about how to care for your pet.

6.

Don’t take too long—you could lose your pet. Rescue animals get adopted quickly, so don’t prolong your decision.

7.

Ask questions to learn more about your dog and its personality.

8.

Choose a playful puppy. The more subdued pups might be ill.

9.

Don’t give up. If the dog isn’t as perfect as the first few hours you were with it, give it time to get to know you, your family and your routines.

irst Night Free Is Our Policy

for each new Friend we make!*

Boarding Grooming Daycare Training

11216 Gideon Lane Cincinnati (513) 489-6300 It’s Best To Stay With Friends

SM

www.bestfriendspetcare.com *Applies to first night of boarding for first time boarding pets only. Good for one free night of boarding per pet in total. First Night Free policy may not be combined with any other promotional boarding offers. Offer not valid at Florida locations. Visit www.bestfriendspetcare.com for details.

24 CINCINNATI PARENT * MAY 2010

BF881_Cincinnati_Parent.indd 1

4/14/10 3:36:45 PM

Š Todd Joyce Photography

Special May Offer!

Save Up To $64 By Joining Today!

Members Get FREE Admission & FREE Parking!

Details online at www.cincymuseum.org/membership Offer valid until May 31, 2010. Restrictions apply.

Wow 1301 Western Avenue

Cincinnati, OH 45203

(513) 287-7041

www.cincymuseum.org

R E SO U RC E S

fun & wacky events calendar

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Sunday

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday Thursday

Friday

Saturday 1

Mother Goose Day

DID YOU KNOW????

May is... American bike month, national salad month, flower month, national strawberry month, Asthma & allergy awareness month, national photo month,

Celebration IdeaS: Play Duck, Duck Goose.

Teach your children a new nursery rhyme.

asparagus month, national mental health month & Teen self-Esteem month!

6 l a n io at n r e Int

NO DIET

TEACHER Day

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9

5

4 National

10

Day!

NAT IONAL FAMILY WEEK! 11

PEACE Day

the First Kentucky Derby took place.

24

o

c herry

o

26 de

c h o col

15 at

21

the American Red Cross was founded.

27

masking tape was patented.

Buy a l a Music ent m Instru y Da

On this day in 1881,

**

On this day in 1930,

22

o

l na

b risk et

28

29

da y

30

BrownBag-It Day!

l na

day

Celebration IdeaS: Make up your own code and write secret

20

NAT IONAL BACKYARD GAMES WEEK! 25

CHicken dance day

l na

Celebration Idea: Learn the Chicken Dance!

Not sure how? Go to funpages.com/chickendance

Pick CIRCUSďż˝ Strawberries DAY Day!

er t

Morse Code Day

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Tulip Day

ss

23 y a D Penny

Visit Your Relatives Day!

19

na ti

On this day in 1875,

18

14

ip day

17

13

ch

(Sorry, Kids!)

16

Have a Coke Day

National Family Childcare Provider's Day

e

e KDitay

8

**

12

CLEAN UP YOUR ROOM Day!

7

Na ti

Play Youray Ukulele D

3

Wear Two Different Colored Shoes Day

na ti

2

International Jazz Day

31

Memorial Day

While officially Memorial Day is May 30th, it is observed on the last Monday of May, which is the 31st in 2010.

26 CINCINNATI PARENT * MAY 2010

LIKE this calendar?

Let us know! E-mail editor@CINCINNATIPARENT.com with your suggestions and comments!

Sources: familycrafts.about.com, brownielocks.com, holidayinsights.com & thenibble.com

calendar Saturday, May 01 Family Safety Round-Up

This traditional one-day safety educational event has grown over the years. This year is shaping up to be one of the most exciting since last year’s event. More than 1,200 people attended the event in 2009. Several expressed how much they learned and were taking safety information with them to implement in their home and family security. A long tradition, the Family Safety Round-Up is just one day! Nothing is ever sold. Only educational information is given away from the wide number of agencies that promote safety education. A variety of demonstrations on safety will take place the day of the event. In addition, third grade students who enrolled in the annual Family Safety Round-Up coloring contest will have their artistic masterpieces on display. Once again, nothing is sold; only free information is provided to those who want the information. 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Butler County Fairgrounds. 1715 Fairgrove Avenue, Hamilton OH.

Kentucky Derby

Churchill Downs. 700 Central Avenue, Louisville KY. www.churchilldowns.com. 502-6364400.

Linton Music’s Peanut Butter and Jam Sessions Present Madcap Music!

The Madcap Puppets join the Peanut Butter and Jam musicians to tell exciting stories set to chamber music. You won’t want to miss the musical magic and fun! Children’s chamber music series for preschoolers (2-6 yr. olds) and their families. Interactive, Educational, and Fun! 10am and 11:30am. $4.00 per person or $12.00 for Flex-Book of 4 tickets good at any PB&J concert. Tickets available at the door or by calling 513.381.6868. Free Graeter’s cookies at every concert! Visit www.lintonmusic.org. 10am and 11:30am. $4 per person or $12 for flexbook of 4 tickets. Good Shepherd Lutheran Church.

7701 Kenwood Road, Cincinnati OH. www. lintonmusic.org. (513) 381-6868.

Home School Network of Greater Cincinnati

Please check our web site www.HSNcincy.com for helpful information concerning Home Education as well as meeting times and contact information.

Home School Network of Greater Cincinnati. www.HSNcincy.com.

Sunday, May 02 JUNGLE BOOK

Journey across the ocean to the land of India where creatures play and tell tales of old. Where a little boy Mowgli is raised by wolves, Shere, Khan the tiger fights to be Lord of the Jungle, and the bear Baloo teaches us the necesities of life! This musical adaptation of Rudyard Kipling’s classic is performed by the Clifton Performance Theatre’s all-child cast. Tickets ($7/child, $10/adults, $8/seniors) are available at CliftonPerformanceTheatre.com or by calling 513-861-7469. 2 p.m. Tickets ($7/child, $10/ adults, $8/seniors). Clifton Performance Theatre.

404 Ludlow Avenue, Cincinnati OH. www. cliftonperformancetheatre.com.

513-861SHOW (7469).

Lag B’Omer

Lag B’Omer is a Jewish holiday celebrated on the 33rd day of the counting of the Omer, a period of time counted from the second day of Passover until the holiday of Shavuot. Billed as family-friendly fun for all, the Sunday celebration includes crafts, snacks, relay races and a presentation by Mr. Cowpie, who will be entertaining families with his live music and animals, which the children will get to pet and interact with. This event is FREE and open to the public. Call or e-mail chany@jdiscovery.com to RSVP. 2:30-4:30pm. Jewish Discovery Center.

Rossey’s Field, 3264 Palomino Trail, Mason OH. www.JDiscovery.com. 513-234-0777.

