Monthly Archives: May 2019

Stay Safe in Sun and Water!

Sun and Water Safety Tips

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Sun and Water Safety Tips

 

Keep your family safe this summer by following these tips from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP).

Click here for the Spanish Version.

FUN IN THE SUN

Babies under 6 months:

  • The two main recommendations from the AAP to prevent sunburn are to avoid sun exposure, and to dress infants in lightweight long pants, long-sleeved shirts, and brimmed hats that shade the neck to prevent sunburn. However, when adequate clothing and shade are not available, parents can apply a minimal amount of sunscreen with at least 15 SPF (sun protection factor) to small areas, such as the infant’s face and the back of the hands. If an infant gets sunburn, apply cool compresses to the affected area.

For All Other Children:

  • The first, and best, line of defense against harmful ultraviolet radiation (UVR) exposure is covering up. Stay in the shade whenever possible, and limit sun exposure during the peak intensity hours – between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
  • Wear a hat with a three-inch brim or a bill facing forward, sunglasses (look for sunglasses that provide 97% -100% protection against both UVA and UVB rays), and clothing with a tight weave.
  • On both sunny and cloudy days use a sunscreen with an SPF 15 or greater that protects against UVA and UVB rays.
  • Be sure to apply enough sunscreen — about one ounce per sitting for a young adult.
  • Reapply sunscreen every two hours, or after swimming or sweating.
  • Use extra caution near water and sand (and even snow!) as they reflect UV rays and may result in sunburn more quickly.


HEAT STRESS IN EXERCISING CHILDREN

  • The intensity of activities that last 15 minutes or more should be reduced whenever high heat or humidity reach critical levels.
  • At the beginning of a strenuous exercise program or after traveling to a warmer climate, the intensity and duration of outdoor activities should start low and then gradually increase over 7 to 14 days to acclimate to the heat, particularly if it is very humid.
  • Before outdoor physical activities, children should drink freely and should not feel thirsty. During activities less than one hour, water alone is fine. Kids should always have water or a sports drink available and take a break to drink every 20 minutes while active in the heat.
  • Clothing should be light-colored and lightweight and limited to one layer of absorbent material to facilitate evaporation of sweat. Sweat-saturated shirts should be replaced by dry clothing.
  • Practices and games played in the heat should be shortened and there should be more frequent water/hydration breaks. Children should promptly move to cooler environments if they feel dizzy, lightheaded or nauseous.


HEAT STRESS IN INFANTS

Infants and small children are not able to regulate their body temperature in the same way that adults do. Every year, children die from heat stroke from being left in a hot car, often unintentionally, with the majority of these deaths occurring in children 3 and under. Here are a few tips for parents when traveling in a car with infants or young children:

  • Always check the back seat to make sure all children are out of the car when you arrive at your destination.
  • Avoid distractions while driving, especially cell phone use.
  • Be especially aware of kids in the car when there is a change from the routine, ie. someone else is driving them in the morning, you take a different route to work or child care.
  • Have your childcare provider call if your child has not arrived within 10 minutes of the expected arrival time.
  • Place you cell phone, bag or purse in the back seat, so you are reminded to check the back seat when you arrive at your destination.

