Mayfield City Schools proudly announce the launch of PAWS Mayfield Doggy Day Care, an innovative, student-led business designed to provide real-world workforce training for Mayfield High School students with disabilities while offering high-quality care for community dogs.

Aligned with the Ohio Means Jobs Work-Readiness Rubric and enriched as a Work-Based Learning (WBL) program, PAWS integrates 11 career fields and 15 workplace competencies into a dynamic, hands-on learning environment.

 “We wanted to think outside of the box,” said Kati Tomco, CEVEC Principal and Coordinator of Special Education. “We want to teach, train, and grow our students to develop skills for independent living. We could have opened a coffee shop or sandwich stand—but PAWS Mayfield Doggy Day Care meets our students’ needs in an environment filled with tangible job and life skills, innovation and creativity. The sky is the limit.”

The program - which will open its doors in August 2026 - will serve students enrolled in the Mayfield Workforce Academy, equipping them with essential skills for independent living and future employment. The Mayfield Workforce Academy replaces CEVEC, effective at the end of the 2025-26 school year, as a result of participating districts choosing to provide vocational programs for students with disabilities in their home districts.

Students participating in PAWS will develop critical employability skills including reliability, teamwork, communication, problem-solving, professionalism, and leadership. Under the guidance of trained job coaches and staff, students will engage in meaningful, real-world tasks validated by mentors across school, community, and workplace settings.

The facility, which will be located in the current CEVEC space attached to the Mayfield Innovation Center, will include indoor play and care areas, outdoor play zones (weather permitting), and dedicated spaces for retail, kitchen, and housekeeping functions related to dog care. Comprehensive safeguards will be in place, including staff supervision, on-site cameras, daily sanitization, and individualized temperament assessments for each dog.

PAWS will initially serve up to 10 dogs owned by Mayfield staff, with plans to expand following a successful pilot phase. The cost is $25 per day.

While providing a safe, structured, and engaging environment for pets, PAWS also embraces its mission: a vocational and independent living training program for our students where every dog receives abundant care, attention, and affection.

Daily Schedule Highlights:

• 7:15–7:45 AM: Arrival and check-in

• 8:00–11:00 AM: Morning enrichment, play, and supervision

• 11:00 AM–12:00 PM: Outdoor play (weather permitting)

• 12:00–2:00 PM: Rest time with calming environment

• 2:00–3:00 PM: Afternoon play and enrichment

• 3:00–3:30 PM: Pickup and daily report cards

Enrollment requires a completed application, signed waiver, and up-to-date vaccination records. Each dog will participate in a trial day to ensure a safe and positive experience.

For more information about PAWS Mayfield Doggy Day Care or to inquire about future enrollment opportunities, please contact Kati Tomco, 440-995-7450 or Mayfield City Schools Community Relations, 440-995-7222.