Archive for the 'Information for host families' Category
Cultural Care Au Pair at the Philadelphia Flyers Game
No Comment |Posted by: Amy Bryan on March 10, 2010
Last night, several Cultural Care Au Pairs from the Philadelphia area attended a Philadelphia Flyers hockey game at the Wachovia Center. The event was organized by LCC Rebecca Cronin and myself. Our group name was displayed on the scoreboard and au pairs were able to get unlimited concessions, courtesy of our group tickets. Best of all, the au pairs got to experience the excitement in the arena as the Flyers earned a 3 - 2 victory over the New York Islanders.
I know that the girls all had a great time and we hope to do this again in the future and to be able to include more au pairs!
See more photos on the Photos page.
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Putting Kids First: Helping At-Risk Children Worldwide
No Comment |Posted by: Amy Bryan on March 2, 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 it’s 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 this link or the Kids First tab at the top of this page. You can also contact me directly.
Our local au pairs can help by participating in our May regional event, the Au Pair Amazing Race. A portion fo the $5 registration fee will be donated to Kids First.
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Save $350 with our Spring Savings offer
No Comment |Posted by: Amy Bryan on March 2, 2010
The spring season represents new beginnings - which makes now a great time to secure your childcare by hosting a Cultural Care au pair. You are entitled to a $350 program fee discount when you apply - using promo code PCSPR2010 by March 31, 2010. Your weekly cost is just $330-or $7.30/hr (per family, not per child).*
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
Check out hundreds of available candidates on culturalcare.com/availableaupairs or visit aupairvideos.com to view au pair’s own video profiles.
*To qualify for Spring Savings, you must be new to Cultural Care Au Pair, apply between March 1 and March 31, 2010 and welcome an au pair into your home by October 22, 2010. Average weekly/hourly cost is calculated including the Spring Savings discount. Total savings cannot exceed $650.
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Childcare Tip of the Week #11: Creating a Fun, Clean Play Space
No Comment |Posted by: Amy Bryan on March 1, 2010
Have toys taken over your host kids’ rooms or play room? I know that is a common problem at my house…lots of stuff, and in our case, not much room for it all. It is okay for you in your role as an au pair to help with tidying up the children’s rooms and toys, so this would not be something that would go against your duties. If you think any of these things might work, please be sure to check with your host family beforehand!
The following tips come from an article in the January 2010 edition of MetroKids.
Have your kids’ toys, books and games taken over your home, multiplying at a furious pace and spreading like wildfire through every room? If you answered an emphatic “yes!” it’s time to talk to your host family about creating an inviting play area that your children and their stuff can call home.
Tidy Playroom Tips
- Run a colored marker over the back of puzzle piecesand you’ll always know where they belong. Store puzzles in Ziploc bags.
- Store children’s artwork in a large artist portfolio,available at art supply stores. Save only the favorite work. Photograph three-dimensional items.
- To help your child organize, take a child’s eye view:Look at the room from her vantage point.
- Use expandable or pegged hat racks to hold stuffed animals, dress-up clothes, belts, scarves and, of course, hats.
- Store picture books as a flip-file, standing upright in a plastic dishpan rather than on bookshelves, which are harder for little fingers to access.
- Organize bottom-to-top. Place the most used toys closest to the floor. Even if you don’t have space for a separate playroom, it’s still possible to create a distinct play area within a larger space, and well worth the effort. “There might be an alcove or niche you can use. For integrated spaces, try suggest using rolling shelving that can be turned toward a wall and wheeled out for playtime. “You can do faux finish painting on the back so it looks like a decorative part of a den or living room.
Decorating Pointers
- Once you’ve chosen your playroom space, it’s time to think about decorating. Be sure to let the kids provide some input; they’ll enjoy the room even more if they have a role in the design process.
- Proper lighting is a crucial, and often overlooked, component of playroom décor. It’s important, even when kids are little, that they can see well and don’t get frustrated.
Fun and Functional
- Furniture should be both fun and functional. For young children, a pint-size table and chair set is a must; for older children, a desk/computer station is the way to go. Fun seating such as beanbag chairs or kid-size fold out foam sofas also work well.