POOL SAFETY

  • Never leave children alone in or near the pool or spa, even for a moment; close supervision by a responsible adult is the best way to prevent drowning in children.
  • Whenever children under age 5 are in or around water, an adult – preferably one who knows how to swim and perform CPR – should be within arm’s length, providing “touch supervision.”
  • Install a fence at least 4 feet high around all four sides of the pool. The fence should not have openings or protrusions that a young child could use to get over, under, or through.
  • Make sure pool gates open out from the pool, and self-close and self-latch at a height children can’t reach. Consider alarms on the gate to alert you when someone opens the gate. Consider surface wave or underwater alarms as an added layer of protection.
  • The safest fence is one that surrounds all 4 sides of the pool and completely separates the pool from the house and yard. If the house serves as the fourth side of the fence, install an alarm on the exit door to the yard and the pool. For additional protection, install window guards on windows facing the pool. Drowning victims have also used pet doors to gain access to pools. Keep all of your barriers and alarms in good repair with fresh batteries.
  • Keep rescue equipment (a shepherd’s hook ­– a long pole with a hook on the end — and life preserver) and a portable telephone near the pool. Choose a shepherd’s hook and other rescue equipment made of fiberglass or other materials that do not conduct electricity.
  • Avoid inflatable swimming aids such as “floaties.” They are not a substitute for approved life vests and can give children and parents a false sense of security.
  • Children over age 1 may be at a lower risk of drowning if they have had some formal swimming instruction. However, there is no evidence that swimming lessons or water survival skills courses can prevent drowning in babies younger than 1 year of age.
  • The decision to enroll a child over age one in swimming lessons should be made by the parent based on the child’s developmental readiness and exposure to water, but swim programs should never be seen as “drown proofing” a child of any age.
  • Avoid entrapment: Suction from pool and spa drains can trap a swimmer underwater. Do not use a pool or spa if there are broken or missing drain covers.  Ask your pool operator if your pool or spa’s drains are compliant with the Pool and Spa Safety Act. If you have a swimming pool or spa, ask your pool service representative to update your drains and other suction fitting with anti-entrapment drain covers and other devices or systems. See PoolSafely.gov for more information on the Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act.
  • Large, inflatable, above-ground pools have become increasingly popular for backyard use. Children may fall in if they lean against the soft side of an inflatable pool. Although such pools are often exempt from local pool fencing requirements, it is essential that they be surrounded by an appropriate fence just as a permanent pool would be so that children cannot gain unsupervised access.
  • If a child is missing, look for him or her in the pool or spa first.
  • Share safety instructions with family, friends and neighbors.

– See more at: https://www.aap.org/en-us/about-the-aap/aap-press-room/news-features-and-safety-tips/Pages/Sun-and-Water-Safety-Tips.aspx#sthash.dmJsgr9D.dpuf

Approved Weekend Classes for 2019

2019 Weekend classes

Important to note:

If the class is remote, Host Families pay for the class and what is included.   Au Pairs pay for any transportation, food, & lodging not included in the cost of the class.

 

Albany, NY                             College of St. Rose, at Silver Bay       http://silverbayaupaircourse.com/

AP chooses subjects, see course descriptions. Lodging and meals are included in the average cost of $285. Each weekend plus homework, provides an au pair with 3 credits.

 

Brookville, NY                       Long Island University                               http://liu.edu/aupair

Weekend classes focusing on one topic.  They offer transport from the train station at a certain times.  Please see course descriptions. Average class cost of $250 and is based on receiving up to 3 credits.   Lodging and meals are not included but can be purchased for $100.

 

New York City, NY               Cultural Hi-Ways/ Borough of Manhattan Community College (BMCC).

http://www.campusce.net/learningacrossamerica/category/category.aspx

Learning Across America.  Classes meet on three weekend days spread out for several weeks with a break before the travel portion of the class.  Class focus and tour locations include Niagara Falls, NYC, Montreal, Amish Country of PA, Boston, & Washington DC.  Au Pairs earn either 32 or 40 hours with attendance for all classes & the tour, and completing the homework assignments.  Prices range from $279 – $485 depending on number of classes and tour location.

 

New York City, NY               UCLA Extension                                https://www.aupairclasses.org/new-york

Performing Arts (Theater/ Broadway, Music) or Visual Arts (Art Architecture, Photography) class offerings.  36 hours per class, Friday -Sunday for 295 +100 in fees.  72 hours for both classes for $500 +215 in fees.  No housing or meals included.

 

White Plains, NY                    Pace University                   www.pace.edu/eli/westchester/j-1-au-pair-student

3 course offerings – American Studies through Film, Cross Cultural Communication, American Humor, Tourism.        20 credit hour class:  9-5 pm Sat & Sun for $200.  40 hour credit class:  weekend class & research essay requirement for $365.  No housing, but free parking.

 

 

Purchase, NY                          SUNY Purchase                                              www.purchase.edu/ell

Explorations in American Life and Language – courses focused on English language in business and culture classes.  Weekend options: 20 hours or 40 hours towards your U.S. government education requirement.  No housing available, but short-term parking available.

 

West Harrison, NY                Fordham University                                       www.fordham.edu/aupair

Classes focus on Psychology and Marketing presently.  Weekend classes with pre- assignment options for 20 hours ($225) or 40 hours ($375) if research paper is also submitted.  Free Parking.

