The Chicago Area Blog

Did you know that Au Pair in America will pay for the cost of a Red Cross class providing you have at least three months left on your visa and you are taking one of several approved childcare/child safety related classes, such as infant/child CPR or Community First Aid and Safety.

The American Red Cross of Chicago is offering a class designed for childcare providers, teachers, parents and others who care for children, this course teaches participants how to recognize and care for breathing and cardiac emergencies in infants and children up to 8 years of age. Participants take home a skills card as well as information about preventing injuries. The course is (CSCC) CPR/AED, # HSSFA207.  For schedule and more information, visit the American Red Cross of Greater Chicago website. Here is a link to the class: http://arc-chicago.axxiomportal.com/Education/course.aspx?c=7649 . Check with your community counselor for details on payment for courses.

In 1995 the government agency overseeing au pair programs required that all au pair agencies give a standardized orientation to each au pair before she arrives in her host family.
Au Pair in America always required an orientation starting with our very first group of au pairs that arrived in the summer of 1986.
The orientation includes 8 hours of child safety and 24 hours of child development training. A portion of the program is presented by instructors from the American Red Cross.
After au pairs arrive in their host communities they qualify for an American Red Cross scholarship as part of the ongoing training offered by Au Pair in America to help support the highest level of child care.