Au Pair Chatter

Local au pairs from countries around the globe, will share their cultures through visual displays, food samples, games and performances.  Children will receive passports and have them stamped as they visit each country.  There will be an “Around the World Scavenger Hunt” for kids with prizes. Admission is free.  If you have any questions, please post them in the comments below.

What:     Au Pair in America Central & Southern Maryland Cultural Fair
When:    Saturday, January 23, 2-4 pm
Where:   Bowie Library (Large Meeting Room)
15210 Annapolis Road (Rt. 450), Bowie, MD 20715

Update: We are doing a Service Project for Haiti, see details HERE.

Here is a video from last year’s Cultural Fair

Here is another video that has been a long time in the making. This is a video of au pairs participating in our Central & Southern Maryland Cultural Fair on February 7, 2009.

For the past several years my cluster has participated in the City of Bowie International Festival.  It is a wonderful event that brings people from all over the area who want to sample a variety of cultures from around the globe.  We provide free children’s activities.  Last year my au pairs had over 700 children visit our booth!!!

We are hoping for a sunny day on Saturday, so we will have lots of excited children stopping by for the activities we have planned.

Depending on when you stop by, you might join us to do one of the following:

• writing your name in Thai or Chinese
• coloring plastic butterflies
• learning the colors in various languages
• map games
• flag games
• making beaded bracelets
• making tissue paper flowers
• getting your hand painted with the flag of Germany or South Africa

Here are a couple of photos from last year’s event

International Festival 2008

International Festival 2008

The City of Bowie International Festival will be held on Saturday, October 3, 2009, 11 am-5pm at Allen Pond Park, Northview Drive, Bowie, MD 20716.

Here is a great article about an Au Pair in America EduCare Companion from Australia named Amy Hart.

It talks about her experiences here in the U.S. as well as the volunteer work she has done in her community.

A Year of Learning and Giving

An Additional Educare Arrival Date has been added, August 24!

Ines from Germany

If you are interested in a EduCare Companion for a summer arrival, there is still time to apply.

EduCare in America – 30 hours of child care for approximately $271 per family, per week. This cost-effective program is the choice for families with full-time school-age children who require care primarily during the early morning and after school hours, with some weekend and evening hours.

To consider EduCare:

• You must live in one of the designated EduCare Communities*
• You must have children in full-time school
• You must be able to work with 30 hours a week (year round)
• You must understand that their education allowance is $1000/yr
• You must be able to work with the EduCare arrival schedule

*If you do not see your community listed, I still encourage you to inquire.  We are looking to expand EduCare and your community might be a possibility if it is already served by the standard Au Pair in America program.

2009 EduCareArrival Dates

• Tuesday, July 7
• Monday, July 27
• Monday, August 3
• Monday, August 17
• Monday, August 24 (just added)
• Monday, December 7

Here are some profiles of EduCare Companions looking for summer arrivals.

Apply Now and Save $450!

If you have questions about EduCare, post them here in the comments section.