Au Pair Chatter

Our Blog has Moved to a New Home

cicaupair — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 20:54:28 +0000

Terry and I have created 2 separate blogs to better serve our respective cluster areas since we are in two different states (MD & VA.) We have also moved them to a new location hosted by Au Pair in America.

You can find us here:

Christine Connally – http://blogs.aupairinamerica.com/mdf/

Terry Bellus – http://blogs.aupairinamerica.com/vaf/
Come visit us at our new home.

A Year of Learning and Giving

cicaupair — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 17:06:04 +0000

Here is a great article about an Au Pair in America EduCare Companion from Australia named Amy Hart.

It talks about her experiences here in the U.S. as well as the volunteer work she has done in her community.

A Year of Learning and Giving

Takoma Park 4th of July Parade

cicaupair — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 00:15:12 +0000

Thanks so much to my Swedish au pair, Rebecca for letting me use her camera at the parade when I forgot mine. She just sent me the photos and videos, and I am very excited to upload and share them. We had a great time. Check out the Fun Things We Do Page for more pictures and the video clip.

Takoma Park 4th of July Parade

Save $450 – Now through 8/15

cicaupair — Sat, 18 Jul 2009 03:34:30 +0000

Apply by August 15th & save $350

PLUS receive a $100 Marriott TravelCard!

Apply between Wednesday, July 1st, 2009 and Saturday, August 15th, 2009 and we will waive the $350 application fee. Plus, when you match with an au pair, you will receive a $100 Marriott TravelCard for use on all Marriott services. You may choose to decline the $100 Marriott TravelCard and apply the $100 value towards your program fee.

To qualify your au pair must arrive by December 31st, 2009. Learn more about this special offer for host families by contacting Alex Ramirez at (800) 928-7247 ext. 5161 or at aramirez@aifs.com.

Get started with your application today or request a free brochure.

Still Time for an Educare Arrival

cicaupair — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 13:07:54 +0000

An Additional Educare Arrival Date has been added, August 24!

Ines from Germany

If you are interested in a EduCare Companion for a summer arrival, there is still time to apply.

EduCare in America – 30 hours of child care for approximately $271 per family, per week. This cost-effective program is the choice for families with full-time school-age children who require care primarily during the early morning and after school hours, with some weekend and evening hours.

To consider EduCare:

You must live in one of the designated EduCare Communities*
You must have children in full-time school
You must be able to work with 30 hours a week (year round)
You must understand that their education allowance is $1000/yr
You must be able to work with the EduCare arrival schedule

*If you do not see your community listed, I still encourage you to inquire. We are looking to expand EduCare and your community might be a possibility if it is already served by the standard Au Pair in America program.

2009 EduCareArrival Dates

Tuesday, July 7
Monday, July 27
Monday, August 3
Monday, August 17
Monday, August 24 (just added)
Monday, December 7

Here are some profiles of EduCare Companions looking for summer arrivals.

Apply Now and Save $450!

If you have questions about EduCare, post them here in the comments section.

Memorial Day Parade

cicaupair — Sun, 24 May 2009 03:10:55 +0000

I participated in the City of Bowie Memorial Day Parade again this year. Here is a picture:

Tip for going to parades: Sit somewhere early or mid-way along the parade route. By the end, everyone runs out of candy. Each year, I buy more and I still run out before we get to the huge crowds at the end of the parade.

Ask Dominique – Get Answers From an Au Pair’s Point of View

cicaupair — Fri, 08 May 2009 14:26:52 +0000

When I do group new host parent orientations, I always try to invite a current au pair in my cluster to stop by and answer questions. Host parents have told me that they find that very helpful.

*NEW* Ask Dominique

So, with that in mind we are adding a new guest contributor to the blog, Dominique. Host parents are invited to ask our resident au pair questions that they would like answered from an au pair’s perspective. Click the link above and post your questions.

90 Percent Satisfaction Rating

cicaupair — Sat, 02 May 2009 02:02:22 +0000

The survey of 1035 respondents was administered online over a two-month period between January and February by QuestBack, a leading provider of online survey services based in Oslo, Norway. The survey found 94 percent of Au Pair in America families would recommend the program to a friend.

Read the Press Release Here

Au Pair in America featured in Wall Street Journal Article

cicaupair — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 17:16:27 +0000

In today’s Wall Street Journal there is a great article about Au Pair in America. It discusses the increase in Western European au pairs in the past year.

Origins of Au Pairs Becomes Barometer in Labor Market

“As job opportunities shrink in Europe, the minimum $132.64 per week, plus room, board and tuition reimbursement that the au pair program guarantees looks increasingly appealing. A desire for adventure and what some call the “Obama factor” also is a lure for young Europeans, says Ms. Ferry. In March, nearly half of all of Au Pair in America’s applications came from Western Europe, compared with about a third in the same period last year.”

The British au pair and her host family featured in the article are in a nearby cluster in Northern VA.

Chicago Au Pairs Make Blankets for Project Linus

cicaupair — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 02:54:44 +0000

Last Saturday, 90 Au Pair in America au pairs made 100 fleece blankets for children in need. The patterns were fabulous with everything from polka dots, soccer themes, dinosaurs, animal prints, dog-theme prints and more. Each fleece blanket is fringed by hand. The au pairs and counselors worked together to purchase the fleece and follow the blanket pattern instructions according to the Chicago chapter of Project Linus. Host families supported the project by donating fleece and blankets made ahead of time.

One host mom told her counselor that this project had a special meaning for her because her own son was seriously ill when he was born and was given a Project Linus blanket which they have kept. When she found out her au pair was taking part, she said it brought tears to her eyes.

All who participated felt it was a worthy cause and a great way to give back to their community.

WAY TO GO!

Au Pair in America Au Pairs from Chicago Area