Program

Mother's Day Out was founded in 1977 as an outreach of St. Alban's Episcopal Church. Our main objective is to provide your child with a warm, loving and stimulating environment. It also provides a wonderful "away-from-home" socialization experience. It is licensed by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and is recommended by the Children and Youth Services of Delaware County.

The program is open to all children who are at least 18 months old but no older than 36 months (3 years) by September 1. We offer a variety of activities, including inside and outside play, music, stories, art projects, all of which are closely supervised by the staff.

MDO is in session five days a week: Monday 9am-noon, Tuesday 9am-2pm, Wednesday 9am-2pm, Thursday 9am-2pm, Friday 9am-noon. You may register your child for any number of days a week, depending on your need and our space availability. We open the day after Labor Day and close the end of May. All days in the month of September are 9am-noon to ease the transition to the new environment away from home. Mother's Day Out follows the Marple Newtown School District calendar of vacation days and holidays.

We have a maximum of 20 children each day, and 4 adults. Every day we follow a regular routine: free play until about 10:30 am; then we put all the toys away, have a snack (which MDO provides), read stories and sing songs, do a craft, ride bikes inside, or go outside to play if the weather is nice. On Monday and Friday it would then be time to go home.

On Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday the children would then eat lunch, which they bring. After lunch they ride bikes while we change all diapers and take potty-trained children to the bathrooms (which of course we do many times a day). Then we have "quiet time." We put a movie in the VCR. Some children watch the movie, some fall asleep, some don't do either -- but we do try to keep it quiet time.

We discipline using a "time-out" chair. Usually a minute or two of time out is all that is needed. If a behavior becomes a problem, it will be discussed with the parents.

Your child does not have to be toilet trained, but many become trained during the year. We are happy to cooperate with your training efforts. A little peer pressure helps too.

If you every have any special concern or problem, or just want to check on your child's progress, please feel free to call anytime. We are here for your child.

Calendar

Click here.

Snow

When Marple Newtown School District is two hours late or closed, Mother's Day Out will be closed. When the weather is bad enough to affect the schools, keeping your child home seems the wisest thing to do. We will call you if we'll be closed, but you can also call the Marple Newtown "Inform-a-Phone" (610-359-4280) or listen to KYW 1060AM (Marple Newtown is #454).

Tuition

Tuition is based on our expenses for "our year" divided by the number of months in "our year." It is prorated over the year and takes into consideration the shorter days in September and vacation days. Therefore, your tuition is the same every month. Checks should be made payable to Mother's Day Out. Tuition is due:September 1 (September/October); November 1 (November/December); January 1 (January/February); 
March 1 (March/April); May 1 (May). There is a 10% discount for two or more children in the same family.

Supplies

Your child will need a bag marked with his or her name, containing a complete change of clothes, including socks (and shoes if possible), anything comforting -- "blankie," pacifier, stuffed animal -- and two diapers. If your child regularly uses a sippy cup, include that as well. We have small plastic cups for children who can handle them. This bag will be sent home with your child each day. Please put your child's name on everything.

Drop-Off

Your routine: To drop off in the morning, come into the back parking lot of the church, park and bring your child into the parish hall. Most children cry when the parent leaves, especially in the beginning and after a school break. It is most helpful if you bring your child into the room, say a loving, firm goodbye, turn him or her over to a teacher and make a quick exit. If you are going to be somewhere other than home, please leave a phone number where you can be reached, if possible, on the attendance sheet next to your child's name. We know how hard it is to walk away from your child's tears, but the longer you stay, the harder it is for your child to let go. We will never let a child remain inconsolable. We will call you (or a designated friend/relative) if we think your return will help or is necessary.

Pick-Up

When picking up your child, use the back lot again. We will give you a yellow sign with your child's name on it. Circle around the parking lot, and get into the "lineup." Hold up your sign and we will bring your child out to you. Please don't park and come in. This causes many tears from children whose parents have not yet come, as well as much confusion at the door.

Illness

We will also call you if your child becomes ill. Please make sure that all of your forms are turned in as soon as possible after registration. These forms give us permission to administer first aid and emergency care if needed. If your child is ill - runny nose, fever, cough, etc. -- please keep him or her at home.

To register your child...

Download registration form here and mail it to: Sandy Van Dusen, St. Alban’s Episcopal Church; 3625 Chapel Road, Newtown Square, PA 19073 OR call Sandy at 610 356-1722.