Spring Planting with the Pioneer Group

How did the Pioneers provide for their families in the 1800’s? Come check out our Spring Planting. The village is open 1-5 p.m. FREE. 1-5 p.m. Governor Bebb Preserve. 1979 Bebb Park Ln, Okeana OH.

Monday, May 03

Wednesday, May 05 CELEBRATE CINCO DE MAYO ON FOUNTAIN SQUARE

Tuesday, May 04 Cincinnati Reds vs New York Mets

7:10 pm. Great American Ballpark.

100 Joe Nuxhall Way, Cincinnati OH. cincinnati.reds.mlb.com. (513) 381-7337 or (877) 647-7337.

Herb Appeal

Kids bring your favorite adult to help you plant your very own herb garden. Decorate your pot and then learn how to plant and care for your new herbs. 6:30 pm. New Richmond Branch. 103 River Valley Blvd., New Richmond OH. www. cc-pl.org. (513)553-0570.

Red Cross Pet First Aid at the JCC

Learn how to care for illness and injury in cats and dogs, and about bandaging, splinting, and CPR. Bring a four legged stuffed animal. Register in advance through the JCC, 513.761.7500, info@ mayersonjcc.org, or JointheJ.org. 1—5pm. $50 in advance; Open to the public. Mayerson JCC. 8485 Ridge Road, Cincinnati OH. www.JointheJ. org. 513.761.7500.

Teen Advisory Group

calendar

Diane is a natural comic and has an easy fun style that will make for a most entertaining evening. 7pm.

3176 Williams Creek Drive. 3176 Williams Creek Drive, Anderson OH.

Cincinnati Reds vs Chicago Cubs

Cincinnati Reds vs New York Mets

Night Fishing at VOA Park

12:35 pm. Great American Ballpark. 100 Joe Nuxhall Way, Cincinnati OH. cincinnati.reds.mlb. com. (513) 381-7337 or (877) 6477337.

FREE Family Music Class

Kids ages 0-4 and a caregiver are invited to enjoy a mixed age music class. 10 am. FREE. Kids First Sport Center.

7900 E. Kemper Rd, Cincinnati OH. www. musictimestudio. net. 513-652-6267.

Thursday, May 06 FREE Family Music Class

Kids ages 0-4 and a caregiver are invited to enjoy a mixed age music class. 10 am. FREE. Kids First Sport Center. 7900 E. Kemper Rd, Cincinnati OH. www.musictimestudio.net. 513-652-6267.

Anderson Hills MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers)

Join other moms of children of ages birth through kindergarten in a fun, relaxing, helpful atmosphere.

Each month a new topic is discussed relating to the world of motherhood. The group meets the first Thursday of each month, September through May. A new member’s first meeting is free, the cost thereafter is $23.95 for the year and $5 per meeting for supplies. Childcare is available at a rate of $4 per child per meeting, maximum of $10 per family.

9:30-11:30. Anderson Hills United Methodist Church. 7515 Forest Rd (Corner of Beechmont and Forest), Anderson Township OH. www. andersonhillsumc.org/mops.php. (513) 2314172.

Add your voice and ideas to future teen programming. Ages 12-18. Please register. 4 pm.

Free. Please register. Cold Spring Branch. 3920 Alexandria Pike, Cold Spring KY. www.cc-pl. org. (859)781-6166.

Friday, May 07

‘Tween Wii

A sampling of P.S. I HATE IT HERE. Kids’ Letters From Camp

Come to the Library and play Wii games! Ages 9-13. Registration not required. 4 pm. Carrico/Fort Thomas Branch. 1000 Highland Ave., Fort Thomas KY. www.cc-pl.org. 859-572-5033.

*

A local celebration on Fountain Square of Cinco de Mayo (Spanish for “Fifth of May”) observed in the United States and around the world as a celebration of Mexican heritage and pride. Featuring live music from Cincinnati’s favorite Latin band, ZUMBA. dancing and Spanish-language television on the big screen to connect with our neighbors to the South. Authentic Mexican foods and drinks will be available for purchase. 5-10pm. FREE. Fountain Square. 520 Vine St., Cincinnati OH. www. myfountainsquare.com/cincodemayo. (513) 352-4066.

Cincinnati Reds vs New York Mets

7:10 pm. Great American Ballpark.

100 Joe Nuxhall Way, Cincinnati OH. cincinnati.reds.mlb.com.

(513) 381-7337 or (877) 647-7337.

R E SO U RC E S

It’s almost summer camp time again which makes it the perfect time for Diane Falanga’s latest book P.S. I Hate it Here. Come hear Diane read some of the most hilarious and heartwarming letters ever written by real-life kid campers from across the country.

7:10 pm. Great American Ballpark. 100 Joe Nuxhall Way, Cincinnati OH. cincinnati.reds.mlb.com.

(513) 381-7337 or (877) 647-7337.

Mobile Mammography Screening

The St. Elizabeth Mobile Mammography will offer no-cost screening mammograms. To schedule an appointment, call 859-655-7400. 1-4pm. Free screening. Cold Spring Branch. 3920 Alexandria Pike, Cold Spring KY. www.cc-pl.org.

Night Owls love the dark and so do fish! Come and see for yourself at the Voice of America Park Lake when fishing is open until 1 a.m. the first Friday of the month May-Sept. Just because the sun goes down doesn’t mean the fun is over! Motor Vehicle and Metroparks fishing permit required. VOA Park.

7850 VOA Park Drive, West Chester Township OH.

Teen Advisory Board

Add your voice and ideas to future teen programming. Ages 12-18. Please register. 4 pm.

Carrico/Fort Thomas Branch. 1000 Highland Ave., Fort Thomas KY. www.cc-pl.org. 859-572-5033.

Saturday, May 08 Appreciation of the Arts Day

View the Graffiti Graphics Mural created by local kids. At 2 p.m. watch “Walking Through the Seasons with Sheep and Sheldon” performed by the Hands Up! Puppet Troupe. Refreshments will be served. For more information or to register for the event, call the library. 2 pm. Bethel Branch. 611 W. Plane St, Bethel OH. www.clermontlibrary. org. (513)734-2619.

Cincinnati Reds vs Chicago Cubs

7:10 pm. Great American Ballpark. 100 Joe Nuxhall Way, Cincinnati OH. cincinnati.reds.mlb.com.

(513) 381-7337 or (877) 647-7337.

Linton Music’s Peanut Butter and Jam Sessions Present Madcap Music!

