I have enrolled my daughter in a MDO program two days a week. She is my only child and I don't have a frame of reference for protocol. I was sent information confirming her enrollment and it strongly encouraged me to volunteer at the school in 1 of 4 ways. My question is this, do I have to volunteer? The reason I enrolled her in MDO was so I could have some time to myself and get some necessary errands completed. Mamas, I am asking for your advice. (Sorry for the confusion. I am such a newbie to this process that I initially put MOD rather than MDO for Mother's Day Out!)
I went to the "Meet the Teacher" event yesterday and was able to ask the teachers what help I could provide on a limited basis. I was able to sign up for an event in the Fall and one in the Spring which was a two day commitment. I also volunteered to bring playdough to the class one month. These seem to be pretty limited volunteer opportunities which allows me to be involved with a preset date set aside and allows me to maintain some flexibility with my schedule. Thanks again for all of your advice.
My son's MDO ask for volunteers for 2 special occasions -- the teachers christmas party in December (where you bring a food dish) & for teacher appreciation week in April. So I would ask what their defination is and the time committment. It might be something easy like this.
What's MOD? Ah, well in THAT case, I can certainly see how a Mother's Day Out Program would make you think it will be a Mother's Day Out, not a Mother's Day in the Classroom with Your Child! But still, I would be eager to see my child in the new setting and would want to volunteer on occasion! But really the point of the thing is for you to have a little time to yourself, which you DO need (we all do), so don't beat yourself up over it. Do whatever the minimum suggested volunteering is and enjoy the time you have alone!
No you don't unless there is a stipulation in which you have to. Otherwise, no. They may ask for you to send snacks or items for a party. But don't feel pressured. If you don't want to be there, then it will show and it won't be fun for anyone.
I work at a MDO/Preschool and the opportunities to volunteer really provide a wide range of options if you want. NO you do not have to volunteer and that is understandable. If you are not sure, just look into the options, some things may be for one week, maybe a one day event, or it could be more regular....just depends on the position. At my school there are so many different things that there may be something you can and would like to do that would not make you feel like you are losing your time on a regular basis. Just check into the details.....room mom would NOT be what you are looking for at this time....more extensive in time and role.
Hi, J.!
You should call the school to clarify to be sure. Based on my experience you are absolutely not obligated to do this. Perhaps the school encourages involvement from the parents but they do not require it. They may want to welcome participation from moms who are available. When my daughter was enrolled in MDO, we were discouraged from hanging around. It defeated the purpose. However, there were moms who simply could not let go. I had a friend who sat out in the parking lot and watched the building while her son was inside. I have to admit, I was a little at loose ends at first. I almost didn't know what to do with myself:) But I definitely needed the break, my daughter needed the experience and I needed a chance to get some things done. MDO is intended to provide the opportunity for that. I hope this helps. Best wishes:)
no, you don't have to volunteer. it's cool to do so, even very occasionally when you can (and helpful as it allows you to have a good understanding of what goes on there and how it runs) but not required.
khairete
S.
Hey J., your scenario sounds identical to mine. My daughter starts her first day at MDO on Tue. She is also my only child and I have been wondering some things myself, like what's ok for her to wear (short sets, etc). What would be easy for lunch and stuff like that. They had a volunteer sign up sheet but didn't pressure anyone to sign up. I intend to use the MDO as a way to get things done too. I'm not going to worry about it. If time permits, I would probably attend some of her functions but I'm not going to knock myself out worrying about it, Don't feel guilty. Utilize the system. Good luck!
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My son's preschool asks for volunteers but they are not a regular thing. Like they need parents to help with parties, field day, Easter egg hunt, etc. They also ask for 1 parent a month per class to make play doh, so it may be something as simple and small as that not being at the school while your child is.
I have never heard of parents volunteering at the preschool or MDO. The MDO that my child attends does not request volunteers other than bringing in items for parties. In fact, they don't even expect you to attend the parties b/c it upsets most kids that age to have mom there and for her to then leave. No, you should be able to enjoy your 2 days without worry of volunteering
Our MDO program doesn't ask for volunteers, so I think that's unusual. Do they discount the fee if you do? Is there a volunteer task that maybe takes one day out of the semester? - that might be OK. Seems strange to me.
MOD? Mother's Off Day? Mother's Day Out? I'm not sure what MOD is.
No you do not have to volunteer. What were the ways that they wanted you to volunteer?