- Experts recommend maximizing space by installing floor-to-ceiling shelving and/or cubbies to hold books, toys, and games. “I like open shelving, but you can also do shelving that has a combination of open shelves and some that are behind closed doors.
Storing the Stuff
- Once the decorating is complete, it’s time to organize. Begin by grouping toys in categories (dolls, stuffed animals, action figures, etc.) and storing each group separately. Clear plastic bins that are labeled work well. (For pre-readers, take a picture and attach it to the outside of the bin.)
- Use a variety of sizes of plastic containers, some with lids, some open dishpan style for bigger, bulkier things. Avoid using toy chests; invariably, kids end up dumping them out in search of that elusive toy at the very bottom. Place less popular items, or items that require adult supervision, on the higher shelves. Periodically, rotate appropriate items that are out of reach to lower shelf positions.
- Arts and crafts items can be a challenge to organize. Set up a dedicated section of the playroom for these items “using either plastic holders with pull out drawers or plastic shoeboxes with lids, one for crayons, one for markers, another for colored pencils; separate everything but have it all together in the same area.
- For tiny items such as beads or sequins, plastic tackle boxes with many small compartments are a great solution. Collections such as Barbie dolls or Beanie Babies can live happily ever after in clear plastic shoe bags with pockets.
Separate and Label
- Separate toys and label them. It makes it much easier for kids if they know exactly where things go. If you can say ‘put the blocks back on the block shelf, put all the play food back in the kitchen area, put the crayons back in the crayon bin,’ and give them specific instructions, it can make everybody’s life a whole lot easier.
- Try to regularly clean out and purge unused items. A lot of kids today have so many toys they really feel overwhelmed. Experts recommend packing one-third of a child’s toys away for six months. If the toys aren’t missed, give them away to a local children’s charity, or try bringing them back a few months later and pack away a new set of items in their place. That way kids have less to focus on at any point, and it feels like Christmas all the time, too.
Please remember to check with your host family before doing any organizing or decorating. If you’re given the “green light,” get the kids invloved and have fun!
Take a before and after picture of your old and newly organized play space and I will give you a $5 gift card!!!!!
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Philadelphia International Flower Show - 28 February to 7 March
No Comment |Posted by: Amy Bryan on February 27, 2010
The Philadelphia International Flower Show opens tomorrow and runs through next Sunday, March 7th. It takes place at the Philadelphia Convention Center, located at 12th and Arch Streets in Center City. This year’s theme is “Passport to the World” and will feature flowers and plants from Europe, South America, Asia and New Zealand.
There are garden and floral displays, as well as individual entries, which are judged. Some of the displays will feature flowers and plants from the Brazilian rainforest, orchids from Singapore, Japanese flower displays, Dutch tulips and wildflowers from the US East Coast and PA. For a full list of all the different displays featured, click here.
For more information such as hours, admission fees and maps, visit the Flower Show’s website by clicking on the link above. You can also find directions and how to get there via Septa or Amtrak. Amtrak offers a 15% discount as well, so look for the discount code on the “Directions” page.
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Childcare Tip of the Week #10 — Reading With Your Kids
No Comment |Posted by: Amy Bryan on February 22, 2010
One easy way to keep your kids busy is by reading aloud to them! Research shows that children who read or are read to for 20 minutes a day do better in school. Even children as young as six months old can benefit from being reading and looking at books.
Read to your host kids in English to help you practice your language skills, and read to them in your own language too, to expose them to a second language early. Reading together can be a great activity before nap, bedtime or even just on a rainy day! This can also be a good thing to suggest for the kids to do to keep busy while you clean up from lunch or even if you need a few minutes to run to the bathroom!
The following information comes from “The More You Know“:
BUILDING READING SKILLS IN CHILDREN
Reading aloud, introducing print materials to your children and encouraging positive reading experiences all have a beneficial effect on a child’s learning and literacy. Children who are read to at least three times a week are almost twice as likely to score in the top 25 percent in reading than those who are read to less than three times a week. As a result, reading to kids can have lasting effects on their educational level in the future.