The Madcap Puppets join the Peanut Butter and Jam musicians to tell exciting stories set to chamber music. You won’t want to miss the musical magic and fun! Children’s chamber music series for preschoolers (2-6 yr. olds) and their families. Interactive, Educational, and Fun! 10am and 11:30am. $4.00 per person or $12.00 for Flex-Book of 4 tickets good at any PB&J concert. Tickets available at the door or by calling 513.381.6868. Free Graeter’s cookies at every concert! Visit www.lintonmusic.org. 10am and 11:30am. $4 per person or $12 for flexbook of 4 tickets. Knox Presbyterian Church. 3400 Michigan Avenue, Cincinnati OH. www.lintonmusic.org.

(513) 381-6868.

Mind Play: Parenting with Guided Imagery

Whether you are looking for more ways to challenge, have fun, and connect with your CINCINNATIPARENT.COM 27

R E SO U RC E S

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calendar

child, or you are interested in finding solutions to specific issues such as potty training, sleep patterns, tantrums, or adjusting to change, guided imagery can be an amazing resource for your entire family.

Young children have an amazing ability to imagine things and this gift can be used in fun ways to help kids thrive and overcome mental, emotional, and behavioral challenges. This 45-minute informational workshop, conducted by a Professional Counselor and Certified Guided Imagery Therapist, will reveal the many uses of guided imagery for toddlers and preschoolers. She’ll share the benefits of this technique, the research behind it, and how to use it effectively with your 2 to 5 year old. 10:30 am and 11:30 am. FREE. Must call to register. Cincinnati Family Enrichment Center. 4244 Hamilton Ave., Cincinnati OH. www.theplaceforfamilies. com. (513)591-CFEC.

4th Annual Butterfly Walk for CancerFree Kids

Form a team and come support families battling pediatric cancer. The event, sponsored by Anthem, starts wtih a one mile inspirational walk, followed by 4 hours of a family fun festival, included with your registration fee.

Don’t miss out on this chance to help save a lifetime.

9am—2pm. $35 event day, $15— 30 pre-reg. Cottell Park. 5847 Irwin Simpson Rd., Mason OH. www. butterflywalk. com. 513.575.KIDS.

Sunday, May 09 Cincinnati Reds vs Chicago Cubs

1:10 pm. Great American Ballpark. 100 Joe Nuxhall Way, Cincinnati OH. cincinnati.reds.mlb.com.

(513) 381-7337 or (877) 647-7337.

Discovery Days

Join Ohio Virtual Academy families and staff for a day of Discovery as we explore some of the state’s most popular venues. All events will feature free admission and a range of activities for families to enjoy. 5:30—9:00 PM. Cincinnati Museum Center. 1301 Western Ave, Cincinnati OH. www. cincymuseum.com. (513)287-7000.

More Signing, Less Whining!

“Talk” to your hearing baby or toddler with American Sign Language -as early as 6 months of age! Benefits include preverbal communication, earlier speech development, enhanced intellectual development, and less frustration (less crying, fewer tantrums!). SmallTalk, a two-hour parent workshop is taught by a Child Sign Language Specialist. 6:45 pm. $45/couple. Bethesda Hospital.

10500 Montgomery Rd., Cincinnati OH. www. trihealth.com. 513-475-4500.

Wednesday, May 12 Anime at the Library

Give us your opinion and tell us what you think of the anime movies. Teens must have a parental permission slip on file to participate. For more information, call the library. 3:30 pm. Bethel Branch. 611 W. Plane St, Bethel OH. www. clermontlibrary.org. (513)734-2619.

One Stop Job Fair

Make connections with multiple employers at one location! One Stop Northern Kentucky will conduct a 3-hour job fair featuring 11 employers. No registration required. 1-4pm. Carrico/Fort Thomas Branch. 1000 Highland Ave., Fort Thomas KY. www.cc-pl.org. 859-572-5033.

Open Craft Day

We have the supplies, you have the ideas—let’s see what you can make! Ages 12-18. Please register.

3:30pm. Newport Branch. 901 E. Sixth St., Newport KY. www.cc-pl.org. (859)572-5035.

Monday, May 10

Thursday, May 13

Computer Class: Online Job Hunting

Baby’s Amazing Journey

Learn how to use the Internet to aid in your job search. Please register. 6:30 pm. Carrico/Fort Thomas Branch. 1000 Highland Ave., Fort Thomas KY. www.cc-pl.org. 859-572-5033.

Tuesday, May 11 Cold Spring Writer’s Club

Get new ideas, offer and get advice from other teens.

Ages 12-18. Please register. 6 pm. Free. Cold Spring Branch. 3920 Alexandria Pike, Cold Spring KY. www.cc-pl.org. (859) 781-6166.

This eye-opening workshop helps parents navigate the challenging waters of infancy by offering effective strategies for dealing with typical eating, sleeping, & fussiness issues, as well as sharing insightful tips that will guide you through expected developmental milestones, assisting you in helping your child reach their fullest potential. 7 pm. $35/ parenting team. Good Samaritan Hospital. 375 Dixmyth Ave, Cincinnati OH. www.trihealth. com. (513)591-CFEC.

Drop-in Flip Flop Design

Tweens and teens can drop in after school to decorate flip flops. Participants are encouraged to bring their

own pair. Limited pairs will be available. For more information or to register, call the library. 2 pm.

Bethel Branch. 611 W. Plane St, Bethel OH. www. clermontlibrary.org. (513)734-2619.

Thursday Art Play: Fun with Buttons

Join us in the UnMuseum to play games and create crafts with colorful buttons. 1-2pm. Free with CAC Admission. Contemporary Arts Center. 44 E Sixth Street, Cincinnati Oh. www. contemporaryartscenter.org/UnMuseum/ ThursdayArtPlay. 513.345.8400.

Friday, May 14 Cincinnati Reds vs. St. Louis Cardinals

7:10 pm. Great American Ballpark. 100 Joe Nuxhall Way, Cincinnati OH. cincinnati.reds.mlb.com.

(513) 381-7337 or (877) 647-7337.

Come join Camp Kern in welcoming spring! This free open house features activities, sample snacks, guided tours, and a great way to spend a few hours as a family! If you are considering sending your children to summer camp, this is a great way to get informed and have fun at the same time. 1:00pm to 5:00pm. FREE. YMCA Camp Kern. 5291 State Rt. 350, Oregonia OH. www.campkern.org. 513932-3756.

Monday, May 17 Family Fun Time: Library Safari

Families are welcome to come and explore the library using a variety of games and activities. It’s your chance to have all your burning questions about the library answered. 7 pm. Goshen Branch. 6678 State Route 132, Goshen OH. www.clermontlibrary. org. (513)722-1221.

Happiest Baby on the Block Coppelia

This classic ballet brightens the stage with the comedic tale of a young man who falls in love with a doll, forsaking his fiancé. Eventually love prevails, all is forgiven and a village wedding completes this tale—a true family favorite. May 14: 7 pm, May 15 and 16: 2 pm. $20 adults, $15 for 12 and under and Seniors 65 and over. Group. Corbett Theatre, NKU. Nunn Drive, Corbett Theatre, Highland Heights KY. www. ballettheatremidwest.com. 513-520-2334.

