FORT MITCHELL, Ky. – A childcare center in Northern Kentucky is providing life-changing care for medically complex children and their siblings, but similar services aren’t yet available in Ohio.
Easterseals Redwood facilities in Fort Mitchell and Florence serve more than 200 children, including 80 with medical complexities. The centers have on-site medical staff and therapists to support the unique needs of these children.
“I truly would be lost without the center,” said Reagan Domaschko, whose two boys attend the Easterseals Redwood Prescribed Pediatric Extended Care (PPEC) program. “I couldn’t imagine trusting anyone else more with my boys.”
Her three-year-old, Luca, has a duplicated chromosome 22 causing rhabdoid tumors and is nonverbal autistic. Her four-year-old has food aversion and constipation issues and is g-tube fed. Domaschko said her oldest son couldn’t attend other daycares because they didn’t have the staff to manage his medical needs.
The PPEC program allows children with medical complexities and their typically developing siblings to participate in the same activities while receiving individualized nursing care and therapies.
“Children who are developing typically sit alongside children with complex medical needs and they’re receiving the exact same experiences while the children with complex medical needs receive individualized nursing treatments and therapies,” said Katrina Proud, Director of Children Services at Easterseals Redwood.
Ohio House Bill 141 could bring similar services to the state. Sponsored by Cincinnati representatives Cindy Abrams (R-Harrison) and Rachel Baker (D-Cincinnati), the bipartisan bill would establish a licensure process and allow Medicaid funding for the program.
“It just makes sense. I was really kind of shocked Ohio didn’t have something for children with these complex medical needs,” said Rep. Abrams.
Rep. Baker added, “We have a lot of these families that get their care from Cincinnati Children’s, and we really need to have community support for them when they’re not in the hospital.”
Domaschko emphasized the need for the program: “Our children need it. It’s not a want, it’s a need. It’s causing a lot of kids to suffer. They’re not getting the help they need, that they deserve.”
Supporters note the program could also reduce Medicaid costs, as consistent professional care may lower the need for emergency services. The bill passed the Ohio House unanimously in June and was still in the Senate committee as of December 3.
In Kentucky, families can access funding through Medicaid based on medical condition, not household income. Those interested in the PPEC program are encouraged to contact Easterseals Redwood.
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