LEHIGH VALLEY AU PAIR CHILDCARE

Back To School — School Bus Safety Tips

Posted by: hcook on September 5, 2010

    BACK TO SCHOOL — SCHOOL BUS SAFETY TIPS!!

For twenty three million students nationwide, the school day begins and ends with a trip on a school bus. The greatest risk is not riding the bus, but approaching or leaving the bus. Before children go back to school or start school for the first time, it is importantthat adults and children know traffic safety rules.

DRIVERS

When backing out of a driveway or leaving a garage, watch out for children walking or bicycling to school.

When driving in neighborhoods with school zones, watch out for young people who may be thinking about getting to school, but may not be thinking of getting there safely.

Slow down. Watch for children walking in the street, especially if there are no sidewalks in neighborhood.

Slow down. Watch for children playing and congregating near bus stops.

Be alert. Children arriving late for the bus may dart into the street with out looking for traffic.

Learn and obey the school bus laws in your state. Learn the “flashing signal light system” that school bus drivers use to alert motorists of pending actions:

•  Yellow flashing lights indicate that the bus is preparing to stop to load or unload children. Motorists should slow down and prepare to stop their vehicles.
•  Red flashing lights and extended stop arms indicate that the bus has stopped, and that children are getting on or off. Motorists must stop their cars and wait until the red lights stop flashing, the extended stop sign is withdrawn, and the bus begins moving before they can start driving again.

 CHILDREN

Get to the bus stop at least five minutes before the bus is scheduled to arrive.

When the bus approaches, stand at least three giant steps (6 feet) away from the curb, and line up away from the street.

Wait until the bus stops, the door opens, and the driver says that it’s okay before stepping onto the bus.

If you have to cross the street in front of the bus, walk on the sidewalk or along the side of the road to a point at least five giant steps (10 feet) ahead of the bus before you cross. Be sure that the bus driver can see you, and you can see the bus driver

Use the handrails to avoids falls. When exiting the bus, be careful that clothing with drawstrings, and book bags with straps don’t get caught in the handrails or doors.

Never walk behind the bus.

Walk at least three giant steps away from the side of the bus.

If you drop something near the bus, tell the bus driver. Never try to pick it up because the driver may not be able to see you.

PARENTS

Teach children to follow these common sense practices to make school bus transportation safer.

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON PENNSYLVANIA SCHOOL BUS SAFETY — PLEASE VISIT THE FOLLOWING SITE:

    http://www.dmv.state.pa.us/pdotforms/fact_sheets/fs-pub97.pdf

Au Pair Meeting - Swim Party!

Posted by: hcook on August 28, 2010

   Lehigh Valley Au Pairs — Please remember our August Au Pair Meeting is scheduled for tomorrow — Sunday, August 29, 2010 — from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at Mikaela’s house (See Meeting Schedule above for details).  Nothing to bring except your swim suit and a towel and sunscreen — it will be a hot day.  Light Snacks and Drink will be available.  IF you have something special you would like to share (snack etc.), you can certainly bring it to share!   See you then!!!

MUSIKFEST — 10 Days of Fun In Bethlehem!

Posted by: hcook on August 6, 2010

       MUSIKFEST – A GREAT EVENT FOR THE LEHIGH VALLEY – begins tonight!   Musikfest is open from Friday, August 6 until Sunday night, August  15, 2010!   Musikfest is an “outdoor party” for all ages and Au Pairs love to go to Musikfest for the food, the experience, the music or just to meet people!   It is a great “cultural experience” for Lehigh Valley Au Pairs and, usually during the day, there are many activities for the children.   Ask your Host Family about children’s activities and attendance!

Not sure what it is all about?   See the link below for information, music events, and parking lots.    A great Fireworks display ends Musikfest on Sunday, August 15 — be sure to attend Musikfest for a great way to experience “American Culture”.   (Remember:  No drinking and driving and the drinking age is 21.)

Here is the website for Musikfest for more information:

    http://www.artsquest.org/email/2010_8-6.html

If you’re not sure where to start, see the list below below: 

Daily Schedules - Find out who’s playing where and map out your platz-hopping before you arrive.

 Parking - The easiest way to get to the ‘fest is to park off-site and shuttle to the festival grounds (we call it ’shuttleplatz’).

Food - Some claim Musikfest is as much about the food as it is the music! 

Musik-festivities - Formerly known as our “special events,” this list of events and contests within the ‘fest will take your Musikfest-ing to the next level!

School-Age Children — Do I Really Need An Au Pair?

Posted by: hcook on August 3, 2010

   Many families believe that  fulltime childcare is usually mainly required before the children attend school and the Au Pair Program option is considered an alternative to fulltime daycare or a nanny.   However, it is really surprising how many busy families juggle the busy schedules of their children between the ages of 3 and 15 (before that driving age!) and that choose to continue with or even begin hosting an Au Pair — to help ease the stress of their busy lives .. Here are some of the advantages of an Au Pair for families with children from 6 to 15 years old.

