Amy Bryan, Local Childcare Coordinator

Cultural Care National Meeting 2009

Posted by: Amy Bryan on April 29, 2009

I was honored to be invited to Cultural Care’s 2009 National Meeting in Hollywood, CA this past weekend. I got a chance to meet many of the Cultural Care home office staff members and learned some tips and tricks from my LCC colleagues across the nation to help me provide quality service to all of you!

Sr. VP Natalie Jordan recognizes our Au Pair of the Year!

In celebration of Cultural Care’s 20th anniversary, we got to honor some of the very first au pairs from Sweden and Germany to take part in our program, as well as Ricardo de Silva Araujo, IAPA’s Au Pair of the Year for 2009!

The theme for our weekend was “Above and Beyond,” and I plan to work this year on going ”above and beyond” in providing the best possible customer service to my families and au pairs!  I hope you will join me in this by helping your au pairs reach their goals and providing them with a caring family environment, and by providing quality childcare and a memorable cross-cultural experience for your host families.

Philadelphia Scavenger Hunt this Saturday!

Posted by: Amy Bryan on April 27, 2009

Our third annual Regional Scavenger Hunt will be held this Saturday May 2nd at 11:00 am, starting at the Philadelphia Art Museum. I will be taking the R2 SEPTA train from the Wilmington train station which leaves promptly at 8:36 am. If you would like to meet me at the Wilmington train station, please arrive at 8:25 to allow time to park, and walk up to the track. There is no charge for parking at SEPTA stations on the weekend. Your train ticket will be $9.00 for the round trip.  Unfortunately, SEPTA runs an abbreviated schedule on weekends in and out of Wilmington, so the next train does not leave until 10:36, which will arrive in Philly much too late.  If you are unfamiliar with downtown Wilmington and where the train station is located, please look at this site:

http://www.downtownwilmington.com/Train-Station-Directions

We will get off the train at Philadelphia’s Suburban station (immediately after 30th street station), and walk about 10 minutes to the Philadelphia Museum of Art at Benjamin Franklin Parkway and 26th Street. Suburban Station is at 16th and Market Streets. When you get off the train and come up the stairs from the track, look for signs for Benjamin Franklin Parkway or 18th Street. if you are not familiar with center city Philadelphia, download this map

http://www.philamuseum.org/visit/12-453-3.html

to help you walk over to the museum. There are public restrooms in Suburban station, but not on the streets, so plan ahead! there is also coffee and bagels available for sale in Suburban station.

http://www.septa.org/service/sched/r2s_sat.html

if you do not choose to take the SEPTA train, you will be responsible for arranging your own transportation.  Keep in mind that SEPTA is the easiest way to get in and out of Philly!  If you don’t want to drive yourself, or share a car with your host family and cannot leave your car in Wilmington all day, please arrange a carpool with someone else.  Try to find a convenient location where you can meet and drive together.  All Cultural Care au pairs are invited, so you can even arrange to get there with friends from another local au pair group if you want.

There is very limited parking at the Philadelphia art museum, and I know that most of your host families do not want their car to be driven into Philadelphia - so use public transportation if at all possible.

And DON’T FORGET to WEAR your BLUE CULTURAL CARE T-Shirt for extra points- and bring another au pair friend from another agency for another bonus point! If you have not picked up your T-shirt yet, please do that this week!!

It should be a really fun day, so please plan to join us!  This will count as our monthly meeting for May, so please try to be there — guests are welcome!

The Everett Theatre Re-opens in May!

Posted by: Amy Bryan on April 20, 2009

The Everett Theatre has been a fixture in Middletown since the 1800s, serving first as an opera house, then a community theater and movie house.  Recently, it has been closed for extensive restoration and repair after a ceiling collapse.  However, the historic building will be re-opening in May.

The Everett hosts small theater productions, as well as movies and other events.  If you’ve ever seen the movie “Dead Poets Society” starring Robin Williams, then you’ve seen the Everett, as it was used in the movie!

