FAQ | PEPS Portal

We are committed to finding creative ways to connect and support parents during this very isolating time. All families participating in PEPS programs are currently meeting remotely and will continue to meet online for the entirety of the sessions throughout 2021. Your PEPS Group Leader will share more information on video and audio conferencing prior to the start of all programming. We will continue to share updates on our News page and through email when there are changes.

What makes PEPS unique?

We are a locally-founded nonprofit organization that focuses on helping new parents build community, connections and confidence in the early stages of becoming a new parent. Alongside resources, we offer over 250 peer-support groups each year led by trained facilitators in local neighborhoods. To learn more about us, read here.

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What's the difference between a one parent or two parent Group?

In Newborn Groups, there are options for one parent to attend with their newborn (the same parent every week), as well as Groups for one parent plus a partner (and newborn) to attend. There are a limited number of Saturday Newborn Groups for one or two parents to join that allow families to participate together in an afternoon group. At this time, only Newborn Groups offer options for more than one parent to attend. Currently, morning groups are for one parent to attend and afternoon and evening groups include both one or two+ parent participants. The curriculum for all Newborn Groups is the same.
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Can partners or older children attend a Second Time Around Group?

Second Time Around is for one parent to attend with their newborn (the same parent every week). We do not currently offer a Second Time Around option for more than one parent to attend, or for older children to attend with parents.
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What's the difference between Newborn, Second Time Around, & Baby Peppers Groups?

Newborn and Second Time Around groups are neighborhood-specific groups for parents with babies 2-16 weeks old that meet in participants’ homes or in pre-selected community spaces. Baby Peppers groups are for a parent with a baby 5-12 months old. Baby Peppers groups meet in pre-selected community spaces. All groups will continue to meet virtually until further notice.

For more details, see here.
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What if my group wants to meet in person?

During your regularly scheduled meeting time, PEPS is requiring groups to meet virtually. The group is welcome to meet up outside as they are comfortable in between meetings. We are continuing to adhere to guidance set by state and local government and want to acknowledge that different families will have varying levels of risk tolerance. We do not want people to feel pressured to meet in person and our Group Leaders and participants have signed up for an online group. To stay up to date with developments, visit our COVID-19 news page.

For more details, see here.
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Will PEPS be offering in-person groups?

Yes, we will be re-introducing a limited number of in-person groups in 2022, located indoors at community sites, for families with vaccinated adults whose registration includes a vaccination attestation in advance. These groups will follow King County & WA State Department of Health COVID-19 guidelines, such as masking, sanitation practices, and social distancing. If in-person gatherings are no longer an option based on local directives, registrants will be notified directly by PEPS, and the group will continue to meet in a virtual format.
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Who leads PEPS Groups?

PEPS Groups are led by people from a variety of professional backgrounds and share the common goal of helping new parents to thrive and build community. These Group Leaders become trained facilitators by completing four hours of intense training and receive support from the PEPS staff during the course of their group.
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What areas are groups offered?

PEPS Groups are offered to families living from Renton to Everett and Seattle to Snoqualmie and many areas in between. View a map here.
All groups are meeting virtually until further notice. By meeting online, we are able to connect families from across the Puget Sound, and we are now offering a small number of virtual groups for families from across the region in place of gathering based on neighborhoods. To find these groups, select ‘Entire Puget Sound region’ in the Neighborhood field. [TOP]

How many families can I expect to be in my group?

One parent Groups typically consist of 5 – 10 families. Groups that have a blend of one or two parent families attending typically consist of 4 – 8 families.
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How do I choose a start date?

For Newborn and Second Time Around Groups, select a date that is 2-16 weeks after your baby’s due date. For Baby Peppers, your baby should be 5-12 months old when the group begins.
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When should I register?

As soon as possible! Groups fill quickly, so register as soon as you can to secure the group of your choice. If groups have low enrollment, they may be cancelled. When families register early, we know that there is interest in the group.
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How do I register?

Create a PEPS profile and sign in to register.

For Newborn and Second Time Around Groups, choose the neighborhood you live in to find a group. You may also want to check nearby neighborhoods or "Entire Puget Sound region". For Baby Peppers, choose the group closest to you or the schedule that works best for you. All groups will continue to meet virtually until further notice.
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How much does it cost to join a PEPS group?

The program fee is dependent on which group you register for. PEPS offers Flexible Pricing and Financial Assistance. Learn more here.
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What does my PEPS Group program fee cover?

PEPS is a 501(C)3 nonprofit organization funded in part by the program fees we collect to run the programs, services and initiatives. These program fees comprise approximately 30% of our annual budget. The remaining 70% of the budget consists of donations by individuals, foundations and partner businesses. We currently do not receive any government funding. .
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What if I need to change or cancel my registration?

When requests are made 2 weeks prior (or more) to the start of the group, a full refund will be given, minus the non-refundable registration fee which is equal to 10% of the program fee option you selected. No refunds will be given after the start of your PEPS group.
If your group is cancelled by PEPS for any reason, we will do our best to find you a different group or refund you in full.
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Why does PEPS collect demographic data?

PEPS asks for and regularly reviews demographic information as a way to help us evaluate disparities in our program outcomes and better serve parents throughout our region. We will use this data in internal program evaluations only. We may report publicly on PEPS work, including who is part of the community, but your data will be included in aggregate only and anonymously.
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MORE QUESTIONS?

Call PEPS at (206) 547-8570 or email registration@peps.org.

Frequently Asked Questions