Helen Cook

New Host Mom Share Her Story — Why She Chose Cultural Care Au Pair!

Posted by: hcook on March 18, 2010

 WONDERING WHAT OUR HOST FAMILIES (CUSTOMERS) SAY ABOUT USING “CULTURAL CARE AU PAIR” ?    A new Host Mom shares her story! 

Here is a reccent post on Big Tent from one of New Host Moms in California. She just welcomed her first au pair, a young woman from Norway, to care for 11.5 month old twins.

Kristen commented:

My au pair just arrived from Norway on Friday night. We have some friends who are very clued in to the au pair scene since they’ve been through several in the last 4 or 5 years. At her suggestion, she directed me to www.greataupair.com. She said I can find an au pair through this website, sort of like the craigslisting of au pairs.

However, after trying without any luck of searching for a suitable match, and then once finding someone who might actually work, my concerns about experience, safety, psychological and criminal backgrounds started haunting me at night. I really feel that, for our first experience of bringing an au pair into our home, going through the agency really helped me figure out numerous things about our needs that I didn’t realize before. In fact, it helped me decipher what my parenting style is, the skill set our future au pair should bring with her, which cultures and personalities would work well with our family, and much much more. Although the fee is quite steep, bringing an au pair into your home is a MAJOR commitment. (The first night she was here, I couldn’t sleep knowing she was sleeping closer to my babies than I was! What if she is a bad seed after all?? What if she harms them?) Fortunately, the agency does actually earn their fee; among other things, they interview the au pair candidate as well as the host family in person, get criminal and medical background, facilitate the visas, and handle the travel from her home country to your airport. Are you prepared to get a criminal history from a foreign country where you are unfamiliar with language and local laws? We weren’t. Our time is more valuable that the hours of frustration that would cause us, and then who even knows if it would be truthful.

We too wanted to reduce our fees, but after some deep thought about the process, we felt that for the first year at least it is worthwhile to go through an agency. Perhaps you can find a 2nd year au pair yourself and then have the agency finalize her for you. Honestly, I must have read 200 or more applications for girls that met my general requirements. Once we went with the agency, I asked them to send me 3 or 4 applications from potential candidates to help me determine what we did want and what we didn’t in our au pair. We were surprised by our list of wants and needs when it came right down to it; much more precise than we originally thought we’d need. The agency then matched us with someone they thought would work, and we disagreed. They then sent us the application of the girl who spent the afternoon caring for my 11.5 month old twins, and we couldn’t be happier. She met our requirements perfectly and we are thrilled! In fact, she just told me how thrilled she is to be with us.

I do not have any association with any of the agencies other than being a recently satisifed customer. We went through Cultural Care.

I completely understand the need to be frugal, but I don’t think child care and adding a member to your household is one of those areas where cutting back gets you ahead of the game. Quality care and bringing a positive influence into your home is worth every penny. Perhaps you can cut coupons instead, make purchases off the classifieds, and cut back in other ways. But good luck!!

2010 Census Is Here — Do You “Count” Your Au Pair?

Posted by: hcook on March 17, 2010

      The 2010 US Census Is Here!

As you are filling out your forms for the 2010 Census, some Host Families are wondering:  ”Should they count their Au Pair on the census?”.   Here is the recommendation:

In the first section — where it asks about household members, there is a separate box for live-in babysitters and others who may live in the home but may not be members of the family and that is where an Au Pair can be counted.

If you have any further questions, you can go to the 2010 Census website at:

http://2010.census.gov/2010census/

Tax Guidelines - Au Pair Program

Posted by: hcook on March 9, 2010

  As a participant in the Au Pair program, Cultural Care strongly recommends that you consult with your tax advisor, accountant, insurance advisor and/or an attorney regarding any state or federal rules or regulations that you may be required to comply with when you host an Au Pair.  Unfortunately, Cultural Care is not in a position to provide such advice to our host families due to the variations in the law from state to state and to the individual circumstances of each host family.

