Tag Archives: aupair

March is Red Cross Month

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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.

Saturday is Sweetest Day

When I first came to live in Chicago, I had no idea what Sweetest Day was.  A quick Google search enlightened me.  Sweetest Day is basically Valentine’s Day in October.   Apparently Sweetest Day was the brainchild of candy makers attempting to convince people there are health benefits to eating candy and chocolate everyday! Hmmmmm, or should I say YUM…but don’t let your host children hear that!

The most typical way to celebrate Sweetest Day is to exchange romantic gifts with a loved one, though families and friends may give flowers, fruit bouquets, chocolates, and cute e-cards.

Whatever you do to celebrate, Sweetest Day is a great way to brighten a dreary October day.

Project Linus

Over 90 Chicagoland au pairs and their community counselors volunteered their time to make over 100 blankets for Project Linus- an organization that distributes handmade blankets to children in hospitals.
 
Chicagoland au pair "blanketeers" pose by their completed blankets at the end of a long, but fulfilling afternoon

Chicagoland au pair "blanketeers" pose by their completed blankets at the end of a long, but fulfilling afternoon

 
Chicagoland au pairs with their completed blankets-sure to put a smile on a child's face!

Chicagoland au pairs with their completed blankets-sure to put a smile on a child's face!