Saturday, May 15 Cincinnati Reds vs. St. Louis Cardinals

7:10 pm. Great American Ballpark. 100 Joe Nuxhall Way, Cincinnati OH. cincinnati.reds.mlb.com.

(513) 381-7337 or (877) 647-7337.

These Aren’t Your Momma’s Cloth Diapers

Did you know there are almost 60 different chemicals in a disposable diaper? The average child uses 10,000 diapers before learning to use the toilet. If your baby is in disposable diapers for 2 1/2 years, you’ll use 20 trees and 420 gallons of petroleum. We throw away 18 billion disposable diapers a year, and it takes hundreds of years for them to decompose, meaning every disposable diaper ever used is still out there!

Keep chemicals off your baby, save money, and help the environment—consider cloth diapers! Worried it will be too hard, too inconvenient, too messy?

Today’s cloth diapers use no pins, no rubber pants and need no rinsing, and if you use a diaper service it’s as simple as taking out the trash. Best news of all—babies diapered in cloth learn to use the toilet about a year earlier than kids who wear disposables!

Want to know more? Cloth diapering mom/expert, will be on hand to answer all your questions.

11:30 am. FREE. Must call to register. Cincinnati Family Enrichment Center. 4244 Hamilton Ave., Cincinnati OH. www.theplaceforfamilies. com. (513)591-CFEC.

Sunday, May 16 Cincinnati Reds vs. St. Louis Cardinals

1:10 pm. Great American Ballpark. 100 Joe Nuxhall Way, Cincinnati OH. cincinnati.reds.mlb.com.

(513) 381-7337 or (877) 647-7337.

JCC Tween Scene (a party for tween-agers)

SWEET! Ice cream AND Rockband rockoffs! Wii tournaments, gym games, and waterpark challenges, too! Wear gym shoes & socks, and bring a swimsuit & towel. Register at least one week ahead through the JCC, 513.761.7500, info@mayersojcc.org, or JointheJ. org. 6—9pm. $15; Open to the public. Mayerson JCC. 8485 Ridge Road, Cincinnati OH. www.JointheJ. org. 513.761.7500.

28 CINCINNATI PARENT * MAY 2010

YMCA Camp Kern’s Open House

New babies are such a blessing, but they can also bring with them sleepless nights, crying, & sometimes quite a bit of stress! In this 2-hour innovative workshop you will be taught stepby-step how to help your newborn sleep better & how to soothe even the fussiest baby in minutes!

Magic? A miracle? No, it’s a reflex. 6:45 pm. $50/ couple. Bethesda Hospital. 10500 Montgomery Rd., Cincinnati OH. www.trihealth.com. 513-4754500.

Walk-in Wii Night

Attendees in grades 1-12 are invited to play Big Brain Academy, Mariokart, and Guitar Hero. 5:307pm. New Richmond Branch. 103 River Valley Blvd., New Richmond OH. www.cc-pl.org.

(513)553-0570.

Tuesday, May 18 Family Reading Book Club

Families are encouraged to read together. Come discuss The Mouse and the Motorcycle by Beverly Cleary. 5:30 pm. New Richmond Branch. 103 River Valley Blvd., New Richmond OH. www.ccpl.org. (513)553-0570.

Wednesday, May 19 Meditainment

Leave your worries about the economy behind. Join us for guided meditation under the stars at Drake Planetarium for a time to relax and rejuvenate with our Meditainment specialists. 7:00 p.m. $7 in advance, $8 at the door. Drake Planetarium.

2020 Sherman Ave., Norwood OH. www. drakeplanetarium.org. (513)396-5578.

Outdoor Fun

Join us for outside games at the Library! Ages 12-18.

No registration required. 3:30pm. Newport Branch.

901 E. Sixth St., Newport KY. www.cc-pl.org.

(859)572-5035.

Thursday, May 20 The Fantasticks

Longest-running musical in history tells the story of a young man and the girl next door, whose parents have built a wall to keep them apart. 8 pm. $49-$65.

Playhouse in the Park. 962 Mount Adams Circle, Cincinnati OH. www.cincyplay.com. 513-4213888.

Friday, May 21 After-Hours Teen Game Night

Go head-to-head against your friends in Guitar Hero, Wii, board games and much more. You may bring your own games, but ESRB rating must be T

R E SO U RC E S or E. Pizza and snacks provided. Ages 12-18. Please register. 7 pm. Free. Cold Spring Branch. 3920 Alexandria Pike, Cold Spring KY. www.cc-pl. org. (859) 781-6166.

Country Throwdown Tour

Montgomery Gentry, Jamey Johnson, Little Big Town, Jack Ingram, Eric Church, the Eli Young Band, the Lost Trailers, Heidi Newfield, Ryan Bingham and the Dead Horses, Jonathan Singleton & the Grove, Emily West and others perform on multiple stages. 1 pm. $31-$41 pavilion, $10.50-$21 lawn. Riverbend Music Center. 6295 Kellogg Ave., Cincinnati OH. www.countrythrowdown. com. (513) 232-6220.

Saturday, May 22 Cincinnati Walk Now for Autism Speaks

Walk Now for Autism Speaks at Coney Island includes an optional 1.5-mile walk and a fun-filled day with games, activities, refreshments, an autism resource fair and more! Powered by volunteers and families with loved ones on the autism spectrum, this grassroots fundraising effort not only generates vital funds for autism research, but also raises awareness about the increasing prevalence of autism and the need for increased research funding to combat this complex disorder.

Go to www.walknowforautismspeaks.org/ cincinnati to register or for more information.

Registration opens at 8:00 a.m. Walk starts at 10:00 a.m. Coney Island. 6201 Kellogg Avenue, Cincinnati OH. 513-251-3378.

Linton Music’s Peanut Butter and Jam Sessions Present Madcap Music!

The Madcap Puppets join the Peanut Butter and Jam musicians to tell exciting stories set to chamber music.

You won’t want to miss the musical magic and fun!

Children’s chamber music series for preschoolers (2-6 yr. olds) and their families. Interactive, Educational, and Fun! 10am and 11:30am. For more information call 513.381.6868. Free Graeter’s cookies at every concert! Visit www.lintonmusic.org. 10am and 11:30am. This is special free presentation. Emanuel Community Center. 1308 Race Street, Cincinnati OH. www.lintonmusic.org. (513) 381-6868.

Resume Preparation and Interview Techniques

Learn how to search for a job, what information to put on your resume and how to properly prepare for an interview. Adults. Please register. 10 am.

