Age-Specific Playgroups Procedures

• Participation in MHMC Age-Specific Playgroups is available only to MHMC Members who have paid dues for the current membership year.  Potential members may attend one Age-Specific Playgroup meeting before deciding whether or not to join the Club.
• Age-Specific Playgroups will be organized for those Members who request one, based on the age of the child(ren) and availability of the Member.
• The MHMC will arrange for one Age-Specific Playgroup per child.
• Members wishing to request an Age-Specific Playgroup should complete the Playgroup Request Form, available online or from the Playgroup Chair.
• Within one month of receipt of the request, the Member will be notified about Age-Specific Playgroup availability.  If there is no availability at the time the request is made, the Member will be notified when space becomes available and or a new group is formed.
• The Playgroup Chair will select a Playgroup Leader from the Members of that group when the group is formed.
• Playgroup Members should attend several meetings before deciding if they group is a good fit for them.  In the event that it isn’t, they may request a new Age-Specific Playgroup by completing the Playgroup Change Request Form, available online or from the Playgroup Chair.

Age-Specific Playgroup Guidelines

• Age-Specific Playgroups are generally composed of between three and five Members and their children.
• Age-Specific Playgroups meet as often or as little as they'd like, on the day and time that works best for them, and at the location that works best for them.  These things are determined by the Playgroup Leader and Members.
• Siblings outside the age-range of an Age-Specific Playgroup are welcome.
• Regular attendance is assumed.  If a Member is unable to attend a meeting, the Member should notify the Playgroup Leader or host in advance.
• Do not attend meetings when you or your child(ren) is ill.
• Members are expected to help and encourage their child(ren) to pick up when the meeting is over.
• It is recommended that each Age-Specific Playgroup, determine a set of ground rules for their meetings. Anticipate problems that may occur and how they will be handled.  Be sure to discuss hosting responsibilities, problem behaviors, food allergies, or any other issue you think might arise in a group setting.  Some problem behaviors you can expect are fighting, grabbing, hitting, or biting.  Discuss parenting styles, discipline, and parent intervention. The goal is to have an open discussion, without judgment, so that decisions can be made about issues before they occur.
• MHMC functions are not planned around Age-Specific Playgroups.  In the event of a conflict, each Age-Specific Playgroup will need to decide whether to meet or to attend the MHMC function.