If your employer requires taxpayer identification numbers, you should use the following:

• Your Au Pair’s social security number or ITIN, in reference to payments made directly to your Au Pair
• Cultural Care Au Pair’s Federal Tax ID number in reference to program fees paid to Cultural Care Au Pair.  Cultural Care Au Pair’s Federal Tax ID number is 20-2020345

As a general guideline, the following information might be helpful to your professional advisor or might be issues that need to be explored:

• Au Pairs are here on a J-1 Exchange Visitor Visa.  According to the IRS website, Au Pairs are exempt from Social Security and Medicare taxes as well as Federal Unemployment Tax.
• Au Pairs are required to pay income tax with the exception of Social Security. However, depending on the time of year that the Au Pair arrives or departs, they may not make the minimum level of income required for taxation in that calendar year.
• The weekly stipend and the fees paid to Cultural Care may qualify as a tax deductible childcare expense.
• The IRS does not require host families to file Schedule H (Form 1040).
• Host families and Au Pairs may want to inquire about obtaining a social security number for the Au Pair.  In order to qualify for a social security number, the Au Pair must provide proof of her participation in the Au Pair program with a letter from Cultural Care.  In addition, they will need their passport, I-94 card and DS-2019 form.  Please contact me if you need assistance with this.
• We strongly recommend that you inquire with your professional advisor about specific state laws and requirements which may include, but not be limited to workers’ compensation insurance and state unemployment taxes.

Account statement
A statement/receipt of payments made to Cultural Care Au Pair is available in your online account’s Payment Center. Please contact your Program Director if you have any questions about payments made or credits owed.

Flexible Spending Accounts
Many employers offer their employees the benefit of a Flexible Spending Account (FSA), such as a Dependent Care Spending Account. You should determine if the program fees and/or au pair stipend qualify for your employer’s program.

Please note that this is intended to be a guide only and is in no way an exhaustive list of the issues you should explore nor is it intended to be legal or tax advice.

“Kids First” — Cultural Care Au Pair Helping At Risk Children Worldwide

Posted by: hcook on March 8, 2010

As part of Cultural Care Au Pair’s mission to break down barriers of culture and language through educational exchange, a group of local childcare coordinators and staff recently visited South Africa to see firsthand the difference the donations from the Cultural Care community have made through our charitable organization Kids First.

Since its inception in 2004, Kids First has supported many worldwide organizations that work with at-risk youth. From the daycare center in Brazil to the school library in New Orleans to an orphanage in Russia, Kids First has supported a wide range of global organizations. Our most recent work at an orphanage and daycare center in a poverty-stricken township outside Capetown, South Africa is another great example of the work we are doing worldwide.

Cultural Care staff and LCCs had an opportunity to visit several projects funded through CHOSA, an organization that Kids First supports. CHOSA provides support to programs that work with at-risk children and their families to provide nutrition, medication, clothing, food, shelter and an education.

During the service visit, those who participated had a chance to visit the Ubuhle Babantwana Care Center, which helps 150 children, some of whom are HIV positive. Donations received from au pairs, host families and Cultural Care LCCs and staff have provided funds for the building of a new structure for the infants and toddlers in the center. The group from Cultural Care Au Pair had an opportunity to see the new structure, meet the inspirational director and dedicated teachers and had some time to play with the children.

In addition, the group visited the Ilitha-Labantwana Place of Safety, the Philani Child Health and Nutrition Project, the Emasithandane Children’s Project and the Baphumulele Children’s Home. The Cultural Care team is now bringing their experience back to the U.S. to raise awareness, and additional funds for even more projects that Kids First supports.

“Our Kids First trip to Cape Town was truly amazing and inspiring,” says Local Childcare Coordinator Trudy Mar. “The work, effort, love and sacrifice the women heading up these projects give to all of the kids goes well beyond what most of us could imagine. If one little body sleeps better, eats better and smiles more, we’ve helped to change their future and make the world a better place. Every dollar we raise for Kids First definitely does make a difference.”

For information about how you can make a contribution to Kids First, or raise awareness for the programs it supports, visit http://www.culturalcare.com/aboutus/kidsfirst/ or Helen Cook, Local Coordinator.   Our Lehigh Valley Au Pair Group will be sponsoring a Kids First event and/or meeting shortly to raise funds for this very valuable cause.

Au Pair Ski Day at Camelback Ski Mountain A Success!

Posted by: hcook on February 25, 2010

     Lehigh Valley Au Pairs from Cultural Care Au Pair converged on Camelback Ski Mountain on Sunday — Over 100 Au Pairs from the Lehigh Valley and the Philadelphia area spent a wonderful day skiing or snowboarding!   The weather was great and even the beginners never wanted to leave the slopes!  For more photos of the Ski/Snowboard Day - see Photos Page above.

February Meeting — Ski Camelback Mountain!

Posted by: hcook on February 19, 2010

  The Annual Cultural Care Au Pair Ski/Snowboard Trip to Camelback Area Ski Mountain will be held this Sunday, February 21, 2010.