The theater will re-open on May 9^th with a production featuring songs from several Broadway musicals, including “Annie” and “Evita.”  Tickets are $15 for adults, $12 for children and seniors.  May 15^th - 16^th, there will be a choral concert for the same prices.  May 22^nd and 23^rd is Community Appreciation Movie Night.  They will feature an evening of “family cartoons” at only $3 per person.

If you enjoy theater, musicals or movies, keep an eye on their calendar of events!  The website is www.everetttheatre.com and there is also a link along the side of this page under “Middletown - Odessa - Townsend Area.”

The theater is located at 45 West Main Street, right in the middle of town.

*Information and picture are from the theatre’s website*

Spring CEP Meeting — Driving Safety

Posted by: Amy Bryan on April 20, 2009

At our monthly meeting on Sunday, April 19th, we discussed some important driving safety topics.  We discussed safe driving practices in regards to driving with children, as well as driving on the streets of America, and Delaware in particular.  The au pairs received the following checklist, tips and reminders to take home with them.

Continuing Education Program Safety Checklist:

Driver/Passenger Safety

• Children should be properly restrained on every car ride, with kids ages 12 or under always in the back seat.
• Make sure child safety seats are properly installed. Read the car seat instructions and vehicle owners manual to find out how to install the seats.
• Infants, until at least 1 year old and 20 pounds should be in rear-facing child safety seats.
• Never put a rear-facing infant or convertible safety seat in the front passenger seat of a vehicle with a passenger airbag.
• Children ages 1 to 4 and 20 to 40 pounds should be in a forward-facing convertible or toddler seat.
• Children ages 4 to 8, usually about 40 to 80 pounds (18 kg to 36 kg), should be in a car booster seat.
• Kids who have outgrown the car booster seat (over 80 pounds / 36 kg and usually over the age of 8 ) should wear a lap / shoulder safety belt.
• If it is necessary for a child over age 1 to ride in the front seat with a passenger air bag, secure him properly in the correct restraint, move the front seat as far back from the dashboard as possible. Make sure the child does not lean toward the dashboard.
• No infants (less than one year old) should ride in the front seat.

Driving Tips & Reminders for Au Pairs (from http://www.aupairclearinghouse.com):

A host family allowing an au pair to drive is not a mandatory part of the program, but a privilege that you need to respect.  If your host family has given you guidelines or rules regarding driving their vehicles, it is for your own safety, as well as the safety of the car and the children you drive!

Make sure you knows where all the insurance and registration cards are kept in your car and have a list of “what to do” instructions if you get into an accident.  Remember to remain calm and check the children to make sure they are okay.  Always report an accident and be on the alert for dishonest drivers who may try and take advantage of you and drive away without sharing his insurance information!  Don’t leave the accident scene until a police officer has arrived and given you permission to do so!

Top Ten Safe Driving Tips for Au Pairs

1. Speeding: Always observe the posted speed limits!  If you are from Germany, you may have a “heavy foot,” meaning you are accustomed to driving fast.  Don’t speed!  Speeding tickets are very expensive and your host parents will be upset because their insurance rates may go up if you get a ticket.  You are responsible for speeding tickets, and fines can be between $100-$400 or more, depending on how fast you were going.

2.  Passing:  Do not ever pass another car where you are not permitted to do so, no matter how slow they are traveling.  Most towns in America have much more traffic on their roads compared to even 15 years ago and passing is dangerous.

3. School Buses: Never ever pass a yellow school bus when it is stopped and flashing its yellow or red lights! This is the law in 50 states to protect school children who are getting off the bus and crossing the road.  You must stop, whether you are following the bus or traveling in the opposite direction on a two-lane road!  If you break this law, you endanger children’s lives and can get arrested, lose your license and end up paying a very steep fine.

4.  Passengers: Do not ever pick up hitchhikers or invite other people in your host family’s car, especially when driving the children.  This is dangerous and your host parents will become very upset if they find out you did this.

