One of the most common questions I hear from new host families is “What do the au pairs do at the Training School?” So…here’s some more information about it!
Upon arrival to the U.S., Cultural Care au pairs attend an exclusive, four-day training program focused on child development and safety. Our unique Au Pair Training School offers instruction from dedicated and experienced educators in a classroom setting. Small class sizes allow teachers to give au pairs one-to-one attention. The Cultural Care Au Pair Training School is located on two campuses: the beautiful settings of St. John’s University in Oakdale as well as the Central Islip campus of New York Institute of Technology, both on Long Island, New York and within minutes of each other—allowing au pairs to adjust to their first days in the U.S. in a comfortable, collegiate environment.
Despite the fact that we now have two physically separate campuses, they are connected by our staff and resources. Both campuses will have full-time staff who live and work on campus and all classes, workshops and meals will take place directly on each respective campus.
- FAQ’s:
How will one campus differ from the other?
Despite the fact that we now have two physically separate campuses, they are connected by our staff and resources. Both campuses have computer labs, 24-hour security, on-campus cafeterias, dormitories and 24-hour Cultural Care Au Pair staff support. Each campus is located just over an hour from New York City.
Will the same classes be taught at both campuses?
Yes, the au pairs on both campuses will receive the same training by experienced teachers and staff. The weekly curriculum covers the State Department mandated topics of child development, nutrition, safety in the home, discipline, communication. The au pairs also experience a personal safety workshop instructed by Officer John Testa, an International Sing-along and a guided tour of New York City.
How will the au pairs be assigned to each campus?
Campus assignments will be determined each week based on volume and will vary. In keeping with Cultural Care’s mission of breaking down cultural barriers, both campuses will include au pairs from around the world and division between campuses will not be based on country.
How can I find out which campus a specific au pair is staying at if I would like to send them mail or e-mail correspondence or contact them by phone?
Given that Cultural Care will select each au pair’s campus the week prior to their arrival, we ask that packages, letters and e-mail correspondence be directed to the St. John’s campus so that we can ensure they be directed to the appropriate location. The address of the St. John’s Oakdale campus is:
Cultural Care Au Pair
AU PAIR’S NAME HERE
500 Montauk Highway
Oakdale, NY 11769
Please keep in mind that your au pair has a very busy schedule during their training week, therefore, e-mailing your au pair directly is the best way to contact him or her. Au pairs also have access to on-campus pay phones from which they can make personal calls.
Will arrivals and departures take place on the same days for both campuses?
Yes, arrivals and departures occur at the same scheduled times for both campuses.
What do Cultural Care au pairs learn at the Au Pair Training School?
The Cultural Care Au Pair staff developed the curriculum for the four-day program in collaboration with The Children’s Foundation in Washington, D.C.
Topics covered include:
- Health and Safety in the Home
- Child Nutrition
- Common Childhood Illnesses
- Safety and Emergency Education
- Effective Communication
- Au Pairs as Role Models
- Ages & Stages: Birth to Teenage Years
- Age-appropriate Materials and Activities
- Building Self-esteem in Children
- Behavior Management
In addition to their time in the classroom, au pairs attend group workshops. In the communication workshop, teachers and au pairs discuss cultural differences in communication and effective problem solving skills necessary for a successful year. Au pairs also attend an international sing-along, a communication workshop a personal safety workshop, led by a New York police officer and are offered a tour of New York City. Au pairs depart from the school feeling confident, socially-connected and ready for the year ahead.
You can see more pictures in the InfoSource section of your online account!