The Lehigh Valley Au Pair Group of Cultural Care Au Pair will meet at 8:00 a.m. at The SunBowl Lodge (not the Main Lodge) and Cultural Care Au Pairs from the Philadelphia will arrive by bus at about 9:00 a.m.

This is the 10th consecutive year for Cultural Care Au Pairs to enjoy the Ski / Snowboard Day and approximately 100 Au Pairs participate in this great event — from Au Pairs that have never skiied or snowboarded to the most experienced skiiers or snowboarders who have grown up on skis/snowboards!  

Au Pairs from approximately 17 countries will participate in this event — and for many Au Pairs — this will be the first time that they have “really played in the Snow”!   

Be Safe Au Pairs and Have Fun !!!

Cooking With Children — Healthy Meals For Kids!

Posted by: hcook on February 3, 2010

  One of the challenges for some Au Pairs may be preparing meals for their host children, and not only meals that are easy to prepare, but good for them too!

Many of the recipes you will find here, courtesy of Discovery Health, contain healthy ingredients and are not too difficult to prepare — some items require very little to no cooking, so they should be easy for everyone!  If your children are old enough, get them to help!

Be sure to involve your Host Parents as well.  If there is something new you want to try, be sure to check with them first.   There may be food allergies, or a history of such things, and it could be very dangerous to introduce or even expose your host children to some food items; peanuts are a good example of this.  Some peanut allergies can be quite severe and could cause very serious health issues, so if you are not sure, ASK!   It is also helpful to ask, as some families follow special diets, like vegetarianism, for health or religious purposes.

Kid-Friendly Breakfasts

Kid-Friendly Lunches

Kid-Friendly Dinners

HAPPY COOKING

January Au Pair Meeting — Ice Skating!

Posted by: hcook on January 23, 2010

REMINDER:  The January Au Pair Meeting for the  Lehigh Valley Au Pairs be held on January 24, 2010.  We will all go “Ice Skating” (Indoor Ice Rink).   ”Steel City Ice Center”  is conveniently located on the south side of Bethlehem on the site of the historic Bethlehem Steel Company.  The location is easily accessible from Routes 22 or 78 via Routes 378 and 412.   Plenty of parking is available.  Here are the details:

WHERE:     Steel City Ice Center, 320 East 1st Street, Bethlehem, PA 18015

PHONE:     610-625-4774

DATE:       Sunday, January 24, 2010

TIME:         1:00 P.M. to 3:30 P.M.  (Lateness will count as a Non Attendance!)

COST:        $5.00 Per Au Pair (Includes Rental of Skates and Public Ice Skating)

We will have a private room for you to relax, have hot chocolate and snacks!   We will have a short CEP Safety Meeting and will be finalizing the Ski/Snowboard Trip Details (Ski/Snowboard Day is Sunday, February 21).

Procedure:   Come to the Steel Ice Center Building and go to the “Front Desk”.  Give the person at the Front Desk your name and she/he will give you a ticket for the rental skates.  Go to the Rental Area - gather your skates - and come to the Meeting Room (near the ice).  You will have 1 1/2 hours of skating time.  You will pay Helen ($5.00) in the Meeting Room (not to the Front Desk).

Please watch for more details re Ski/Snowboard Trip.  I WILL NEED YOUR RESERVATION AND MONEY FOR THE SKI/SNOWBOARD TRIP ON THIS JANUARY MEETING SUNDAY!!!   We will be completing the Rental Forms for the Ski/Snowboard Trip and please — if you can have your payment for the trip (correct amount if possible — it’s always hard to make change — cost of the Ski/Snowboard Trip announced in January Newsletter).

Looking forward to seeing all Au Pairs on Sunday, January 24, 2010 — Bring friends and/or other Au Pairs — all are invited!

Directions to the Steel Ice Center

From Route 22:
1. Exit onto the 378 South/Bethlehem exit.
2. Follow 378 South until the expressway ends.
3. Get into the left lane.
4. At the first light turn left onto 3rd Street.
5. Follow 3rd Street to the fourth traffic light.
6. Turn left onto Polk Street.
7. SIC is on the left at the end of Polk Street.
1. Exit 67 at Hellertown/Bethlehem.
2. At the end of the ramp turn right onto 412 North.
3. Pass Wendy’s on your left.
4. Continue to the third light and make a soft right to
  continue on 412. (412 becomes 3rd Street)
5. Turn right at the Polk Street traffic light. (Polk Street   is just after the Discovery Center)
6. SIC is on the left at the end of Polk Street.     

