FAQs

WHY SHOULD I JOIN THE MECPTA?
The MECPTA offers an opportunity for children and parents to engage in fun activities and develop friendships that will last a lifetime. We offer a wide variety of activities for adults and children and make sure that they are planned on various days and times so that all of our members have the chance to participate in our events regardless if they work or stay home with their children.
WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR CHILDREN’S ACTIVITIES
Children activities include themed parties, field trips, playgroups, Story Times, Craft-n-Plays, art classes, music classes, Fit Kids classes, and so much more. the events are held on various days and at various times and cost anywhere from nothing to $3.00.
WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR ADULT ACTIVITIES?
Adult activities have consisted of dinner parties, games nights, spa nights, Book Clubs, Scrapbook Clubs, and “After Party” social time following our General Meetings.
HOW MUCH DOES A MEMBERSHIP COST?
Membership cost is $25 a year. Membership begins in September, but we accept new members year round at a discounted rate. Register Online to join us any time of year.WHAT ARE THE REQUIREMENTS?
To maintain active status we ask all members to contribute 10 volunteer hours for the year.

HOW CAN I EARN MY 10 VOLUNTEER HOURS?
Volunteer hours are easy to obtain. You receive one hour just by attending general meetings. We also give hours for items donated such as juice boxes and snacks, for making a sunshine meal for a member in need, purchasing an adopt-a-birthday present, serving on a committee, or putting in any amount of time for an event.

WHEN AND WHERE ARE MEETINGS?
The next General Meeting time and location can be found on our calendar.

HOW CAN I JOIN THE MEDINA EARLY CHILDHOOD PTA (MECPTA)?
Attend a general meeting, or go to Register Online to apply online.

WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR ACTIVITIES FOR CHILDREN?
We plan lots of different kinds of activities during one year. Those activities include playgroups, storytimes, field trips, music classes, fitness classes, art classes, and so much more.

WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR ACTIVITIES FOR ADULTS?
Adult activities change every year. In the past we have done dinner parties, game nights, poker nights, spa nights, etc. We are always open to new ideas for activities!

WHAT FUNDRAISERS DOES THE MECPTA DO?

We participate in many Dine-to-Donate events partnering with local businesses in Medina. We also organize fundraising events, write Letters from Santa, host fundraising parties, and more!

WHAT COMMUNITY SERVICE EVENTS IS THE MECPTA INVOLVED IN?
We organize food pantry donations, birth care donations, and much more. In honor of a past member who died of cancer, we also give out four preschool scholarships to families in need. We are always interested in exploring new ways to serve our community!

WHAT IS THE DIANE E. GUNTHER SCHOLARSHIP AND HOW DO I APPLY?
The Diane E. Gunther Scholarship consists of two preschool scholarships that are in the amount of $500 and are given to two families in need. Scholarship recipients do not need to be members and all information is confidential. Applications can be completed beginning in January and are usually awarded in the spring.

FAQ/Concerns: Website

Here is a list of common website questions, take a look and we hope this helps you navigate our site better.

1.  “I really wanted to attend that event, but now it is cancelled and I can’t sign up”
Our board members work really hard to set up amazing event for members and families.  If you KNOW you can attend an event, sign up!!  The deadlines for some events are a bit flexible, but for others are not flexible.  Help out the hard working event planner and sign up when you know you can attend.

2.  “It’s 6pm and I decided I want to attend ______ event tomorrow at 10am.  The website won’t let me sign up?”
The default for events is 24 hours prior to most events unless the event coordiator/board member tells us otherwise.  For example, Little Picasso Art Class, Storytime, etc. buys and prepares crafts for all the kids.  Therefore, the need a FIRM number.  Please look at FB if we are announcing openings or contact the board member who planned the event.

3.  “How do I contact the board member in charge?”  

Click on the event, there is always at least a contact name and email.
4.  “Medina City Schools are closed, do we still have ______MECPTA event?”
No!  We follow the Medina City Schools schedule for inclement weather.
5.  “I don’t have kids in school yet so I don’t check school closings.”  
When the weather is bad, please check email, Facebook etc.
6.  “Who do I contact when I am having website problems?”
At anytime if you have questions, concerns, account issues, please contact mecptawebsite@gmail.com
7.  “Suddenly the calendar looks blank, what happened?”
It might just be that you are not logged in, we know this can be easily confused.  Simply click “Members Only” and log in.
8.  “I am not on my computer very often, do I need to check the website.”  
YES!  Not every day of course, but a couple times each month visit the site and sign up for events.  Many events sell out, have deadlines, etc.  Log in when you can so you don’t miss out!
9.  “I want to sign up for the December event, but it’s not letting me.”  
Please check back about 30-45 days before an event.  We have a very high cancellation/no-show rate.  We try not to open events too early to avoid this.  Check out FB/Weekly emails when you see, “The December events are now on the website, stop by the site and sign up!”
10.  “My plans have changed, how do I cancel?”
Please email the event coordinator and website chair.  If the event is full, we can then open a spot for others to attend.  “I pad for this event, can I get a refund.”  Our by-laws specify refund policies.  Please read the event pages as you sign up that will have refund dates, etc.  We have to adhere to these to follow our approved budgets.  At the same time, we understand….kids get sick, cars break down, work schedules change, etc.  We do our very best to work with you!
We are here to help you at anytime, please let us know if you need help!  We spend money each year on the website and want it to be our 1st stop for events.  We realize our members are not on all FB and it is used for reminders.