Literacy starts at an early age; parents should begin reading to their child at six months of age. Infants learn most through sight and sound, reading facial expressions and movements. Therefore it is important to gesture, talk, smile, and sing to young children. They will eventually recognize that the words have specific meanings. Also, introduce children to books when they are babies- soft, washable books or touch and feel stories are a great way to introduce a child to reading in a way that is fun and interesting.
As infants grow into toddlers, parents should engage them in conversation about different objects, pointing out colors, names and shapes. Books with rhymes and poems help peak children’s interest and also familiarize them with words and phrases. As a child begins school, parents should expand their library to include books with more words rather than pictures.
Around the age of four, children will begin to sound out words on their own. If they want to try reading themselves, encourage them. While most children are reading by the age of seven, each child begins developing reading skills at different times. Parents should not be discouraged if their children are reading at a later age- keep encouraging them and remain positive.
Knowledge about reading and writing go together; as children learn one, they are learning the other. When kids are toddlers, give them crayons and paper to write on. Drawing at an early age helps build muscle control, and soon your child will begin to write letters. Eventually, with the help of teachers and parents, children begin to learn the correct spelling of words. Therefore, reading skills are only a part of a larger learning process that progresses from talking, listening, reading and eventually to writing.
WHAT YOU CAN DO…
Learning to read starts in the home. By creating a comfortable atmosphere for children to read, parents can influence their learning abilities for the future. Here are a few tips that will help develop your child’s reading skills and foster an environment that makes learning both fun and interesting for your child.
- Set aside time
Try to read to your child everyday for 30 minutes. At first, read for only a few minutes at a time for several times a day, the gradually increase reading sessions as your child grows older.
- Make it visual
Point to words as you read them in order to familiarize your child with what different words look like.
- Be enthusiastic
Read various kinds of stories to your child, using different voices and changing your intonation in order to make the story more exciting. Singing the lyrics is also a good way to keep the attention of infants and toddlers.
- Repeat
Read your child’s favorite stories over and over again.
- Keep a collection
Make sure your home has plenty of reading materials that are age-appropriate for your child. Keep a collection of books, magazines and newspapers available in the house.
- Involve your child
Talk to your child about what you are reading; point out objects in pictures and talk about what is going on in the story. When your child gets old enough, ask questions as to what is going to happen next, what objects are in the pictures, and point out new words. Remember not to stop too often that your child forgets what is going on in the story.
- Set a good example
Show your children that reading is important to you as well. Read books yourself and ask your child to join you.
- Visit the library
Take trips to the library with your child and let them pick out a book for story time.
- Read everything
Reading is not just limited to books. Read street signs, cereal boxes, letters - anything you and your child see throughout the day.
LIBRARIES IN DELAWARE:
Appoquinimink Library 651 North Broad Street Middletown, DE 19709 Preschool Storytime Mondays: February 15, March 8, 15, 22,29 (No Storytime May 24) 10:30 a.m.Preschool / Kindergarten Storytime with Miss Audrey Thursdays @ 10 am Join Miss Audrey for stories, songs, crafts and activities. For children ages 3 - 6.
After-School Story Time Every other Thursday @ 4 pm (Pre-K through 2nd grade) Join Miss Jackie and Miss Audrey for stories, songs and activities for children in Pre-K through 2nd grade, which meets every other Thursday at 4:00 pm. Remaining dates: February 25, March 11 & 25, April 8 & 22, May 6 & 20, June 3
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LIBRARIES IN MARYLAND:
The Cecil County Public Library has a variety of free classes and events. The easiest way to find out what’s going on is to click the previous link and check the calendar on the website for the most accurate information.
The nearest branches are located in Elkton, Chesapeake City, North East and Rising Sun.
