The summer months bring many au pairs and the year’s highest concentration of EduCare arrivals. While we all know that EduCare companions have a different work schedule and education benefits than au pairs, what may not be so widely known is that they also participate in a unique orientation program while in Stamford. Both the content and the delivery are tailored to the characteristics of the au pairs and their host families, specifically to working with older host children. It is important that the EduCare au pairs attend these orientations. In general the EduCare orientation groups tend to be smaller than the standard groups and the participants almost always have a uniformly high level of English proficiency, both receptive and spoken. These two factors contribute to more universal participation and to more nuanced and in depth group conversations. There is often “give and take” between the participants around cultural and child care topics, rather than simply responding to the group leader. In these groups, it is not unusual for the EduCares to question each other or to challenge the opinions of other group members. The discourse is at a higher and more inclusive level and there are more opportunities for critical thinking and analysis.
EduCare Host Family Profile
Has school aged children and requires childcare before and after school hours
Need no more than 30 hours of child care a week
EduCares can be placed with families that have children in pre-school full time if alternative arrangements can be made for their supervision