Newport Branch. 901 E. Sixth St., Newport KY. www.cc-pl.org. (859)572-5035.

Sunday, May 23 Cultures of Dance at the Mayerson JCC

Experience the beauty & diversity in dance! Dancers from Ballet Tech Cincinnati, Cincinnati Ballet, and other dance companies perform contemporary ballet, Hip Hop, musical theater, Chinese, Indian, Latin/Salsa, and more. This interactive presentation explores the commonality of movement in various dance cultures, and the connection between ancient & modern dance. For tickets or more information contact the JCC at 513.761.7500, info@mayersojcc. org, or JointheJ.org. 3—4:30pm. $5; Open to the public. Mayerson JCC. 8485 Ridge Road, Cincinnati OH. www.JointheJ.org. 513.761.7500.

PETER PAN

Children’s Repertory of Clifton Performance Theatre is performing PETER PAN, a Kathryn Schultz Miller’s adaptation with all of our favorite

music numbers. Join us on a journey to Neverland with this talented and inspiring all-child cast.

Tickets ($7/child, $10/adults, $8/seniors) are available at CliftonPerformanceTheatre.com or by calling 513-861-7469. 2 p.m. Tickets ($7/child, $10/ adults, $8/seniors). Clifton Performance Theatre.

404 Ludlow Avenue, Cincinnati OH. www. cliftonperformancetheatre.com.

513-861SHOW (7469).

Monday, May 24 Cincinnati Reds vs.

Pittsburgh Pirates

7:10 pm. Great American Ballpark. 100 Joe Nuxhall Way, Cincinnati OH. cincinnati.reds.mlb.com.

(513) 381-7337 or (877) 647-7337.

Tuesday, May 25 cincinnati Reds vs.

Pittsburgh Pirates

7:10 pm. Great American Ballpark. 100 Joe Nuxhall Way, Cincinnati OH. cincinnati.reds. mlb.com. (513) 381-7337 or (877) 647-7337.

Duct Tape Creations for Teens and ‘Tweens

Join us at the Library and make creations out of duct tape! Ages 9-18. Please register. 6pm. Carrico/Fort Thomas Branch. 1000 Highland Ave., Fort Thomas KY. www.cc-pl.org. 859-572-5033.

Impresa Quarterfest

Quarter fests are a fun night out event hosted by the Impresa Business Network. The events are a great opportunity for our customers to get great product collections. At the quarter fest, you will find 60—100 different product collection that you could purchase for as little as a Quarter! Bring a bag of quarters and place your bid on the collections you ar interested in, and when your number is called, you win! There are more opportunities to win door prizes and raffels throughout the night. Proceeds will be donated to our local charity. Doors open at 6:30pm, Quarterfest to start at 7:00. $1.00. Edgewood Senior Center. 550 Freedom Park Drive. www.impresa-network. com. 859-818-0803.

Wednesday, May 26 Build Your Own Telescope Class

Want to know what special secrets may be hiding in the Milky Way or on Orion’s Belt? Then join us at Drake Planetarium when we teach you how to build your own telescope! We will give each parent child team a Galileoscope, show you how to assemble it, and train you how to use it to observe the night sky. The Galileoscope is yours to keep.

We only have space for 30 teams so reserve your spot today. 7:00-9:00 pm. For a parent-child team $35, additional children can attend for. Drake Planetarium. 2020 Sherman Ave., Norwood OH. www.drakeplanetarium.org. (513)396-5578.

Way, Cincinnati OH. cincinnati.reds.mlb.com.

(513) 381-7337 or (877) 647-7337.

Thursday Art Play: What Color is a Bubble?

Bring your children and together you can blow bubbles and discover the wonderful color they capture. 1-2pm. Free with CAC Admission.

Contemporary Arts Center. 44 E Sixth Street, Cincinnati Oh. www.contemporaryartscenter. org/UnMuseum/ThursdayArtPlay.

513.345.8400.

Friday, May 28 SINGER SONGWRITER

A showcase of original songs and the back stories of how they came to be, performed in an intimate setting of Clifton Performance Theatre. Artist TBA please check out our website for more details cliftonperfrormancetheatre.com.

7:30 p.m. Tickets $8. Clifton Performance Theatre.

404 Ludlow Avenue, Cincinnati OH. www. cliftonperformancetheatre.com.

513-861SHOW (7469).

Cincinnati Reds vs.

Houston Astros

7:10 pm. Great American Ballpark. 100 Joe Nuxhall Way, Cincinnati OH. cincinnati.reds.mlb.com.

(513) 381-7337 or (877) 647-7337.

Nature Story Time with Imago

Imago is back at blue manatee! Join us for a monthly installment of nature stories, songs and other fun activities. This month’s theme: Little Sprouts! Free, ages 2 and up. 10:30-11:30. free. Blue Manatee Bookstore. 3054 Madison Rd., Cincinnati OH. www.bluemanateebooks.com.

SOS (Spring Into Summer) Hike

Come see Mother Nature as she transitions from Spring into Summer with this guided hike through Sebald park in Middletown. Check out what is in the creek if weather permits! FREE but a Motor Vehicle Permit is required. 10 a.m. Sebald Park. 5580 Elk Creek Road, Middletown OH.

Saturday, May 29 CIncinnati Reds vs.

Houston Astros

7:10 pm. Great American Ballpark. 100 Joe Nuxhall Way, Cincinnati OH. cincinnati.reds.mlb.com.

(513) 381-7337 or (877) 647-7337.

RGI River Run...Benefiting Kicks For Kids

The 14th Annual RGI River Run, presented by Duke Energy and benefiting Kicks For Kids (KFK), will once again kick-off the Tri-State’s summer

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calendar

running season! Taking place at 9:15 AM on the Saturday (5/29/10) of Memorial Day weekend, the proceeds of the RGI River Run will support KFK’s efforts to “level the playing field” for local children who are challenged physically, mentally or by the environment in which they live. Enjoy live music

by The RumRunners, great prizes and a post-party at Arnie’s. 9:15 AM. Pre-registration: Adults—$14; 12-17—$10; 6-11—$8; 5 & unde. Newport on the Levee. www.kicksforkids.org. 859-331-8484.

Sunday, May 30 Cincinnati Reds vs.

Houston Astros

1:10 pm. Great American Ballpark. 100 Joe Nuxhall Way, Cincinnati OH. cincinnati.reds.mlb.com.

(513) 381-7337 or (877) 647-7337.

Club Aqua

Club Aqua, The Beach’s teens-only outdoor dance club, is returning for its eighth season. The party will take place at the Pearl and features a live interactive DJ and music. (Must be 13-19 years of age). 9-midnight. $10 at the gate; $8 online. The Beach Waterpark. 2590 Waterpark Drive, Mason OH. www.thebeachwaterpark.com. 513-398SWIM.