 

New Rochelle, NY     Iona College               http://www.iona.edu/Student-Life/Student-Experience-Activities/International-Student-Services/ESL-General-Au-Pair-Program.aspx         

2 class offerings –American Pop culture and The Real You-Fulfilling Your Dreams.  Each class has a 2 or 3 credit option depending on completing a multipage assignment.  2 credit class costs $225, 3 credit course costs $350.  Lunch served both days, class runs from 9am – 5:45pm each day.   No housing available.

 

Boston, MA                Bunker Hill Community College                   https://www.aupairclasses.org/boston

2 classes offered – Discover Boston and Make a Difference.  Receive up to 45 hours for a 3 day course, $295 + $60 in fees.  Up to 90 hours for both classes for $500 +115 in fees.  No housing provided, however local recommendation listed on site with discount code.

 

Fairfield, CT              Cultural HiWays/ Borough of Manhattan Community College (BMCC).

http://www.campusce.net/learningacrossamerica/category/category.aspx

Learning Across America.  Classes meet on three weekend days spread out for several weeks with a break before the travel portion of the class.  Class focus and tour locations include Niagara Falls, NYC, Montreal, Amish Country of PA, Boston, & Washington DC.  Au Pairs earn either 32 or 40 hours with attendance for all classes & the tour and completing the homework assignments.  Prices range from $279 – $485 depending on number of classes and tour location.

 

Stamford, CT              Cultural HiWays/ Borough of Manhattan Community College (BMCC).

http://www.campusce.net/learningacrossamerica/category/category.aspx

Learning Across America.  Classes meet on three weekend days spread out for several weeks with a break before the travel portion of the class.  Class focus and tour locations include Niagara Falls, NYC, Montreal, Amish Country of PA, Boston, & Washington DC.  Au Pairs earn either 32 or 40 hours with attendance for all classes & the tour and completing the homework assignments.  Prices range from $279 – $485 depending on number of classes and tour location.

 

Morristown, NJ          Cultural HiWays/ Borough of Manhattan Community College (BMCC).

http://www.campusce.net/learningacrossamerica/category/category.aspx

Learning Across America.  Classes meet on three weekend days spread out for several weeks with a break before the travel portion of the class.  Class focus and tour locations include Niagara Falls, NYC, Montreal, Amish Country of PA, Boston, & Washington DC.  Au Pairs earn either 32 or 40 hours with attendance for all classes & the tour, and completing the homework assignments.  Prices range from $279 – $485 depending on number of classes and tour location.

 

New Brunswick, NJ                Rutger’s University                                http://www.cpe.rutgers.edu/aupair/

Classes tailored to Au Pairs.  Topics include American Food, Childcare topics etc.  8:30-4:30 on Saturday & Sunday.  $390 for 3 CEUs, includes materials, breakfast, and lunch.  Certificate upon completion.   No housing but onsite parking, free shuttle from NJ transit train station.  See website for full details.

 

Millersville, PA                      Millersville University

https://www.millersville.edu/internationalprograms/eli/short-term-english-programs/au-pair-weekend-program.php

Amish Culture studies in Lancaster County Pennsylvania.  36 hours of coursework from classroom discussion, field trip and pre and post work assignments.  $350 for tuition, registration, materials, and excursion fees.  Housing not available, but main office is open to contact for suggestions. Class runs from Friday at 3pm – 4pm on Sunday.

 

Massachusetts Bay Community College / East Coast Adventures                 http://www.massbay.edu/journey/  

“Journey through North America” class – class room learning and trip for 3 CEUs.

Montreal, Niagara Falls, Philadelphia, Quebec City & Washington DC.  APs responsible for visa/ passport requirements for any travel to Canada.  See site for dates & pricing.

 

Washington, DC        Cultural HiWays/ Borough of Manhattan Community College (BMCC).

http://www.campusce.net/learningacrossamerica/category/category.aspx

Learning Across America.  Au Pairs earn 36 hours Prices range from $279 – $485 depending on number of classes and tour location.  Classes meet at Trinity Washington University.  See website for more details.

 

Washington, DC        University of the Virgin Islands                      www.uviprogram.org

http://reg.abcsignup.com/reg/event_page.aspx?ek=0040-0016-856f3de29a2043ed8c7ded072bb2faf7

American History classes, Exploring DC with a walking tours, Sign Language, Personal/ Career Development, Movie making, Understanding politics etc.  Saturday & Sunday for 20 hours/ 2 CEUs for $275.  Class occurs at the Smithsonian Museums.  See website for details.  Additional classes in Maryland.

