Posts Tagged ‘Childcare’
Male Au Pairs — A Popular Choice For Childcare!
No Comment |Posted by: hcook on March 10, 2010
“Mannies” or “Male Au Pairs” … Yes, Male Au Pairs make wonderful “mannies” or childcare providers for your children. At Cultural Care Au Pair, approximately 5% of our Au Pairs are Male Au Pairs and here in the Lehigh Valley, we have five Male Au Pairs in our Au Pair Group. Cultural Care Au Pair is one of only a few Au Pair Agencies that provide Male Au Pairs — a growing trend of childcare in the United States. See what Susan Robinson - a Host Mom and Vice President of Cultural Care Au Pair — says about Male Au Pairs …
We love our “Mannies”!
Parents who host Male Au Pairs are quick share that their Au Pairs offer their family everything that Female Au Pairs do and more. We are very proud of our male candidates!
We are extremely proud to say that a Cultural Care Male Au Pair was named “2009 Au Pair of the Year” by the International Au Pair Association. The winner is Francisco Ricardo Silva de Araújo Brazil.
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“Spring” Egg Decorating — March Au Pair Meeting
No Comment |Posted by: hcook on March 10, 2010
Lehigh Valley Au Pairs — Bring out your artistic talents at our March “Spring Egg Decorating” Au Pair Meeting!
Here are the Details:
Date: Sunday, March 21, 2010
Time: 4:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Where: “Fellowship Hall” (Basement) of Trinity Memorial Lutheran Church, 535 West Emaus Avenue, Allentown, PA 18103
We will be “decorating Eggs for the Springtime”. 
Each Au Pair will have six eggs to decorate or color, etc. and we will have a contest and vote on the best or most popular decorated eggs. Three prizes will be awarded! We will have snacks and beverages. You will take your decorated eggs home to share with your family! You need not bring anything except a good attitude and fun! Think Creatively!
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“Kids First” — Cultural Care Au Pair Helping At Risk Children Worldwide
No Comment |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.
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Au Pair Savings! Lehigh Valley Au Pairs and Beyond!
No Comment |Posted by: hcook on March 2, 2010
Spring is almost here and now is a great time to secure your childcare by hosting a Cultural Care Au Pair. Flexible and affordable childcare for busy families! Childcare and Light Housekeeping — all for a weekly cost of approximately $330 per week (or $7.30/hr.) (per family, not per child).
SAVINGS OFFERED MARCH 1 thru MARCH 31, 2010 IS $350 OFF OUR PROGRAM FEE .. for families that host an Au Pair by October 22, 2010.
Cultural Care Au Pair, America’s leading au pair agency, has hundreds of qualified candidates ready for immediate placement, so you can start matching today!
In addition to the largest pool of qualified au pairs, we offer:
- Three ways to match with potential candidates
- A “Peace of Mind Guarantee” - your family’s financial safeguard
- A Placement Manager to help you find just the right au pair for your family
- A Local Childcare Coordinator in your area to provide year-long support
In order to qualify for the discount, please call me at 610-797-5887 or via email (helen.cook@lcc.culturalcare.com) to discuss your specific needs and obtain your promotion code. I am able to assist host families from the Lehigh Valley and all parts of the United States.
I have over 13 years experience helping busy families find the flexible and affordable childcare they need and it would be my honor to assist you thru the process. I look forward to answering your questions!
Helen Cook
610-797-5887
helen.cook@lcc.culturalcare.com
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Cooking With Children — Healthy Meals For Kids!
No Comment |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.
HAPPY COOKING
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Survey Results — Cultural Care Au Pair Gets Great Reviews!
No Comment |Posted by: hcook on January 22, 2010
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LCC Availability
No Comment |Posted by: hcook on January 12, 2010
Host Families and Au Pairs: I will be traveling to Boston — Wednesday thru Monday (January 13 thru January 18) for meetings and training. I will be available on my cell phone and via email on a limited basis. Please feel free to give me a call or email if you would need to speak with me.
Remember: January Meeting scheduled for Sunday, January 24 .. See this website for further details.
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Hosting An Au Pair — Easier Than Ever!
No Comment |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)
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January Au Pair Meeting — Ice Skating!
No Comment |Posted by: hcook on December 30, 2009
The January Au Pair Meeting for the Lehigh Valley Au Pairs be held on January 24, 2009. 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!!! Watch for further emails re Ski/Snowboard.
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.
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“AU PAIR OF THE YEAR AWARD”! RECOGNIZE YOUR AU PAIR! Nominations for 2010 IAPA “Au Pair Of The Year” Award Are Due “Now”!
No Comment |Posted by: hcook on December 29, 2009
Every year thousands of young people from all over the world embark on a special journey by becoming an Au Pair. Now it’s time to recognize the extraordinary and ordinary daily accomplishments that each Au Pair makes in his or her host family by nominating your Au Pair for the International Au Pair Association’s seventh annual “Au Pair of the Year Award”.
The International Au Pair Association established the Au Pair of the Year Award to recognize the many Great young men and women participating in the Au Pair program worldwide. In addition, the award helps highlight public awareness of this valuable cultural exchange program.
For the last two years, Au Pairs with Cultural Care have been honored with the IAPA Au Pair of the Year Award. In 2009, the honor was awarded to Francisco Ricardo Silva de Araújo, of Brazil, an Au Pair to the Boyer family of Virginia.
In 2008, Linda Falter, an Au Pair from Germany, received the award while she was an Au Pair for the Sato family of Hayward, California.
WHAT MAKES YOUR AU PAIR OUTSTANDING?
Maybe it is the day-to-day things he or she does, such as kicking around a soccer ball, helping the kids with homework or entertaining them while you cook dinner. Maybe it’s the way he or she has embraced your family, such as teaching your kids her language, baking treats from her home country or coming to watch your children in the winter program at school. Every thing your Au Pair does that helps your family or brings a rich cultural exchange into your family is worthy of recognition, and a great way of saying thank you to your Au Pair!
Host families who would like to nominate their Au Pair should submit an essay detailing what makes their Au Pair exceptional in the form provided. Nominations for the Au Pair of the Year Award must be received by Friday, January 15. Once you’ve submitted your nomination, don’t forget to share it with your Au Pair to show her or him how much you think of what she or he does for your family!
Simply nominating an Au Pair for the IAPA Au Pair of the Year Award is a wonderful honor that can show your Au Pair how much you value what she or he does for your family. This award allows so many in the Au Pair community to reflect on what an incredibly positive program this is and the many lives it touches and enriches along the way.
For more information about the Au Pair of the Year Award or nominating your Au Pair please click here.
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