Useful Info
What are the ages of kids in Las Madres?
Traditionally Las Madres of Morgan Hill has had children ranging in ages from birth to age 5. Groups start the year they are born; for example, if your child was born in the year 2005 or towards the end of 2004 you would belong to the Las Madres Group of 2005. Groups usually start in August or September. We also welcome pregnant moms.
When the children are ready to start kindergarten, the Las Madres group would disband. The last official month of the disbanding group under normal circumstances would be August. The groups can choose to continue as Alumni groups. Many members of the groups still meet and get together regularly years after they have officially disbanded.
What are the annual membership dues?
Annual membership dues are currently $25 per member. Membership dues are to be paid in full along with completed Membership Forms when joining the group. Membership dues have to be received by the respective groups before you can be added on to the member's roster and on the mailing list for Newsletters and Playgroup Calendars. Checks are to be addressed to:"Las Madres _ _ _ _ (the group year you will be joining). Annual Membership for continuing members are due in August / September when the new fiscal year begins.
How will you be informed of playgroup changes and other updates?
Every effort will be made to keep all the members informed of any changes barring unforeseen circumstances. Most groups use a phone tree or calling post (see description below) and/or e-mails to keep their members informed of any changes. Typically this is done by the Head Phone Caller of the group. It is always advisable for new or potential new members to call and confirm the location and time before the event.
What is a phone tree?
This is the groups' way of updating and informing all the members of the group of any changes in playgroup location, date or time, any cancellations or any other updates pertaining to any group events. The phone callers usually divide up the member list and keep the members on their branch informed. Several groups have introduced Calling Post (see below).
What is Calling Post?
Calling Post is a quick way of keeping all the members informed of any changes, updates or any other important information. Several groups have adopted this very successful and quick way of disseminating messages. The Head Phone caller maintains a calling post list and records any message and the Calling Post service then automatically calls all the members on the list and plays the prerecorded message. Please note that there is a brief pause before the message plays so do not hang up.
If you have missed the Calling Post message by any chance you can call 1-888-808-7678 and enter your unique Group ID# (this is usually set by the head phone caller who informs their respective group about it) and the latest message will be replayed.
Are there any playgroup rules or playgroup etiquettes?
Yes, these are mostly based on common sense. It is important that parents pay close attention to their kids for their own safety and the safety of other kids. Each parent is ultimately responsible for their own child or children.
Are siblings allowed in playgroups?
Usually, this is at the discretion of the person hosting the group in their home. Many members welcome all siblings while others might feel they are not yet ready to host playgroups with older kids or siblings. We respect either choice. Playgroups in public places, like parks are generally open to all.
Can I belong to more than one group?
Yes, you are welcome to join as many groups as you wish to as long as you pay each group's Membership dues. If you have siblings belonging to different years you are encouraged to join all the different years or just one of your choice.
Who are the officers of each group? Can I be one?
Each group has volunteer officers who make a commitment of their time and energy for a period of one year to help the group plan, coordinate and run various aspects of the group and meet on a bimonthly basis. Each group decides how to go about the process of formation of the board of officers based on the member input. Your group newsletter usually carries all information about the various positions and details on how you can participate.
Any member of the group can volunteer to be on the Board if they are willing to make the commitment. You can opt to share a position with another interested member for the same position and share the responsibilities.
The group functions on member input, so it is very important that the members participate in the running of the groups and share their ideas and their enthusiasm. All members are encouraged to give their input to the respective board members and participate in the bimonthly business meetings whenever possible.
What are business meetings? Can I participate?
Business meetings are generally held bimonthly. The board of officers and members discuss, plan and decide the activities and events for the next two months. Inputs and ideas from officers and other members of the group are discussed and based on all the information decisions are made to better serve the group. Your Newsletter should contain information as to when and where your next business meeting will be held.
All members are invited and encouraged to attend any or all business meetings. Your participation and feedback is important to better serve the interests of all members of the group.
What is a baby-sitting co-op?
Baby sitting co-ops are organized by interested members of each group. It is open to all members of the group. It is a great way to have a few hours out for yourself or with your husband to catch a movie, go shopping or go to a restaurant.
Each member who wishes to participate in the co-op usually pays a onetime $5 to the co-op and receives a onetime 40 baby bucks which are traded for baby-sitting time. You earn new baby bucks by offering to baby-sit or by hosting sit n' plays. Some member's trade baby-sitting on a regular basis and some just use the co-op once in a while. No money is exchanged and each baby buck buys you half an hour of baby sitting time. Contact your groups Baby sitting co-op coordinator for more details.
Who do I call if I have more questions?
Your groups Welcome Person is the best place to start. She should be able to direct you in the right direction. Other officers of your group should be able to answer specific questions pertaining to their area.
How can I tell others about Las Madres of Morgan Hill?
Any parent and/or caregiver who has a pre-K child or younger and resides in Morgan Hill and surrounding areas is very welcome to join the group. You can direct them here to our website to get more information or give them the name of the Welcome Person in the group they might be interested in. Our brochures are displayed at doctors' offices, libraries, and other locations where parents frequent.