FLEXIBILITY

An Au Pair provides complete flexibility of schedule, including the ability to work split shifts, with some hours in the morning, and some hours in the afternoon through evening.   An Au Pair is also available to fill in gaps in school-care during snow days, teacher work days and school breaks.

Additionally, an Au Pair can work some evenings and weekends to help with family or sports events, or provide parents a date night per week.  An Au Pair can be on duty and available up to 45 hours per week/ 10 hours per day, with 1.5 consecutive days off per week.  An Au Pair also is required to have one full weekend off per month.

A SECOND SET OF HANDS

Au Pairs can help get the children get ready for school each morning, and drive them or walk them to the bus station.   Some additional time can be scheduled for daily chores, from picking up the living room area, emptying the dishwasher to handling the children’s laundry and getting their sports bags ready for soccer class.
In the afternoon hours, an Au Pair can also help with taking the kids to extra-curricular activities, assist them with homework, and getting dinner ready.

THE EXPOSURE TO A SECOND LANGUAGE

With an Au Pair that has a good level of English, your children will enjoy their relationship with a “big sister” figure, there to help them, be part of the family for a year and provide exposure to their native language and culture. Older children will have a better understanding of the Au Pair’s background and have the opportunity to keep in touch beyond their year (or two) together.

Nowadays, with tight school budgets and cuts of valuable language programs, it is more important than ever to expose your children to another language. Children who learn a second or third language or are exposed to a foreign language will have lifelong advantages, e.g. have an easier time to learn any language and perform better academically overall.    Of course, if they take the Au Pair’s native language in school, what a great opportunity to practice what they learn at home!

If you have school-aged children and are considering hiring someone to help you, we can discuss your needs and expectations and try to find the Au Pair profile that best fits your family and family needs. 

To learn more about this affordable, flexible childcare, please call Helen Cook at 610-797-5887.

5 Weeks - 8 Au Pairs - Memories of a Lifetime!

Posted by: hcook on August 3, 2010

5 weeks in Europe to visit 8 former au pairs and their families – with three children, two grandmothers and a mom  …

Daniel, Hannah and their former Cultural Care Au Pair Sara (Switzerland) on a boat crossing the Rhine River.

Ever wonder about the benefits of the Cultural Care Au Pair Program?   Childcare?   YES .. but more importantly — “Creating Memories of a Lifetime”  — one of our Lehigh Valley/Wilkes-Barre Families is experiencing a “trip of a lifetime” — visiting all EIGHT Au Pairs that the family has hosted over the years!   How proud I am — as the LCC for this wonderful family and the Au Pairs — to see this happening and for all of us to share in the adventures and experiences.   Follow the family blog below .. it’s fun!

The Rogers Family of PA has hosted a total of 8 au pairs from 2001 to 2009…and right now, they are in the middle of a European adventure to visit each and every one of of them in their home towns! Mom Pam, her three children Hannah (12), Daniel (9) and Adam (8), Pam’s mother, Peg and mother-in-law Terry are traveling until August 26th to Switzerland, Italy, Germany, Sweden and France. They have already reunited with their fourth au pair, Sara, in Basel, Switzerland, after which Peg shared her thoughts on the family’s blog:

“It was great to visit Sara and her parents. I have to admit I teared up a bit when I saw Sara for the first time in so many years. It suddenly became apparent what an important role these au pairs have played in my grandchildrens’ lives. I remember how difficult it was to say goodbye to each girl as she left at the end of the year. We considered all of the au pairs members of our families and enjoyed watching each one grow with their experience in a new country with a different language and different customs from their own.”

To read more about this Rogers” adventures on the road, visit their blog which they take turns updating as they go!

WEEKEND CLASSES for Au Pairs — C.W. Post (Long Island University)

Posted by: hcook on August 3, 2010

      Au Pairs:   Remember — you can attend a Weekend College Class at C.W. Post University and earn three (3) credits towards your Au Pair Educational Requirement in One Weekend.   Details of classes are below.

The C.W. Post Campus of Long Island University is pleased to provide educational programs that Au Pairs may attend to fulfill their credit requirements.  This program provides an opportunity for students to participate in a few options on the C.W. Post Campus.   Please see LCC Website for details on “how to get to C.W. Post Campus from the Lehigh Valley”.  (Note:  always double check schedules as schedules could change on a daily basis.)   During the semester, overnight accommodations will be in campus dormitories.    Class schedule below — do not delay in registering — some classes fill quickly!