 

Washington, DC        Virginia International University        http://viu.edu/sels/programs/adult-esl.html#Museum

One day classes at Smithsonian Museums and private are galleries.  Classes typically run 10:30am – 3:30 pm.           The museum classes are $40/class, and students earn 0.5 CEUs. For new students, there is a one-time administration fee of $20. There is no textbook.  See website for details.

 

Washington, DC        George Washington University                     Http://www.WBLseminar.wordpress.com

 

Women’s Business Leadership. Focused on leadership, mentorship, professional communication, & goals.  Pre- and post-class assignments.  36 hours towards requirement.   $360 early registration price / $375 late registration price + $25 materials fee.

 

Washington, DC        University of the District of Columbia Community College   www.aupairclasses.org

Learning to live your American Dream.  45 hours for 3-day weekend class $295 + $60 (materials and registration fees).  Discount offered for enrolling in multiple classes during registration.  No housing or meals available through the school, but discount at local hostel with a discount code. Details on class website.

 

Towson, MD              Towson University                                         www.towson.edu/elc

Class options focus on Pop culture, English grammar, or the Baltimore area.  APs should sign up at least one week before the class as field trips tickets may need to be ordered in advance.  3 credit class, pre- class assignments approximately 16 hours’ worth of homework.  No lodging or meals provided.  $300 +$25 application fee.

 

Richmond, VA            University of Richmond

Under Language and Culture Studies:  http://spcs.richmond.edu/noncredit/language-culture/index.html  and Under Cultural Studies:  http://spcs.richmond.edu/noncredit/language-culture/culture.html

Under humanities-culture:  http://spcs.richmond.edu/noncredit/areas/humanities-culture/cultural-enrichment.html

 

Please see course descriptions. The average cost of $325 is based on 3 credits. Less expensive, shorter one day opportunities are available for less credits.  No lodging available but, website references to local hotels at a special rate.

 

 

Chapel Hill, NC    University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill         www.humanities.unc.edu

“Adventures in Ideas:  Weekend Seminars” Lectures and optional meal.  Several offerings focusing on Global Urban Life, American Christianity, African American Music, Mapping the Ancient World etc.  See website for more details.  Tuition by deadline $110 – $125, late registration $125 – $140.  Meals $15-20.  Discounts for multiple registrations.    No housing or transportation available.

 

Charleston, SC    Trident Technical College

http://www.tridenttech.edu/ce/programs/catalog/charleston-history-and-culture.htm

Southern culture, history, language, landmarks.  Learning takes place in and out of the classroom.  Includes graveyards (ghost stories).  Late Friday – Sunday.  30 hours, for $325.  Registration includes fees for events, but not food or lodging.  Hostel information available on site.

 

Tampa, FL              Hillsborough Community College                       www.aupairclasses.org

Multiple classes, see website for details.  40 hours each.  $295 Tuition + $50 materials fee.  Late registration penalty is $50.  Discount offered for enrolling in multiple classes during registration.  Housing is not included in price of tuition, but can be arranged as a convenience.  Housing cost depends on length of stay and accommodations chosen.  See site for details.

 

Nashville, TN             University of the Virgin Islands                     http://www.uviprogram.org/

Psychology: The power of Language and Thoughts.  This course will focus on control and mastery of emotions, impulses and actions to achieve personal goals through mind mapping and visualization.  Successful completion of the course requirements will earn the student 40 hours or 4 CEU’s.  $335 course fee for on time registration.

 

Chicago, IL    Cultural HiWays/ Borough of Manhattan Community College (BMCC).

http://www.campusce.net/learningacrossamerica/category/category.aspx

Learning Across America.  Classes meet on three weekend days spread out for several weeks with a break before the travel portion of the class.  Class focus and tour locations include Chicago and New Orleans.  Au Pairs earn either 32 or 40 hours with attendance for all classes & the tour, and completing the homework assignments.  Prices range from $279 – $459 depending on number of classes and tour location.    Classes take place in downtown Chicago at Loyola University.  Airfare to/from New Orleans is not included in cost of tuition.  See website for more details.

