Information about Au Pair in America; Resources for participants in the San Gabriel and San Fernando Valleys & the Inland Empire
Au Pair in America is the nation's first legal au pair program. Since 1986, we have provided the best child care opportunities to host families across the U.S. and au pairs from around the world.
Common problem: “It’s the end of my au pair year and I have sooooo much stuff! It’s going to cost me a fortune in extra baggage fees.” This post is about one way to prevent that problem. I know it can be tempting. There are so many beautiful things and great sales out there. But Read More
With the weather turning cold and winter fast approaching, many host parents will ask you to get a Flu Shot to protect you from becoming ill with influenza. The news is reporting that this winter is expected to be a very bad flu season. While I agree that taking more medicine than is necessary is Read More
Thanksgiving is a public holiday celebrated on the fourth Thursday in November every year in the United States. It started as a harvest festival and has been celebrated nationally on and off since 1789. The most important part of Thanksgiving for American families is to spend family time together. “My favorite holiday was Thanksgiving. Firstly, Read More
Being knowledgeable in basic first aid and CPR is important for au pairs (and anyone else caring for children). Au Pair in America’s commitment to infant/child safety begins before au pairs arrive to the U.S., with pre-arrival training and continue throughout the au pair year. #1 Training At Orientation Our orientation includes seminars by American Red Cross Read More
Almost everyone experiences culture shock when they come to a completely new environment. Everything is different: the language, the food, and the people. When everything feels so unfamiliar, it is natural to long for the security of home. However, you don’t want to let that feeling of longing for home, make you too sad or Read More
Back to school time is here. This can mean changes to the au pair schedule and possibly to the duties. It is very important to communicate these changes to avoid problems. Here is a list of topics to consider discussing: Au pair’s work schedule The children’s school and activity schedules Where the children get dropped Read More
I love thrift shopping! It’s cheap, green, and far more interesting than shopping in regular stores. The phrase “one man’s junk is another man’s treasure” is magnified when thrift shopping in a foreign country. Indeed, I still acutely recall the amazing feeling of shopping at London’s open air Camden Market on a free afternoon alone Read More
Just because a child is old enough to occupy themselves, doesn’t mean that they should be expected to do so the majority of the time. Host families have a certain expectation of activity and involvement for their children. Get the kids engaged and active. You can be more fun than the TV or a video Read More
We live in a time of constant sharing through social media. We often share pictures, plans of somewhere we are going or rants about problems, without thinking much about who will see it and what could be the consequences. Before clicking “post”, stop to think: Am I violating someone’s privacy? Am I sharing personal info. that could Read More
Lunar New Year begins tomorrow, February 5, and sparks the Year of the Pig. Lunar New Year is celebrated widely throughout Asia. It begins on the second new moon after the Winter Solstice and is celebrated until the first full moon of the lunar year, 15 days after the celebrations begin. Sometimes known as the Read More