August 13-15, 2010

     *Cultural Dymanics and the American Society

     * History of American Music

August 20-22, 2010

     * Storytelling:  As A way of Life:  Exploring Traditions

     * Regional Identities — American Culture

October 1-3, 2010

     * TOEFL/English Preparation Course

     * Growing Up In America - American Culture

October 22-24, 2010

     * History of American Sports

     * Celebration of Holidays - American Culture

     * History of American Women - American History

November 19-21, 2010

     * Regional Identities - American Culture

     * History of American Music

     * Storytelling:  As A Way of Life:  Exploring Traditions

December 3-5, 2010

     * Growing Up In America — American Culture

     * TOEFL/English Preparation Course

     * Celebration of Holidays - American Culture

December 10-12, 2010

     *History of American Music

     * American Government, Politics and Social Issues

     * Highlights of the Harlem Renaissance

C.W. Post Website:    www.liu.edu/CWPost/About/Offices/AuPair.aspx

C.W.Post Address:

     University Au Pair Program, C.W. Post Campus/Long Island Unversity,  Winnick House, 720 Northern Boulevard, Brookville, New York  11528   

Email:   aupair@cwpost.liu.edu

Telephone:  516-299-2363

July Alternative Au Pair Meeting(s)

Posted by: hcook on July 20, 2010

   Lehigh Valley Au Pairs:  If you did not attend the Hershey Park Meeting or if you would just like to come and talk and meet some of the other Au Pairs — I have two (2) alternative Au Pair Meetings planned for you in July.  They are on Thursday, July 22 and Thursday, July 29.   Both meetings will be for “Coffee and Conversation” at The Barnes & Noble “Cafe”.    I will be there between 7:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. so you can come and talk, etc.  See you then!

Hershey Park Trip - July Au Pair Meeting!

Posted by: hcook on July 14, 2010

      The 10th Annual Au Pair Trip to HERSHEY PARK is this coming Sunday –JULY 18, 2010!   Over 70 Pennsylvania Au Pairs will come to Hershey Park for a day of fun, roller coaster rides, a swim park, dolphin shows, a zoo, and, of course good food!    

LEHIGH VALLEY PICK-UP:  8:15 A.M.          

PICK-UP LOCATION LEHIGH VALLEY:  Penn State Lehigh Valley Campus, 2809 Saucon Valley Road, Center Valley, PA  18034.    In front of the large green Penn State building at the flagpoles.   Penn State Lehigh Valley Campus is near The Promenade Shops on the same road.   Coming FROM Route 378, the Penn State Campus is on the LEFT just BEFORE The Promenade Shops.  Coming FROM Route 309, the Penn State Campus is on the RIGHT just AFTER The Promenade Shops.  

See you all on Sunday!!   Bring Sunscreen and Money For Food, etc.

Summertime and Changes!

Posted by: hcook on July 2, 2010

  As the children celebrate the end of the school year, Host Families and Au Pairs switch into their summer schedule which may include a number of important changes.  Having a successful summer starts with clear communication about schedule and rule changes as well as making expectations very clear.   Host Families and Au Pairs should plan to have a “summer summit” where they discuss how things will be different for the next few months.  Some of the things which may be helpful to review in preparation for the summer months can be the following:

• Activity schedules for the kids
• Bedtime for the kids
• Curfew for the au pair
• Start/end times for the Au Pair’s work day
• Rules regarding play time and friends for the children
• Summer reading list/homework for the children
• Vacation schedule and expectations
• Review of pool/lake/ocean rules and safety expectations

Summertime can often be the best time for Host Families and Au Pairs and a little preparation will go a long way to helping it to be the very best it can be!  (From: Cultural Care “Nat Chat”)

Host An Au Pair - SAVE $850 This Weekend!

Posted by: hcook on June 17, 2010

Host An Au Pair for FLEXIBLE and AFFORDABLE Childcare and Save $850 PLUS a FREE WII Entertainment System

  Save $850!!  This weekend only- June 16- June 22 — There is an amazing special is available for those seeking a wonderful alternative to traditional childcare that is flexible AND affordable!!   We have many qualified, carefully screened candidates who can help you manage your busy household.   In honor of Father’s Day, we will offer you a significant savings AND a free Nintendo Wii entertainment system when you apply this weekend!   Wii games are great for the whole family to play together!

Host Familes will need to apply to Cultural Care Au Pair between Wednesday, June 16, 2010 and Tuesday, June 22, 2010.   YOU WILL NEED A PROMOTION CODE – Please call me (610-797-5887) for the Promotion Code to this large discount and savings!   They are:
- $75 application fee waiver
- $625 program fee discount
- Complimentary overseas connection service during the matching process (a $150 value)
            The total value of this promotion is $850!*

PLUS a FREE WII Entertainment System!!

*To qualify for this promotion, you must apply between June 16 and June 22, 2010 and welcome an Au Pair into your home by October 22, 2010. Selection fee of $275 must be paid at time of selection of Au Pair. Nintendo Wii gaming console, 1 remote and Wii Sports game will be sent to host family within 30 days of Au Pair’s arrival to Host Family home.