Chesapeake City Branch 2527 Augustine Herman Highway Chesapeake City, MD 21915 410-996-1134Elkton Central Branch 301 Newark Avenue Elkton, MD 21921 410-996-5609
North East Branch 106 W. Cecil Avenue North East, MD 21901 410-996-6269
Rising Sun Branch 111 Colonial Way Rising Sun, MD 21911 410-658-4025
Other Story Time Options:
Barnes & Noble Bookstore - Christiana Mall Storytime on Tuesdays, Thursdays & Saturdays @ 11 am upstairs in the Children’s Department. Check the link for storytime themes.Borders Books - Newark, DE 101 Geoffrey Drive, Newark DE 19713 (across from DelTech Stanton, near the Christiana Mall) Storytime Wednesdays @ 10 am, Saturdays @ 11 am
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Cultural Care & Kids First in South Africa
No Comment |Posted by: Amy Bryan on February 18, 2010
Even two bunk beds can make a difference…
This is what Cultural Care Au Pair staff members and Local Childcare Coordinators (LCCs) learned when they visited the site of our Kids First partner in South Africa earlier this month.Kids First, Cultural Care’s own philanthropic program, raises funds for children in need worldwide, including many in a Cape Town community looked after by a woman named Mama Pumla.
Mama used $12,000 we sent last year to build a structure that would house the youngest children in her care, and our representatives visited in order to check on her progress. During the visit, we purchased even more supplies and gifts and met some incredibly special people. Whether you are already a Kids First supporter and want to know what kind of difference you’ve made or want to learn more about this program, watch our short movie.
To learn more about Cultural Care’s efforts to help children around the world, click here.
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Cultural Care Offices Closed for the Holiday Weekend
No Comment |Posted by: Amy Bryan on February 12, 2010
Please be advised that this weekend our offices will be closed Saturday 2/13 - Monday 2/15. This means we will not have staff available to make connection calls until Tuesday 2/16.
Customer Service and other office departments will also not return until Tuesday. As always if there is an emergency on the weekend or Monday, please utilize the Emergency Beeper and the on-call staff will be available to assist. The emergency beeper can be accessed by dialing: 800-333-6056 option 9.
Thank you and have a great long weekend!
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Get a taste of spring this weekend at Longwood Gardens!
No Comment |Posted by: Amy Bryan on February 12, 2010
Escape Winter - Come Indoors to Longwood Gardens
This weekend, bring your sweetheart to Longwood! Flowers, fragrance and strolling musicians help to set the romantic mood. The paths leading to the Conservatory are clear, transporting you to an Orchid Extravaganza inside our 4-acres under glass. We could all use a chance to get out of the house and enjoy upcoming sunny days! The outdoor garden paths are limited while we continue our snow removal process.
Join us on President’s Day (February 15), for School’s Out Mondays! Find out what plants do when the garden is asleep. Kids can wear their PJs and receive a coupon for a free cookie redeemable that day at the Terrace Restaurant. Fun activities are scheduled from 10:00 am - 4:00 pm and are located in the Indoor Children’s Garden.
Don’t miss the last two OrKID Days! Enjoy a family performance, crafts and the chance to meet exotic animals. February 20 features the Suzi Shelton Band and animals from The Brandywine Zoo. February 27 features Alex & the Kaleidscope Band and animals from the Elmwood Park Zoo. Activites are included with Gardens’ admission. Concerts begin at 12:30 pm and 2:00 pm and the animals are on display from 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm.
Longwood Gardens is located in Kennett Square, PA, right over the state line from Delaware. For more information, including maps, directions and admission costs, visit their website.
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Snow Days & Au Pair Work Hours
No Comment |Posted by: Amy Bryan on February 9, 2010
Looks like Delaware and Maryland are about to be snowed in…yet again!
In light of our recent insane weather, here is a friendly reminder regarding work hours for au pairs.
Some au pairs probably have a much different schedule this week than is typical, due to schools being closed. Please be especially watchful of the amount of hours being worked this week.
Remember that the State Department regulation is that au pairs may work NO MORE than 45 hours per week and NO MORE than 10 hours per day. It may be helpful to keep track of the number of hours au pairs have worked each day at the end of each day in the Daily Communication Log.
It is also important to be clear about on-duty / off-duty time, especially if parents are home and snowed in as well! Au pairs, if you are unsure of whether you are considered “on-duty,” please ask your host parents!
I know that all of our families are very fair regarding au pair work hours; I just wanted to remind everyone to be mindful that we are all in compliance with the rules and regulations! 
If you have any questions or concerns about this, please contact me or Program Director Robin Hannum.
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