 

Chicago, IL                             UCLA Extension                 www.aupairclasses.org

Discover Chicago and Make a Difference class offerings.  Receive up to 45 hours for a 3-day weekend class for $295 + $50 food, materials and activity fee & $10 registration fee. Discount given for multiple class sign up at registration.  No lodging available, but website refers to local hotels.  Pre and post assignments required for completion certificate.

 

Chicago, IL                            Illinois Institute of Technology

https://www.kentlaw.iit.edu/news/2017/new-course-american-legal-system-in-popular-culture

The American Legal System in Popular Culture is a six-credit course offered to students seeking an introduction to the American legal system and how it is portrayed in modern media. The course is targeted at au pairs who are interested in a broad understanding of the nation’s legal system and its role in shaping American culture.  $500,       3-day weekend.  See site for details, no housing available.

 

New Orleans, LA                   Tulane University

http://myemail.constantcontact.com/Au-Pairs–Spring-Educational-Courses-in-San-Francisco-and-2-Other-Great-Locations-.html?soid=1101507129325&aid=3Ch9D6icIEA#nola

36 hours earned while learning about New Orleans.  Class and local transportation pass $289.  Class, local transportation pass, accommodations and breakfasts $459.  Class costs do not include transportation to New Orleans.

 

Boulder, CO               University of Colorado          http://iec.colorado.edu/aupairs see “course descriptions”

This intensive weekend course for au pairs focuses on the business of tourism. Participants explore tourist destinations and visit local businesses and attractions for analysis and discussion. As a final project, teams develop a tourism campaign promoting Boulder to people from their home countries.  $450 includes tuition, activity fees, Friday dinner, Saturday lunch, Sunday lunch, Saturday bus pass.  36 hours earned which includes pre-and post-assignments.  Class is held 6 -9pm Friday, 9-5 Saturday and 9-4 on Sunday.  Travel to/from airport and hotel package options available. See site for full details.

 

Salt Lake City, UT                 Utah Valley University                      https://www.aupairclasses.org/salt-lake-city

Make a Difference and Discover Salt Lake City.  Some au pairs have complained this class focuses heavily on the Mormon religion that is prevalent in Utah.  $500 tuition and $115 in fees.  Housing option available for additional fee – $120 per student for 3 nights in a shared bed or $180 per student for your own bed in a shared room.  Transportation information on site.

 

San Francisco, CA                  Cultural HiWays/ Borough of Manhattan Community College (BMCC)

http://myemail.constantcontact.com/San-Francisco-Educational-Course.html?soid=1101507129325&aid=e1eaQOs6D2Y

Learn about the history and culture of San Francisco in the class room and around town.  Classes take place at City College of San Francisco.  $299 includes course, materials and activity fees.   See site for details.

 

San Francisco, CA                  University of California         https://www.aupairclasses.org/san-francisco

50% class time / 50% city experience via museums etc.  Pre- class assignments as well as post class assignments required to receive certificate.  2 courses offered, up to 45 hours each- $295 for one discount for registering for multiple classes at the same time. No housing or meals available through the school.

 

San Francisco, CA                  University of the Virgin Islands         www.uviprogram.org

Photography class offered periodically.  Check site calendar for upcoming classes.

 

Los Angeles, CA                    UCLA Extension                                www.aupairclasses.org

American culture and history with a focus on entertainment and the arts focusing on either performing arts or visual arts.  Friday – Sunday class, $405 for class, materials/ activities, & registration fee.  No housing provided, but lodging locations recommended by school upon registration.

 

Los Angeles, CA                    University of the Virgin Islands         www.uviprogram.org

Sign language course, 4 CEUs.  Lodging available that includes a Saturday night hotel stay in the registration fee.  See site for more details.

 

San Diego, CA                        University of California                     https://www.aupairclasses.org/san-diego

50% class time / 50% city experience via museums etc.  Pre- class assignments as well as post class assignments required to receive certificate.  2 courses offered, up to 40 hours each – $295 for one. Discount for registering for multiple classes at same time.  This class involves more written assignments than San Francisco class.  Housing and meals available for an additional fee.

 

Big Island, HI                         UCLA Extension                    https://www.aupairclasses.org/hawaii

“Explore our Environment” pop up course offering 72 hours over a 6 day course offered in June 2019.   $975 to cover tuition, registration, shared accommodations, 5 breakfasts, 5 lunches, transportation and entry to sites during field trip, course materials, and supplies. Au Pairs responsible for their own airline flights. See site for complete details.