Group Members

To become a member of SMKC you must register with a child between the ages of newborn – 17 years old. If you choose to join with a child other than your own, you must have written permission from their guardian. All potential members will be required to fill out an application, sign a liability waiver and pay an initial membership fee.

Volunteers

Any one that would like get involved with SMKC but does not have a child is welcome to join as a volunteer. Volunteers are required to pay a due of $1 annually. Volunteers have limited access. There will be some events where SMKC members will only be allowed to join. Volunteers are a very important part of SMKC, as well as members. Volunteers can always change their membership status to full group members at anytime, if they have a child (ren) to join with. The volunteer will be responsible for paying the dues of the child(ren).

Memberships

There is an annual membership due of:

$1 per person

Children 6 months and under are FREE

Member dues go towards supplies, snacks, activities and maintaining SMKC membership dues does not cover the cost of admission for events. Initial membership dues will be collected at the time of registration. Payments are payable online and in person. Personal checks are not accepted. Dues should be given to the Membership Coordinator. Please make all money orders payable to Special Moments Kid Club. Anyone with unpaid dues will not be allowed to participate in any activities. For families that are unable to pay, waivers are available. Please email any questions regarding monthly dues to the Membership Coordinator at SpecialMomentsKidsClub@gmail.com. Please include Membership Coordinator in the subject line.

Scholarships

Each year SMKC will give scholarships to individuals who financially need them. You will be required to fill out a scholarship application. When you complete your application, the Membership Coordinator will present it to the board to determine if you are approved for a scholarship. Scholarship decisions may take up to one (1) week from when the Executive Board received your application. Upon approval for a scholarship you will be notified. You are allowed a total of two scholarships or maximum of $100, which ever comes first, per year.

Waiver of Dues

You will not be denied membership because of financial hardship. If you would like to apply for a waiver of dues, contact the Membership Coordinator. The Membership Coordinator will have you complete an application and then present your application to the deciding board members. 

The decision for a waiver is made a maximum of one (1) week after receiving request.

If the decision to grant the waiver based on your financial situation, you will be accepted into SMKC as a member in good standing. Waiver of dues is only allowed two (2) times per year, per individual.

Executive Board

The Executive Board consists of:

• President
• Vice President
• Secretary
• Treasurer
• Membership Coordinator
• Youth Coordinator
• Adult Coordinator

 Group members elect the Executive Board through an election process. Board members serve for one (1) year terms, but no longer than three (3) consecutive terms, with the exception of the President. The President serves for 2 years, but no longer than three (3) consecutive terms. To be considered for a position on the Executive Board, you must be an active member in good standing that has been a member for a minimum of 6 months. Anyone that qualifies to be on the board can notify the Executive Board in writing by Oct 1 or announce it at September’s group meeting.

Group Meetings

Group meetings will take place monthly. The meetings date, location and time will vary. You will be notified about group meetings at least 2 weeks in advance, if it was not already scheduled at the previous meeting. Some group meetings may take place outdoors. Group members should try to attend every group meeting. If you would like to be a SMKC host and allow us to use your home for a group meeting, email SpecialMomentsKidsClub@gmail.com. Hosts will receive a $10 gift card.

Executive Board Meetings

Executive Board meetings are held every other month. The day, location and time will vary. Only Executive Board members are allowed to attend, unless otherwise noted.

Web Meetings

Web meetings are meetings held online. Members will receive an invitation via email. Dates and times will vary. Web meetings are for group members who can't make it to location meetings due to schedules or other obstacles that may arise. Attending web meetings does not mean you do not have to attend meetings on location. It is important that you try to attend meetings on location. They allow us to interact with each other and build a more personal relationship

Annual Meeting

Annual Meetings will take place every December (unless further notice is given). The Annual Meeting is where the election for Executive Board members will take place. All members should attend Annual Meetings.  

Field Trips

Field trips will be conducted at least every two months. During the summer, field trips are more frequent. Some field trips may require a fee. With a signed permission slip, children five and over may attend some field trips without their parent or guardian.

Workshops

Workshops give parents the opportunity to explore a particular issue or topic. Some workshops will require a small fee for admission. It is up to the members to decide on topics for the workshops.

Parent's Day Out

Parent's Day Out is adult only functions. This is a great way for the adults to socialize and get to know each other. Parenting is rewarding but it can be a difficult job.

Activity Day

Activity Day is when we participate in activities. Activities range from storytelling to crafts. Activities may take place indoors or outdoors. Activities are different from group meetings. Most activities include parent(s) and child (ren) participation.

Subgroups

Sub-groups are within SMKC. Sub-groups are groups started by club members who share a specific interest. All sub-groups must be approved by the Executive Board. After approval of a sub-group, group members will be notified of the sub-group and given the option to sign up. The group’s moderator is responsible for keeping SMKC updated on their sub-group. An example of a sub-group is a Book Club. If a member loves to reads books, they may want to find other members that enjoy reading and start a Book Club.

Fundraisers

SMKC members are required to participate in fund-raising. The money from the fund-raisers will go towards supplies, activities, snacks and maintaining SMKC. Fund-raising events will be decided by group members and approved by the Executive Board. Participation in fund-raising is a plus.

Play Dates/Play Groups

Play dates are a part of the group where children in the same age group and their caregivers get together. Members may contact SpecialMomentsKidsClub@gmail.com to find a member in their child's age group. This is good for stay at home moms with infants and toddlers. Please inform the Youth Coordinator (YC) of all member playgroups for the Playgroup list. 

Babysitting

When a baby sitter is needed, members should contact the Youth Coordinator (YC) at least two weeks in advance. The YC will try hard to locate you a baby sitter. Each member is only allowed up to 15 baby-sitting hours a month. To become a SMKC sitter you must be an active SMKC member, in good standing and over the age of 16. You must also fill out an application. All baby sitters are volunteering their services. Baby sitters are not allowed to care for more than two (2) children at one time (exceptions may be made). Baby sitter's will receive points (no money). Every month you can turn in your points for an incentive. You can request an incentive redemption form from the YC or anyone on the Childcare Committee.

Sick

If you or your child is sick, it is greatly appreciated that you stay home. This is to prevent other members from becoming sick. Sickness includes rashes, fevers, runny noses, coughing or anything that is considered contagious to others.

Termination of Membership

Any member may voluntarily terminate their membership by notifying a membership coordinator in writing. A member may be terminated for the following reasons:

·       Nonpayment of dues by the end of the month following the anniversary month.

·       A child consistently causes damage and/or harm to others and the parent is unable/unwilling to prevent the damage or harm.

·       A member's conduct is deemed to be inappropriate to the purpose and mission of SMKC.

CONTACT INFORMATION

Special Moments Kids Club

SpecialMomentsKidsClub@gmail.com

www.facebook.com/SpecialMomentsKidsClub/

914-712-8827