Solution for Mom's Who Need a Break

Do you know a mom who is looking for a break or some time away from children? Are you a mom that needs to go to the store or doctor or dentist appointments by yourself? There's a place that has a great solution. Mother's Day Out (M.D.O.) at the first United Methodist Church in Des Plaines has been around for about 50 years to fill that need. It is not every day. It is not Nursery school.

It is a wonderful and safe place for little ones in a "micro intergenerational" setting where children between 1 and 5 year olds interact with each other and the adults. Though it is not a school in the traditional sense, it teaches the younger ones to learn from the older children and the older children to respect the littler ones .

Mom gets a break while children age 1 (Walking, but not necessarily potty trained) through Kindergarten age get a semi-structured time to learn social skills while having fun and making new friends. The environment is a kid's dream come true. The huge room is absolutely filled with many objects, games, activities, crafts and love. There are daily art projects, music, an imagination area, a sand table, Lego and reading areas and much more. so it provides much more than baby sitting.

Children come with their own sack lunch but M.D.O. provides mid-morning milk and cookies. They are open from 9:30 to 1:45pm. M.D.O. is open three days a week: Monday, Thursday and Friday due to demand. Parents can drop off and pick up their child/children at whatever time suits there schedule during that time. A child can participate one, two or three days a week.

Anne Hardy, the program director and has been with the program for 37 years. Ann says, "The staff is one of the programs best assets. Their qualifications are that they are all caring Moms with many years of experience." They are considered supervisors not teachers. All staff are subject to background checks. There is a charge for M.D.O.. Family commitment is on a monthly basis - not for a year. The M.D.O. calendar follows the District 62 School schedule. Space fills up fast. You do not need to be a Methodist to have your child participate. Anne would be glad to answer your questions. Call the church office at 847-827-5561 or check on the First United Methodist Church in Des Plaines web site. http://www.fumcdp.org