Yearly Archives: 2017

President’s Day

President's Day

Photo: uhurul1701 (Flickr)

Presidents’ Day is an American holiday celebrated on the third Monday in February. Originally established in 1885 in recognition of President George Washington, it is still officially called “Washington’s Birthday” by the federal government. Traditionally celebrated on February 22 ~ Washington’s actual day of birth ~ the holiday became popularly known as Presidents’ Day after it was moved as part of 1971’s Uniform Monday Holiday Act, an attempt to create more three-day weekends for American workers. While several states still have individual holidays honoring the birthdays of Washington, Abraham Lincoln and other figures, Presidents’ Day is now popularly viewed as a day to celebrate all U.S. presidents past and present.

Things to do with children:

  • The United States has had more than 40 presidents. How many can the children name?How many presidents have you had in your own country?
  • Who has been president during their lifetime? Who has been president during your lifetime?
  • Take a look at American coins and bills; who are the Presidents pictured on each coin and bill? Show your kids coins and bills from your own country.

Will my au pair be able to drive in the US?

State Farm Teen Driver

Photo credit: State Farm (Flickr)

From kidnotes APIA’s Host Family Blog

By Mmendez

This is a common question host families ask, because many are looking for help getting children to and from various appointments and activities. The good news is: Yes, your au pair can drive!

Au Pair in America requires every au pair to have a valid home country driver’s license and requests that each au pair obtains an International Driving Permit (IDP) before leaving for America (IDPs are only available in an au pair’s home country).

Host parents that know they will have an au pair driving their children often include an Au Pair in America exclusive AAA driving course for au pairs as part of orientation and training. This course is designed specifically for international drivers with safety instruction for driving with children.

We’re always looking for ways to help au pairs and host families have safe and rewarding experiences together. In addition to information about insurance requirements and driving rules and restrictions for au pairs, resources for au pair driving include an American Road Signs test, information about car safety kits and driving tips for hazardous weather. If you have useful suggestions or questions about au pairs driving, we welcome your comments.

A note from your counselor: Each state in the US, including the District of Columbia, has special driving requirements.  Please click here to learn about what your au pair needs specifically to be able to apply for a DC drivers license.