WIZARD OF OZ

Follow Clifton Performance Theatre’s all child cast down the yellow brick road to see the Wizard.

Dorothy’s strange and beautiful journey becomes important to everyone she meets in this inspiring classic. Friends and foes sing our old favorite songs as we find our way back to a place where dreams do come true. Tickets ($7/child, $10/adults, $8/ seniors) are available at CliftonPerformanceTheatre. com or by calling 513-861-7469. 2 p.m. Tickets ($7/ child, $10/adults, $8/seniors). Clifton Performance Theatre. 404 Ludlow Avenue, Cincinnati OH. www.cliftonperformancetheatre.com. 513861-SHOW (7469).

Monday, May 31 The Amazing Portable Circus Presents Juggling Mondays

Our Cincinnati based entertainment company will be offering a free juggling show to all at our studio in Cincinnati, Ohio. Please RSVP via phone at 513-921-5454. Check us out at http:// amazingportablecircus.com. 7:30pm. free.

Essex Studios. 501 Minnesota Street, Cincinnati Ohio. http://www.amazingportablecircus. com. 513-921-5454.

Plant Exchange

Exchange one plant for another to help build a flower garden. Goshen Branch. 6678 State Route 132, Goshen OH. http://www.clermontlibrary. org. (513)722-1221.

Cincinnati Reds vs.

Pittsburgh Pirates

7:10 pm. Great American Ballpark. 100 Joe Nuxhall Way, Cincinnati OH. cincinnati.reds.mlb.com.

(513) 381-7337 or (877) 647-7337.

Weds at the Movies

This month’s title is For My Father directed by Dror Zahavi. For more information call the library. 2 pm.

Batavia Branch. 180 S. Third St, Batavia OH. www. clermontlibrary.org. (513) 732-2128.

Thursday, May 27 Cincinnati Reds vs.

Pittsburgh Pirates

7:10 pm. Great American Ballpark. 100 Joe Nuxhall CINCINNATIPARENT.COM 29

R E SO U RC E S

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ongoing events calendar

”The Garden of RikkiTikki-Tavi” presented by Playhouse in the Park

Ongoing Each Monday Beginning Monday, April 26, 2010. All ages will enjoy this free-flowing comic brawl—a loose adaptation of Rudyard Kipling’s classic children’s tale Rikki-Tikki-Tavi.

Contact: Register in advance through the Mayerson JCC, 513.761.7500, ccummings@mayersonjcc.org or www.JointheJ.org. 1—2:30pm. $5; Open to the public. Mayerson Jewish Community Center. 8485 Ridge Rd., Cincinnati OH. www.mayersonjcc. org. (513)761-7500.

New this season, tickets are just $25 for the preview performances at 8 p.m.

Friday, April 30; 8 p.m. Saturday, May 1; 2 p.m. Sunday, May 2; 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 4; and 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 5. Some restrictions apply. The official opening night is Thursday, May 6 at 8 p.m. Performances take place at 7:30 p.m. Tuesdays and Wednesdays, 8 p.m.

Thursdays and Fridays; 4 and 8 p.m. on Saturdays; and 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. on Sundays. Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park. 962 Mt. Adams Circle, Cincinnati OH. www.cincyplay.com. (513) 421-3888.

ALICE IN WONDERLAND 27th Annual Spring Concert Still We Rise

Occurring Daily Beginning Saturday, May 15, 2010 Through Sunday, May 16, 2010. MUSE is pleased to present our 27th Annual Spring Concert Still We Rise in combination with the 13th New Spirituals Project [27/13]. Sing in the long-awaited spring with MUSE, Saturday May 15, at 8:00 and Sunday May 16 at 3:00. Tickets can be purchased online through the MUSE box office at www.musechoir.org or over the phone, by calling 513-221-1118. $15 suggested price. Sliding scale $8-$50.

House of Joy. 5912 Hamilton Ave.

Ain’t Misbehavin’ Occurring Daily Beginning Friday, April 30, 2010 Through Saturday, May 29, 2010. From the comedy of “Your Feet’s Too Big” to “Honeysuckle Rose” and “Keepin’ Out of Mischief Now,” this Tony Award-winning Broadway favorite features more than 30 toe-tapping songs and promises an evening of high-energy, crowd-pleasing entertainment. Prices for AIN’T MISBEHAVIN’ range from $25$67, depending on day and seat location.

Occurring Each Sunday Beginning Sunday, May 09, 2010 Through Sunday, May 16, 2010. A curious young girl by the name of Alice Liddell begins the journey of her young life time after falling deep into a rabbit hole. When she finally reaches bottom she is greeted by many strange and wondrous creatures.

A cat who always grins, a Caterpillar who teaches her the proper way introducing herself and a Queen who can’t stop yelling “off with your head.

We will grow big and little, knock on many doors, swim out of our tears and enjoy tea with the Mad Hatter. This production accommodates all ages and levels of experience. The cast members will have opportunity to sing, dance and act as it is presented as a musical. Tickets ($7/child, $10/adults, $8/seniors) are available at CliftonPerformanceTheatre. com or by calling 513-861-7469. 2 p.m. Tickets ($7/child, $10/adults, $8/ seniors). Clifton Performance Theatre.

404 Ludlow Avenue, Cincinnati OH. www.cliftonperformancetheatre. com. 513-861-SHOW (7469).

Art in the Woods

Occurring Daily Beginning Saturday,

May 15, 2010 Through Sunday, May 16, 2010. Art in the Woods is a great opportunity to creat and celebrate art at Imago’s 16-acre forested nature preserve.

It is an inexpensive, completely familyfriendly two-day event. A wonderful way for a family, scout troop, or friends to spend an afternoon in nature.

There will be a Kid’s Create Art sale, a community mosiac, and an opportunity to create your own art. 12pm-5pm. $5 non-members, $3 members, free under 3. Imago. 700 Enright St, Cincinnati OH. www.imagoearth.org/aitw. html. (513) 921-5124.

approach to theater using a simple, unadorned space where creativity, story and character become the focus.

The Baby Box program emphasizes low pressure and high fun! Saturdays 11 am at Clifton Performance Theatre, 404 Ludlow Ave, Cincinnati.

Ages 3-7. $12 walk in fee. Please call (513) 861-7469 or log on to www.

CliftonPerformanceTheatre. com for more info. 11 a.m. $12 walk in fee. Clifton Performance Theatre. 404 Ludlow Avenue, Cincinnati OH. www. cliftonperformancetheatre.com.

513-861-SHOW (7469).

Kemper Rd., Cincinnati OH. www. musictimestudio.net. (513) 6526267.

