Parma Early Childhood PTA

PO Box 29337 Parma OH 44129

ParmaECPTA@gmail.com

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Do I have to be a Parma resident to join?

A.  No! Membership is open to all.

Q.  What does it cost to become a member?

A.  Annual membership dues are $15 per year. This covers our National, State, and local PTA dues. As a non-profit organization, all revenues from fundraising activities and dues are used to cover expenses, including speakers for our general meetings, subsidizing outings costs for our members, group parties, community service activities, and event publicity.

Q.  What are the fundraising requirements of a member?

A. Each member must raise $30/year for the group through our fundraising events. We offer several different fundraising options to make your goal throughout the year with many opportunities to fulfill your requirement. We also offer a cash payout option!

Q.  How big is your group?

A.  We have over 50 families in our group!

Q.  Is this a Mom’s group?

A.   We are not a Mom’s group. While mostly women attend our meetings, we are open to all those interested in activities for their families and bettering our community. Dad's, Grandparents, Caregivers, Aunts & Uncles are welcome to join! 2021 will mark the addition of a new committee, Dad's Night Out!

Q.  I work full time. Can I still join or will I miss out on all the activities?

A. You will absolutely be able to join! Our group is diverse, we have stay-at-home moms/dads, full-time working parents, part-time working parents, 7 pm,snacks, and more. We hold outings, parties, and fundraisers during the evening and on weekends to accommodate all schedules. Our monthly meetings are held every 3rd Tuesday of the month at 7 pm so it is convenient for schedules of all kinds.

Q. What type of activities do you offer parents and kids?

A. Our group is able to work with area businesses to arrange tours and special events geared toward the preschool age group. We plan outings 2x a month, all over the Greater Cleveland area. We have informal Playgroup meetups, Parent's Night Outs, Fundraisers, Private Parties, Speakers & Activities at meetings & much more!

Q. What happens at your monthly meeting?

A. When you arrive, you will sign in, record your volunteer hours (if applicable), grab snacks, and catch up with friends. Meetings start off with a speaker or activity, followed up with the business part of our meeting. Meetings can typically last 1-2 hours depending on the speaker/program and what business needs to be conducted. If you are new and visiting a meeting, let us know! We will explain more about our group, answer questions, introduce you to members, and give you a "tour" of PECPTA.  We always have babysitters at our meetings, so if you need to bring your children, they will be able to play and have a great time while you can enjoy the meeting.

Q. What are the executive committee and board members?

A. Officers are nominated and voted on every year and form the executive committee. Board members are those in the group that hold a board position such as President, Vice President/Program Director, 2nd Vice President - Membership, 3rd & 4th Vice Presidents - Outings Coordinators, 5th & 6th Vice Presidents - Fundraising, 7th & 8th Vice Presidents Sunshine Playgroup, Treasurer, Corresponding Secretary, Recording Secretary, and PTA Council Delegates. We also have several committee chair positions chosen by the President which include: community service, bylaws, audits, website, spring party, fall party, refreshments, grants, inspiration,your and more!

Q.  How many volunteer hours are required of members?

A.  We don't require a designated number of hours, but we do require your help with at least one committee as a membership requirement. We track volunteer hours to report to State & National PTA. At each meeting,functions there is a sign-in sheet where you will record the hours you spent volunteering for PTA functions, PTA events (including attending meetings), worked on fundraising, etc. There is always a list to accompany the sign-in sheet to refresh your memory of the past month'sthe  activities you may have participated in.

Q.  How do I pay for activities?

A.  Once you become a paid PECPTA Member, you will be able to attend our PECPTA Outings and events. All activities in PECPTA are Pay to Play and you must pay for your spot/tickets at the time of sign-up. We use PayPal for most payments but cash is also accepted. Read more about paying for outings here.

Q.  Is there a deadline for sign-ups?

A.  Sign-ups for our events are all first come, first serve and activities fill up fast. You must pay at the time you sign up; space is not reserved until payment is received. Check each event for specific sign-up deadline information.

Q.  I could not attend an activity. Can I get a refund?

A.  Sorry, there are NO REFUNDS for activities. Many activities are priced based on participation and the number of people attending which is reported to the venue before the event.

Q.  Why do I have to pay for activities if I paid my dues?

A.  Our budget does not allow us to cover the entire cost of every activity. As a non-profit group, we are able to get special discounts on activities which we subsidize even further for our members, to bring you special events at a very minimal fee.

Q. Why do I have to serve on a Committee?

A. Serving on one of our numerous committees is one of our membership requirements. Chairing or serving on a committee allows you to showcase your talent and make a difference in our group. Whether you help plan a party, a fundraiser, help with accounting or take a leadership role on our board, it impacts the group in a positive way.