Meet Shay Hill of Kids at Play Family Center

Today we’d like to introduce you to Shay Hill.

Hi Shay, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
My journey with Kids at Play Family Center started long before I even realized it. Growing up, I spent a lot of time at my grandmother’s in-home childcare. She wasn’t driven by recognition or status—she simply had a heart for giving. She raised 11 of us grandkids and opened her home to care for other children too. I was the second oldest, and by the time I was 11, I found myself right beside her—helping teach, plan the day, and pretending I had my own classroom. I used flashlights as projectors and clear plastic packaging to mimic transparency sheets. Teaching was never just a dream—it was part of who I was.

That early spark grew into a deep passion. I pursued Early Childhood Education and spent over 15 years working in the field. Eventually, I opened my own home daycare, then expanded into a childcare center. But I knew I wanted to create something more—a space that went beyond just care, and spoke to the deeper needs of families like mine.

That dream became Kids at Play Family Center. A non-profit 501(c)(3) organization founded in 2020. I wanted to build a space where families felt supported in all aspects of life. Being a business owner can be incredibly isolating, and I knew firsthand how much harder it is when you’re trying to balance that with motherhood and fatherhood. I thought: What if we could create a space where parents could grow professionally while their children were being loved, nurtured, and taught nearby?

Kids at Play Family Center is that dream in motion. It’s a place for parents in business, parents in school, remote workers, stay-at-home moms who need community—anyone searching for balance. We offer flexible, affordable childcare rooted in the Reggio Emilia inspired approach, because I believe deeply that early education should be intentional, play-based, and meaningful.

We also built a retail café, not just as a space for families to gather, but as a way to support small businesses. I wanted to create opportunities for local makers to pop up and sell their products—especially for those who dream of a storefront but can’t yet afford a brick-and-mortar space. Just like someone once believed in me, I want to be that person for someone else. I found my niche is supporting woman owned businesses. We work together to host networking events and a support group for women in business to chat.

Then there’s my Pretend City—the play area that sparks imagination and exploration. I wanted children to be able to role-play as doctors, farmers, veterinarians, construction workers—any dream they can imagine. Through that kind of play, they’re building real-world skills, forming social connections, solving problems, and gaining confidence. Our children are the future and if we can offer experiences for children to explore in meaningful ways that help them prepare for their future, we are willing to do what it takes to provide intentional opportunities!

Our center has also become a resource hub for homeschooling families and hosts weekly enrichment programs like music therapy and art classes. We hold market days and family events to bring people together, and everything we do is grounded in our mission:

“The mission of Kids at Play Family Center is to provide a supportive and inclusive space for families by combining collaborative spaces, childcare, and mental health support. We strive to empower families to achieve a healthy work-life balance, promote mental wellness for families, foster child development, and build strong, meaningful partnerships within our community.”

All of this is built on the idea that families thrive when they have a village. I wanted to create that village—one filled with dreamers, doers, parents, and children learning and growing together. We even host free workshops with local therapists to support mental health and offer parenting classes. We believe in showing up for families in every season.

And while this dream is mine, the roots do go back to my grandmother. She was deeply involved in our city, organizing food drives, back-to-school events, and community block parties to bring people together. I carry that spirit with me every day—but this journey, this center, is my heart’s work. And the most beautiful part? She’s still here to see it all come to life.

Kids at Play Family Center is about community, heart, and building something bigger than ourselves. It’s about making the world better—one child, one parent, one dream at a time.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
One of the biggest challenges I’ve faced was launching Kids at Play Family Center at a young age, back in 2020, without fully understanding what it meant to run a nonprofit. I had the passion and vision, but I didn’t yet have the knowledge or resources to support it. That first year, I hosted two large community events—both were incredibly successful and deeply meaningful—but I paid for everything out of pocket. At the time, I didn’t even know that grants or donors were options. I just knew I wanted to do something good for families and children.

Eventually, I had to put the nonprofit on pause because it wasn’t sustainable. It wasn’t until late 2024 that I revisited the dream and made the decision to rebuild—with more clarity, more purpose, and a better understanding of what it would take. I had always known my “why,” but I finally started learning how to match it with the right tools and structure to move it forward.