Ervin J. Nutter Center. 3640 Colonel Glenn Highway, Dayton OH. www. nuttercenter.com. 937-775-3498.

Get a babysitter

Saturday LEGO Mania!

Baby Adventurers

CCM Prep Ballet Company Performance

JCC hosts iSPACE: Fun with Science Series for kids (grades 4—6)

Ongoing Each Friday Beginning Friday, April 23, 2010. Baby Adventurers is an eight-week program for children ages 1-2 who attend with an adult caregiver!

During each hour-long session, adult and child will share in the wonders of nature while enjoying simple sensory experiences and fun indoor and outdoor play. Children must be the designated age for each program within the program dates. Other arrangements must be made for unregistered siblings, as they will not be permitted to attend the class. Member discounts on children’s programs require Family Membership level or above, active during date(s) of program. 9:30 —10:30 a.m. or 11 a.m.—12 p.m. Members $80, nonmembers $100. Cincinnati Nature Center at Rowe Woods. 4949 Tealtown Rd., Milford OH. www.cincynature. org. (513)831-1711.

Baby Box

Occurring Each Saturday Beginning Saturday, May 01, 2010 Through Saturday, May 29, 2010. Baby Box is a new program for kids based on black box theater principles —an

Occurring Daily Beginning Friday, April 30, 2010 Through Saturday, May 01, 2010. 7:30 p.m. All events are free unless othewise noted. CollegeConservatory of Music. Patricia Corbett Theater, Cincinnati OH. www.ccm. uc.edu. 513-556-4183.

Cincinnati May Festival

Occurring Daily Beginning Friday, May 14, 2010 Through Saturday, May 22, 2010. Featuring May Festival Chorus and Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra.

8 pm. Music Hall. 1241 Elm St., Cincinnati OH. www.mayfestival. com. 513-744-3250.

CincItalia, the Cincinnati Italian Festival

Occurring Daily Beginning Friday, May 14, 2010 Through Sunday, May 16, 2010. Cincinnati’s only Italian Festival, CincItalia (formerly St. Catharine of Siena Parish Festival), has grown from a local church festival to a celebration of Italian culture drawing attendees from the entire tri-state! Featuring some of Greater Cincinnati’s best Italian restaurants, national music acts, and cultural activities for all ages, CincItalia will showcase many aspects of Italian culture and lifestyle never before experienced at a Cincinnati festival.

Find more information and view the schedule of events at www.cincitalia. org. Become a “Fan” of CincItalia on FaceBook for the most up-to-date announcements on the festival. . Harvest Home Park. 3961 North Bend Road, Cheviot OH.

Everyone’s a Kid Again!

Occurring Daily Beginning Monday, May 03, 2010 Through Sunday, May 30, 2010. Admission for everyone including adults is the kids’ price of only $9.95.

Admission includes the world’s largest indoor train display, a newly expanded kids’ interactive play area, the American Railroading Museum, an Expo Center, and Kids’ Express outdoor hand-cranked locomotives (kids 60” and under.) For only $3 more everyone can get a combo ticket that includes Funhouse Junction, (a walk-through maze reminiscent of an old-time amusement park funhouse), an ice cream cup, and train engineers’ hat for kids. Open daily 10 a.m.-6 p.m.

(Mon-Sat), noon-6 p.m. (Sunday). FREE parking. . EnterTRAINment Junction.

7379 Squire Court, West Chester OH. www.entertrainmentjunction. com. 513-898-8000.

FREE Family Music Class

Occurring Daily Beginning Wednesday, May 05, 2010 Through Thursday, May 06, 2010. May 5 and May 6 (WEDNESDAY and THURSDAY) FREE Family Music Class Kids ages 0-4 and a caregiver are invited to enjoy a mixed age music class at Kids First Sport Center, 7900 E. Kemper Rd. Class will be at 10:00 a.m. Space is limited, please call to register: (513) 652-6267 or visit www.musictimestudio.net.

10:00 a.m. FREE. MusicTime. 7900 E. 30 CINCINNATI PARENT * MAY 2010

Ongoing Every Fri & Sat Beginning Friday, April 23, 2010. Go out this weekend and make one call (513) 8989857 to The Sitter Connection to get a babysitter anytime you want to go out. www.TheSitterConnection. com. Anytime. $8-$10 per hour.

Any where in Cincinnati. www. thesitterconnection.com. (513) 898-9857.

Occurring Each Monday Through Monday, May 10, 2010. April 19: RXC Mindstorm Robots; April 26: Art of Lego; Also offered May 3 & May 10; May 3: Fun with Fizz; May 10: Paper Rockets. Contact: Mayerson JCC, 513.761.7500 or www.jointhej.org.

4:30—6pm. $110; Open to the public.

Mayerson JCC. 8485 Ridge Road, Cincinnati OH. www.JointheJ.org.

513.761.7500.

Mom-to-Mom Occurring Each Thursday Beginning

Thursday, May 06, 2010 Through Thursday, May 27, 2010. You’ve made it through the birth—now what?!

Where can you turn to for support, encouragement, understanding, and answers to your “new mom” questions?

The CFEC! We’re here for you. Join us monthly for as long as you need the companionship of other new parents struggling with the same issues as you.

We understand; we’ve been there.

10:30 on every Thurs except May 15: 11:30 am. FREE. Must call to register.

Cincinnati Family Enrichment Center.

4244 Hamilton Ave., Cincinnati OH. www.theplaceforfamilies.com.

(513)591-CFEC.

Occurring Each Saturday Beginning Saturday, May 08, 2010 Through Saturday, May 15, 2010. Bring your friends and join us on Saturdays to construct unique Lego machines in our Lego Lab. You will build the wildest working contraptions imaginable. We will have some friendly competitions and put your creations to the test on challenge courses. Offered the 2nd ad 3rd Saturday each month. 10am— 12 noon. $20 for one Saturday, $35 for both. 10% off for Planetarium Memb. Drake Planetarium. 2020 Sherman Ave., Norwood OH. www. drakeplanetarium.org. (513)3965578.

Stay at home dads weekly playgroup

Ongoing Each Friday Beginning Friday, April 23, 2010. This is a private group for at-home dads in Cincinnati. Sign up and register at cincinnatidads.ning.com/ to gain access to the announcements and regular updates. The weekly playgroup meets at various parks and attractions around Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky. cincinnatidads.ning.com/.

Summer Opening Weekend

Occurring Daily Beginning Saturday, May 22, 2010 Through Sunday, May 23, 2010. The Beach kicks off its 26th season. Come join the fun with special admission discounts and more real sand, surf and fun. 10-6pm. $27.99 general admission if purchased at gate. The Beach Waterpark. 2590 Waterpark Drive, Mason OH. www. thebeachwaterpark.com. 513-398SWIM.