From I-78:

From the South:
1. Take 309 North through Coopersburg to 378 North.
2. Follow 378 North over the mountain.
3. At the bottom of the mountain you will see a McDonald’s on your left.
4. Go to the second light after the McDonald’s where you will see the Church of the Nativity.
5. Turn right at this light onto 3rd Street.
6. Follow 3rd Street to the fourth traffic light.
7. Turn left onto Polk Street.
8. SIC is on the left at the end of Polk Street.

Haiti Earthquake Disaster Relief

Posted by: hcook on January 20, 2010

The epic earthquake in Haiti has affected all of us — the suffering is unbelievable and help is needed now and for a long time in the future.

At Cultural Care Au Pair and our parent company EF Education First, we believe in connecting people as citizens of the world, and breaking down barriers of language, culture and geography.  Never is that mission more important than in a time of crisis.  In order to reach out to the people of Haiti, EF Education First will match up to $100,000 of employee, student and customer donations made through the American Red Cross.  We believe this is our responsibility as a company, as educators and as global citizens.  We hope you will join us in our effort to aid the millions of Haitians who need our support.  Together, we can make a difference.

If you would like to make a donation, please click or paste the following link in your browser:   

http://american.redcross.org/efeducationfirst-emp

Hosting An Au Pair — Easier Than Ever!

Posted by: hcook on January 12, 2010

Cultural Care is committed to providing families with flexible and affordable childcare as well as excellent customer service.  We have decided not to raise our prices in 2010 so that our new and repeat families will take advantage of the same program fee we charged in 2008!  Please continue reading for our current discounts with their promotion codes.

Cultural Care Au Pair offers many discounts for both new and repeat host families. If you have specific questions regarding any of our discounts, please email me at Belma.Bostanci@lcc.culturalcare.com or call me at 973-379-2628. Total savings (including the application fee waiver and program fee discount) cannot exceed $650 per program year, with the exception of “lock-in” savings and savings earned through the host family referral program. Please contact me at  Helen.Cook@lcc.culturalcare.com for more information.

New Host Family - New Year Discount! Save $500!

Apply between January 4 and January 31, 2010 to enjoy a $275 selection fee waiver and a $225 program fee discount for a total savings of $500!  Please call 610-797-5887 or 610-393-3919 for promotion code.  Families must be new to Cultural Care Au Pair and welcome an Au-Pair into their home by October 22, 2010 to qualify for this offer.

Competitor Families - “Repeat with us” and save up to $1,000!

We welcome families from other au pair agencies to repeat with us.  As a family experienced with the Au Pair Program, Host Families who switch to Cultural Care Au Pair are entitled to $1,000 in savings!  These savings include a $75 application fee waiver, a $275 selection fee credit on their account, a standing $500 program fee discount and free overseas connections (a $150 value).  Please call me for the Promotion Code.  Families must submit proof of payment of their agency’s program fees (proof of payment of application fee does not qualify).  The $500 program fee savings will be applied upon receipt of proof of payment.

$300 Pre-Arranged Match Discount

Families who find their own future Au Pair are entitled to a $300 program fee discount.  The candidate must meet Cultural Care Au Pair’s screening requirements and must complete the Screening & Orientation Day in the appropriate recruitment country.  Total savings cannot exceed $650.  No promotion code necessary: savings will be applied upon approval of candidate.  Please call me (610-797-5887) for further details.

Repeat Families: Save up to $1,000 in Repeat Family Rewards

Extension Families: Save up to $2000 in Repeat Family Rewards

Families who extend with their current Au Pair are entitled to a $75 application fee waiver, $275 selection fee waiver and up to $1,650 in program fee savings. Total savings = up to $2,000!  Families who reapply to host another Cultural Care Au Pair are entitled to a $75 application fee waiver, a $275 selection fee credit on their account, a $250 repeat family discount, and complimentary overseas connection service ($150 value).  Families who apply early enough can earn an additional $250 early matching bonus! Total savings = up to $1,000!  For an early matching bonus deadline chart, visit the Host Family InfoSource. No promotion code necessary; discounts are applied automatically.

Host Family Referral Program

Current host families can earn a $150 program fee discount when they refer new host families to Cultural Care Au Pair.  For referring families to qualify for the $150 program fee discount, Host Families must personally know families they refer, and referred families must have children under the age of 18 years. A program fee discount will be applied automatically to your account when the referred Host Family welcomes an Au Pair into their home.  Please contact me regarding all the savings at Helen.Cook@lcc.culturalcare.com (610-797-5887)