5. Seat Belts: It is illegal to drive and not wear your seatbelt - it is also against the law to allow passengers to ride with you unbelted.  Always belt in the children.  Using seat belts saves lives and you should always obey this law!  In Delaware, everyone in the car must wear a safety belt!!  You will get a ticket if you are stopped and you or any passengers in your car are not wearing a seat belt!

6.  Cell phones (mobiles): It is illegal in many states here in America to use a cell phone while driving.  Do not use your cell phone - if you get a call that you think is important (you expect a call from your host parent), pull over where it is safe and well off the road, park and call them back.  You will get a ticket if a police sees you talking on the phone while driving.  You definitely should never text while driving!

7. Car Accidents: If you get into a car accident, remain calm.  You should call the police (911) and report it immediately.  Make sure you are okay and check any passengers - if anyone seems hurt, call 911 and tell them to send an ambulance.   Look around for a cross street so you can tell them where you are.  Don’t let the other driver talk you into taking money for damages or letting you leave without collecting their insurance information.

Report any accident to the police (call 911) so they can write up any damages for your host parents’ insurance company and let them handle the other driver (who may be angry, dishonest or threatening).   Make sure you have all the necessary documents ready for the police:  your license, the car registration card and the insurance card (these last two items should be in the glove compartment of the car right in front of the passenger seat).

8.  Car Maintenance: Some host parents expect their au pair to take care of the car given to them - oil changes, checking air in the tires, etc.  Make sure you have a conversation with them about these different tasks.  If they say they will handle maintenance on the car, remember to be appreciative and keep the car tidy:  clean the car weekly, vacuum and take out garbage, run it through the car wash at least once a month, keep the gas tank full and keep it looking nice!  The way you keep the car is a reflection of who you are as a young adult - don’t disappoint your host parents.  Also remember that all that maintenance (oil changes, tires, etc) costs your host family money, so don’t take advantage of their generosity if they are paying all those things!  Arrange a system with your friends where you take turns driving places or meet somewhere convenient, so you are not the “au pair taxi service.”

9.  Tailgating: One of the most frequent types of accidents is hitting a car from behind!  This occurs when a driver was driving much too close to the car in front of them and when the traffic slowed, that driver would ram the car in front of them. This is called “tailgating,” and is against the law, and worse, the accident is always your fault!  Whenever you hit someone from behind, even if they slam on their breaks, you are usually found at fault.  This means you have to pay for any damages.

Most young people tend to drive too fast, are in a hurry and, as a result, tailgate the car in front of them!  You have to leave a car length between you and the other car for every 10 miles an hour you are traveling - can you say you do this?  Probably not, but next time you are driving, get into the habit of leaving space between you and the car ahead!

10. DRINKING AND DRIVING: Under no circumstances should you drink and then get into a car and drive. American society is against drinking and driving and we prosecute violators very harshly - you can get heavily fined or serve jail time. If you are caught, we will have to send you home early; you will not receive your deposit back and, in addition to any fines you are assigned, you will also be responsible for your flight home and any other transportation fees.  All au pair programs, including Cultural Care, have a Zero Tolerance Policy against driving under the influence of alcohol or any drug that impairs your ability to drive where one time you violate this law, you are gone (there are no second chances).

Drinking and driving can maim and even kill, so please do not drink and drive, ever.  Call your host parents to get a ride home before you put that key in the ignition!  They will appreciate your maturity and honesty. 

SPECIAL REMINDERS FOR THE STATE OF DELAWARE REGARDING DRIVING:

Can I drive in Delaware with my International Driver’s License?

Although in many other states your International License is valid for one year, in Delaware you must obtain a Delaware driver’s license within 60 days after becoming a Delaware resident.  Your international license is invalid after 6 months.  Many car insurance companies also require that drivers be licensed in the state, but this can vary and it’s best to discuss with your host family.

What must I do to get licensed?

Your driver’s license from your home country does not automatically authorize you to drive in the United States.  You must still prove that you are a competent driver and that you understand driving rules and regulations according to Delaware state law.  Therefore, you must successfully pass both a written and road test in order to be legally licensed to drive.