Neil Sedaka— Cincinnati Pops

THE HISTORY OF INVULNERABILITY

P&G Taste of Cincinnati USA

Whale of a Tale

Occurring Daily Beginning Thursday, April 29, 2010 Through Saturday, May 01, 2010. Hit-maker Neil Sedaka joins the Pops on April 29, 30 and May 1 at Music Hall to take the audience on a wistful trip down memory lane.

Mr. Sedaka has written, performed, produced and inspired many of songs that defined a generation. The program feature many top 40 hits including “Breaking Up is Hard to Do,” “Calendar Girl,” “Laughter in the Rain,” and “Happy Birthday, Sweet Sixteen.” The concert will also feature Mr. Sedaka’s orchestral composition, Joi de vivre. .

Music Hall. 1241 Elm St., Cincinnati OH. www.cincinnatipops.org.

513-381-3300.

Occurring Daily Beginning Saturday, May 29, 2010 Through Monday, May 31, 2010. On six blocks of Fifth Street, from Race to Broadway. Food from more than 40 Greater Cincinnati restaurants. Includes music on multiple stages. 12 pm to minight Sat/Sun and 12 pm-9 pm Monday. Free. Downtown Cincinnati. www.tasteofcincinnati. com. 513-579-3100.

Ringling Bros and Barnum and Bailey presents Zing Zang Zoom Occurring Daily Beginning Thursday, April 29, 2010 Through Sunday, May 02, 2010. SCHEDULE Thursday, April 29: 7pm Friday, April 30: 7pm Saturday, May 1: 11am; 3pm; 7pm Sunday, May 2: 12pm; 4pm **7 total performances. $13 and up.

Occurring Daily (except Mon) Beginning Tuesday, April 20, 2010 Through Sunday, May 02, 2010. The Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park will continue its Shelterhouse Theatre season with the world premiere of THE HISTORY OF INVULNERABILITY

by David Bar Katz. This remarkable new play about fantasy and reality in the 20th century begins previews in the Playhouse’s Thompson Shelterhouse Theatre April 3 and continues through May 2. Performances take place at 7:30 p.m. Tuesdays and Wednesdays, 8 p.m.

Thursdays and Fridays; 4 and 8 p.m. on Saturdays; and 2 p. $45-$61. Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park. 962 Mt. Adams Circle, Cincinnati OH. www. cincyplay.com. (513)421-3888.

Occurring Every Tue, Thu & Sat

Beginning Saturday, May 01, 2010 Through Thursday, May 27, 2010. Instill the love of reading within your child from infancy upward by participating in our multi-sensory story time. Weekly themes incorporate story telling, singing, and a simple take-home craft, if desired.

Come with your “listening ears” on!

May Story Time Themes: 5/1: April Showers Bring May Flowers. 5/4, 6 & 8: Happy Mother’s Day! 5/11, 13 & 15: It’s “Thank our Police” Week! 5/18, 20 & 22: It’s National Bike Month!

5/25 & 27: We Love Playing in the Mud. 10:30 am Birth to 5 years. FREE. Cincinnati Family Enrichment Center.

4244 Hamilton Ave., Cincinnati OH. www.theplaceforfamilies.com.

(513)591-CFEC.

R E SO U RC E S (education & childcare directory CONTINUED FROM PAGE 11) Tender Tots Daycare 2232 Stratford Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45219 Rasheed Shamma/ Owner 513-793-3076 tender_tots@yahoo.com

www.tender-tots.com Ages 0-5 Enrollment: Open

Center located in Clifton near UC and hospitals. Accepting 0-5 yr olds. During June-Aug we have week long programs fun filled and learning focused. We have a private 1 acre park and indoor playground. Staff certified, age approriate activities and balanced meals. Visit www.tender-tots.com for pictures and more info.

Non-public

Cincinnati Country Day School 6905 Given Rd, Cincinnati, OH 45243 (513)979-0220 Non-Public Early Childhood (18 months) – 12th grade Enrollment: 800

CCDS is an independent, co-educational school dedicated to educational excellence serving students 18 months through Grade 12. The School is nationally recognized for its innovative, integrated laptop computer program. Extended day and tuition assistance is available.

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education & childcare directory

environment to children who aren’t “fitting in” their current school’s program and thus are not learning and developing to their full potential.

Working in partnership with families is a vital component in creating an integrated K-8 learning environment that combines academics, social skills and therapies in order to help the whole child achieve academically and socially.

Springer School and Center 2121 Madison Rd., Cincinnati, OH 45208 (513)871-6080 Learning Disabilities/Special Needs 1st - 8th grade Enrollment: 206

For almost 40 years, Springer School & Center has empowered students with learning disabilities to lead successful lives. Today, Springer teaches learning strategies to 206 day-school students, provides info and referral services to the community, and offers programs for students, parents, and teachers. Springer School & Center is the only resource in the region dedicated entirely to learning disabilities. For more info, call (513)871-6080 or go to www.springer-ld.org.

Virtual/Distance

Ohio Virtual Academy Best performing eSchool in Ohio (866)339-9072

www.ohva.org Grades: Kindergarten – 10th grade Enrollment: 3,300

St. Ursula Villa 3660 Vineyard Place, Cincinnati, OH 45226 (513)871-7218 Preschool – 8th grade Enrollment: 496

Academic excellence in the Ursuline tradition for boys and girls in preschool through 8th grade. Wholechild development, family atmosphere, dedicated faculty, Montessori or Traditional preschool options, small class size, individual attention, outstanding high school preparation

Ohio Virtual Academy helps your K-10 children obtain an excellent public school education, tuition free!

Under the guidance of licensed teachers, parents help their children learn at home using K12’s comprehensive curriculum and educational materials.

YOUR LISTING HERE!

Contact Erin at Erin@CincinnatiParent.com

Summit Country Day School 2161 Grandin Road (513)871-4700

www.summitcds.org Grades: Age 2 - Grade 12 Enrollment: 1100

Founded in 1890, the area’s only independent, Catholic, co-ed, college-prep school serving students age 2 - Grade 12 is recognized as a leader in formalized Character Education, Credo. A diverse community of students benefit from a rich, classical and challenging curriculum within three contiguous divisions.

Extensive athletic and visual arts programs campus-wide.

Special Needs

Linden Grove School, Specialized Learning for the Whole Child 4122 Myrtle Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45236 (513)984-2215

www.lindengroveschool.org Special Needs Grades: Kindergarten - 8th grade

We provide a unique environment that focuses on serving children who are on the autism spectrum, have ADD/ADHD, learning disabilities, and communication disorders. Linden Grove provides a quality school

R E SO U RC E S

Your Listing Here!

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classifieds

Contact Erin at Erin@CincinnatiParent.com

CINCINNATIPARENT.COM 31

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