Waikoloa MOPS is designed to be a place where mothers feel free to care and share their feelings and concerns with other mothers.
MOPS is not just for moms, but for children (ages birth to kindergarten) too. During the MOPS meetings, children are cared for in a program called MOPPETS, where they experience love in a preschool-like setting. The purpose of the MOPPETS program is to offer a warm and loving place where your child(ren) can come and be nurtured in a safe, stimulating Christian environment. Moms can relax and enjoy their time in the MOPS meeting, knowing their child(ren) are also having a fun time.
To ensure a safe and healthy environment, we request that these guidelines be followed:
1. Please take your child to the classroom in which he/she is enrolled and plan to arrive prior to 9:30 AM. You will be asked to sign your child in and put his/her nametag on his/her shirt.
2. Children are requested not to bring special toys to class, as this creates problems with sharing and the possible loss of the toy.
3. Children who are showing signs of illness MUST remain at home. Please do not bring sick children with you during the MOPS session. Here are a few guidelines to follow to determine whether your child is too sick to bring to MOPPETS:
- Nasal discharge other than clear
- Fever
- Cough
- Discharge from eyes
If you are unsure if your child is contagious, please check with your pediatrician. If your child develops symptoms of illness while at MOPPETS, we will not be able to keep him/her there.
4. Allergies/Special Medical Problems/Medications: Make sure that your child’s teacher is aware of any allergies, special medical problems or medications that your child is taking, or any special needs your child may have during the morning. It would be helpful to let the teacher know if your child has had a rough morning. This helps the teacher better understand and respond to your child‘s needs. Our childcare volunteers are not allowed to administer medication to children.
5. Behavior Issues: If your child has aggressive behavioral issues such as hitting, pinching or biting while at MOPPETS your child’s teacher will inform you at pick-up time. If this behavior occurs repeatedly, your child will need to be removed from the MOPPETS program until he/she can behave appropriately. This time will be determined by you and the teacher or MOPPETS liaison. Please understand we know children go through stages of experimental behavior but we need to keep a safe, hygienic environment for all.
6. With the exception of nursing babies, children must remain in their classrooms for the time the mothers meet (9:30 AM-11:00 AM). Be assured that you will be contacted if any problems with your child arise.
7. Children over 12 weeks of age attending MOPS should be enrolled in the MOPPETS Nursery program. Children under 12 weeks may remain in the MOPS meeting room with their mothers. Please excuse yourself if your baby is fussy so as not to disrupt the meeting.
8. Babies checked into the nursery need to have their nametag put on their back at check-in time. In addition, they need to indicate whether they are allowed to eat cheerios or have a sippy cup with water provided by the childcare volunteers. On the sign-in sheet include any specific instructions, e.g. when the baby needs to be fed or put to bed.
9. Please label all contents of your diaper bag and include a change of clothing for your child(ren).
10. Please pick up your child(ren) promptly after MOPS ends at 11:00 AM. Most of our MOPPETS program staff are volunteers. Please be respectful of their time.
If you have any questions or concerns regarding your childcare experience, please notify the MOPPETS Director or MOPS Coordinator.