What kind of tests must I take?  What do I need to take with me?

The first step is to obtain a Driver’s Permit, which requires you to pass a written exam. This exam tests your knowledge of driving laws.  The test will be multiple-choice, which means you must select the correct answer out of the given possible answers.  All material that you will be tested on is taken from the Delaware state driver’s manual.  You can download a copy of this at www.dmv.de.gov or pick up a booklet from the Department of Motor Vehicles office.  You can also find some sample questions on the site as well.  The permit test is administered in English, Spanish and Chinese.  You may not bring anyone along to translate for you.

In addition to taking the written permit test, you will also be required to take a vision test, pay $25 and provide the following documentation:

• Passport
• Social Security Card
• Letter of Participation (printable from your Au Pair account)
• A bank statement or some “official” mail with your name and host family’s address that shows proof of your Delaware residency

Once you have successfully obtained your Driver’s Permit, you must wait 10 days until you can test for your license.  To successfully obtain a license at this time, you must take a road test with a DMV employee.  S/he will rate your driving skills and observance of driving laws and determine whether you pass or fail.

What if I don’t pass either the written or driving test?

If you fail any part of the exam, you must wait 10 days before you can take it again.

If you are a German au pair…

Congratulations!  If you have a valid license from Germany, then that means you must have completed the Fahrschule!  Because of this, you are exempt from the written and road tests (this means you do not need to take these tests).  Just take all of the documentation, your German and International Licenses and $25 as listed above and you should be able to obtain your Delaware driver’s license right away!

Where do I need to go?

There are several offices where you can go to obtain your permit / license.  Please understand that you will be helped on a first-come, first-served basis and you may have to wait for some amount of time!  Make sure you plan ahead.

New Castle County, DE:

There are two locations; both are in the New Castle area.

NEW CASTLE:  Airport & Churchmans Roads, 19720 — (302) 326-5000

GREATER WILMINGTON:  2230 Hessler Blvd, New Castle, 19720 — (302) 434-3200

Kent County, DE:

There is only one location; it is in Dover behind the DELDOT building.

303 Transportation Circle, 19903 — (302) 744-2500

Office Hours:

Office hours are the same at all locations around the state.

Monday, Tuesday, Thursday & Friday - 8:00 to 4:30 (16:30)

Wednesday - 12:00 to 8:00 (20:00)

If you have any further questions, please call your nearest DMV office.  Your fellow au pairs and host families who have gone through this process will also be a big help!

Au Pair of the Year 2009!

Posted by: Amy Bryan on April 13, 2009

Congratulations to Ricardo Silva de Araújo, a Cultural Care Au Pair from Brazil and recipient of this year’s International Au Pair Association’s Au Pair of the Year Award!  This is the second year in a row that a Cultural Care au pair has received this honor.

Please take a few moments to watch Ricardo’s story:  Au Pair of the Year 2009.  It’s truly heartwarming!

Congrats to all the nominees and I hope you are all as proud as I am to have the great au pairs that we have in our program!

April CEP Meeting

Posted by: Amy Bryan on April 13, 2009

Our April meeting will be held this coming Sunday, April 19th.  We will be having a joint meeting with au pairs from the Newark area.  We will meet at 5 pm at Panera Bread at 140 Main Street in Downtown Newark.  There is a parking lot directly behind the building; parking in this lot is FREE on Sundays!

Please note:  There are several one-way streets in Downtown Newark. Main Street is one-way going west, Delaware Avenue is one-way going east!  Pedestrians also have the right-of-way, meaning you must stop if there are people crossing the street.

Do not park in any University parking lots — you will most likely get a ticket.  There should be plenty of parking available behind the building; if not, there is on-street parking available throughout the downtown area, as well as other parking lots.

We will be going over some driving safety tips as part of the Continuing Education program.

Friends and other au pairs are always welcome to join us!

If you cannot make it, please let me know, along with your availability for a make-up session, as I will be out of town from April 24th through the 27th.