WEST END, Ohio (WKRC) - A group of Cincinnati State students is leaving the classroom to help the community. Students in the Occupational Therapy Assistant program are working with the Seven Hills Neighborhood House in the West End to provide a new service: child care.
The students are collecting daycare items to fill an empty space in the Findlay Street building. They will also create a sensory room for children.
"We were just trying to figure out how we could kind of get a kick start because I think we all felt that if parents had a place around this area to bring their kids and know that they were safe, they could utilize these services more and not have to worry that somebody they don't know very well is watching their kids and that their kids are having fun,” student, Ashley Kroger, said.
That sentiment is echoed by Seven Hills Neighborhood House Community Engagement Director, Tia Brown.
“It’s something that’s so needed in the neighborhood. You need to have trusted daycare facilities in every neighborhood and we don’t have a lot here in the West End,” Brown said. “It removes that barrier to keep people from coming in the door.”
The Neighborhood House provides a variety of social services, meeting basic needs but also providing advocacy for trauma victims, education and training, housing help and more.
The students are searching for additional items to fill the facility. Students are requesting tables and chairs for young and older children, sleeping arrangements for nap time, storage options and toys and crafts for kids up to 12 years old.
You can donate directly to The Neighborhood House or reach out to student Ashley Kroger, at amkroger@cincinnatistate.edu.
There is no opening date set for the daycare. Students will also be providing mental health groups, nutrition and wellness workshops and mock interviews.
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