Cincy Chic: Tell us more about Skidaddles!
Tiffany Sams, Founder of Skidaddles: Skidaddles is Greater Cincinnati’s provider of convenient, top-quality drop-in childcare. The centers are open all day for drop-in care without advance reservations whether it is for one hour or all day. Pre-school, after school care and summer camp are also available. Skidaddles’ popular Friday and Saturday night Date Night allows parents a night out for dinner, parties or shopping. The Florence facility stays open until 11 p.m.; Mason closes at midnight.
Cincy Chic: What inspired a drop-in childcare facility like Skidaddles?
Sams: Skidaddles was created by busy parents for busy parents. We struggled with finding flexible childcare options for our daughters, and knew other parents had the same needs. Skidaddles not only meets the flexible needs of parents, it is also educational, safe, and fun.
Cincy Chic: Who’s behind Skidaddles?
Sams: Skidaddles has a creative and hands-on management team that is leading the company into a phase of growth through franchising. Holly Matteoli will lead the operations side of franchising and Stacey Alexander will focus on the marketing aspects of the franchises.
Cincy Chic: When did Skidaddles officially launch?
Sams: Myself and my husband Michael founded Skidaddles in 2008. As parents, we recognized the need for top-quality, flexible, and reliable childcare. We talked to other parents with similar needs who sought care while they worked part-time, had a doctor’s appointment, needed childcare on a school snow day or wanted to shop without the kids in tow, especially during the holidays.
Cincy Chic: Where can readers find a Skidaddles location?
Sams: Skidaddles has two locations: 8660 Bankers Street, Florence, KY (859) 647-PLAY and
5939 Deerfield Blvd., Mason, OH (behind Whole Foods) (513) 204-3482.
Cincy Chic: What are the rates for using services at Skidaddles?
Sams: A one-time $50 registration fee per family is required along with immunization and medical records. After that, parents pay for the number of hours their children attend Skidaddles. Parents also have the option of flexible full-time care that can be paid on a weekly basis.
Cincy Chic: What makes Skidaddles unique?
Sams: Skidaddles is much more than just a place that watches children. The trained teachers engage the children in age appropriate activities so they can learn and explore. Special theme days such as a Harry Potter Day or Circus Day encourage interest and creativity. Special guests make attending Skidaddles exciting.
It’s also unique through its options that are more convenient for the parents than for the people behind the business. The centers are open 90 hours a week with no advance reservations necessary. They are open for before school, after school, pre-school and summer camp hours. Skidaddles is especially popular on school snow days when parents are faced with what to do with children when bosses expect them to show up at work.
Skidaddles is also open on Sundays to host birthday parties.
Cincy Chic: Is there anything new on the horizon for Skidaddles?
Sams: Skidaddles is poised to enter a franchise phase at the beginning of 2017. Its management staff has perfected what it takes to run thriving drop in care through operating the centers on both sides of the river. They have worked for over a year to create a business plan that replicates all aspects of their success.
Cincy Chic: Where can readers go to learn more about Skidaddles?
Sams: Information can be found at www.skidaddles.com. We’re also on Twitter and both our Mason and Florence locations have Facebook pages.