Since relaunching in December 2024, we’ve continued operating without any grant funding or donor contributions. And while the work we do speaks volumes—building community, supporting families, offering affordable programs—we often don’t have the tangible proof that funders look for. That’s been one of the hardest parts: knowing in our hearts that the work matters, but still waiting for someone to believe in it enough to help us grow it.

We need funding to truly expand our impact—to sustain the programs, support our families, and build the legacy we’re working so hard to create. My biggest fear is that we won’t be able to reach as many children and families as we could, simply because we don’t yet have the financial support behind us. But we’re not giving up. We’re building something beautiful, one step at a time—and we’re holding space for the people who will one day help us carry it further.

As you know, we’re big fans of Kids at Play Family Center . For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Kids at Play Family Center is more than just a space—it’s a movement built from the heart. We are a nonprofit organization rooted in the belief that families thrive when they have support, connection, and access to meaningful resources. Our mission is to provide a supportive and inclusive space for families by combining collaborative workspaces, high-quality childcare, and mental health support—all in one place.

We’re proud to be the first coworking and childcare center in the Greater Cleveland Area, designed intentionally for families who want to grow personally, professionally, and as a unit. We specialize in serving families with young children through Reggio Emilia-inspired early childhood programming, sensory play, enrichment classes, and a community-centered Pretend City play area. Our programs are built to nurture both the child and the parent. Whether you’re a business owner, a student, a remote worker, or a stay-at-home parent looking to connect with others—there is something for you here.

What we’re known for is our ability to blend work-life balance with heartfelt community care. One of our most unique offerings is our retail café, which features rotating pop-up shops from local small businesses. It’s an intentional way to give entrepreneurs a space to grow while allowing families to support local in an easy, family-friendly environment. We also host weekly enrichment classes, sensory rooms, open play, and community events—all created with affordability, accessibility, and family wellbeing in mind.

What sets us apart is how deeply personal this work is. I founded this center out of lived experience—knowing what it’s like to be a dreamer without resources, and a caregiver who wished for a village. We’re not just a childcare space or a business hub—we’re a safe haven where families feel seen, children are celebrated, and dreams are supported.

Brand-wise, I’m most proud of how Kids at Play feels. Families walk in and feel the warmth, the thoughtfulness, the intention behind every corner. Our brand is rooted in heart, healing, and human connection. And even though we’re a newer nonprofit, every program, class, and event is carefully crafted to reflect those values.

What I want your readers to know is this: We are here for you. Whether you’re seeking a place where your child can explore, where you can work and still be close to your little one, or where your family can connect with others through shared experiences—we’ve built this place with you in mind. We’re still growing, still dreaming, and always finding new ways to bring families together. Because at the end of the day, we believe in the power of community—and that together, we can build a better, more connected world for our children. We are your home away from home.

What were you like growing up?
Growing up, I was imaginative, nurturing, and always had a deep love for creating experiences for others. I was the kind of child who could turn anything into a classroom—flashlights became projectors, plastic wrap became transparency sheets, and my younger cousins became my students. I loved to teach, to plan, and to lead. I was also incredibly observant and emotionally intuitive, always trying to make people feel included and cared for. I was a creative, an artist and always very resourceful. I loved turning nothing into something. I would say I was a dreamer for sure and still am. I loved Watching my dreams become reality.

Even at a young age, I was drawn to helping others—especially children. I spent a lot of time with my grandmother, who ran a home daycare, and I loved being by her side. I was the second oldest of 11 grandkids and naturally stepped into the role of a helper and nurturer. That early exposure sparked something in me—I knew I wanted to create a space where kids felt seen, loved, and encouraged to dream.

Personality-wise, I was sensitive but strong, creative but practical, and always dreaming big—even when I didn’t have the tools yet to bring those dreams to life. I was the kind of kid who wanted everyone to feel like they belonged, and that’s still who I am today. I’ve always believed in building spaces that make people feel something—and that belief has stayed with me and become the foundation of my work.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://kidsatplayfamilycenter.org/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kidsatplayfamilycenter_?igsh=NGZhMGNxbG1tYjJx
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1Bq7F5VSb2/