Yearly Archives: 2009

Ask Dominique – Get Answers From an Au Pair's Point of View

When I do group new host parent orientations, I always try to invite a current au pair in my cluster to stop by and answer questions.  Host parents have told me that they find that very helpful.

questions*NEW*  Ask Dominique

So, with that in mind we are adding a new guest contributor to the blog, Dominique.  Host parents are invited to ask our resident au pair questions that they would like answered from an au pair’s perspective.    Click the link above and post your questions.

Au Pair in America featured in Wall Street Journal Article

In today’s Wall Street Journal there is a great article about Au Pair in America.  It discusses the increase in Western European au pairs in the past year.

Origins of Au Pairs Becomes Barometer in Labor Market

“As job opportunities shrink in Europe, the minimum $132.64 per week, plus room, board and tuition reimbursement that the au pair program guarantees looks increasingly appealing. A desire for adventure and what some call the “Obama factor” also is a lure for young Europeans, says Ms. Ferry. In March, nearly half of all of Au Pair in America’s applications came from Western Europe, compared with about a third in the same period last year.”

The British au pair and her host family featured in the article are in a nearby cluster in Northern VA.

Chicago Au Pairs Make Blankets for Project Linus

Last Saturday, 90 Au Pair in America au pairs made 100 fleece blankets for children in need.  The patterns were fabulous with everything from polka dots, soccer themes, dinosaurs, animal prints, dog-theme prints and more.  Each fleece blanket is fringed by hand.  The au pairs and counselors worked together to purchase the fleece and follow the blanket pattern instructions according to the Chicago chapter of Project Linus. Host families supported the project by donating fleece and blankets made ahead of time.

One host mom told her counselor that this project had a special meaning for her because her own son was seriously ill when he was born and was given a Project Linus blanket which they have kept.  When she found out her au pair was taking part, she said it brought tears to her eyes.

All who participated felt it was a worthy cause and a great way to give back to their community.

WAY TO GO!

Au Pair in America Au Pairs from Chicago Area

Au Pair in America Au Pairs from Chicago Area

New Discount ($450 value)

Au Pair in America just announced the following promotion…

New Families: Apply by May 31st & save $350 PLUS receive a $100 Marriott TravelCard!

Apply by Sunday, May 31st, 2009 and we will waive the $350 application fee.  Plus, when you match with an au pair, you will receive a $100 Marriott TravelCard for use on all Marriott services.  You may choose to decline the $100 Marriott TravelCard and apply the $100 value towards your program fee.

To qualify, you must be a new Au Pair in America family and your au pair must arrive by December 31st, 2009.  Learn more about this special offer for new host families by contacting Alex Ramirez at (800) 928-7247 ext. 5161 or at aramirez@aifs.com.


Save on child care

Time to Apply for Summer EduCare Arrivals

If you are interested in a EduCare Companion for a summer arrival, now is a good time to apply.

EduCare in America – 30 hours of child care for approximately $264 per family, per week. This cost-effective program is the choice for families with full-time school-age children who require care primarily during the early morning and after school hours, with some weekend and evening hours.

To consider EduCare:

  • You must live in one of the designated EduCare Communities
  • You must have children in full-time school
  • You must be able to work with 30 hours a week (year round)
  • You must understand that their education allowance is $1000/yr
  • You must be able to work with the EduCare arrival schedule

2009 EduCare Arrival Dates

  • Tuesday, July 7
  • Monday, July 27
  • Monday, August 3
  • Monday, August 17
  • Monday, December 7

Here are some profiles of EduCare Companions looking for summer arrivals.

If you have questions about EduCare, post them here in the comments section.

Interviewing Suggestions – What Info to Give When?

When interviewing a prospective au pair, some families give a lot of information on themselves and their children right up front.  If you do that, you may be answering some of the au pair’s questions she may have about your family.  But, you will never know, because she will not ask you then.  The type of questions an au pair asks, will help you judge her interest in your family and motivation for becoming an au pair.  So, it might be a better idea to just give a brief intro like this: “Hi, I’m Mary Smith from Silver Spring, Maryland.  My husband and I have two children, a girl who is 6 years and a boy who is 10 years.”  Then, go into your interview questions.  Once you have all your questions completed, let her ask any questions she may have.

Once you have completed that phase of interviewing, if it seems like you are both still interested and possibly a good fit, you want to provide a very clear picture of what being your au pair will involve and what living in your home will be like.

This could include (conversations and emails) about:

  • Anticipated schedule and list of duties
  • Child care and discipline (ask for responses to possible scenarios)
  • House rules  – car use, curfew, smoking, guests, computer and phone use
  • If driving is required, have serious discussions about the frequency and type of driving experience she has (what vehicles, which side of the road, city or country and any accidents)
  • Lifestyle issues (physical active or sedentary, interests, values)

This may seem like a lot to discuss, but being thorough up front can prevent problems down the road like au pair and host parents having different expectations and perceptions.

Personal Safety – General Safety Tips

These tips are not intended to scare you, but to make you aware of some simple things you can do to prevent being the victim of a crime.

  • Listen to and act on your intuition. It’s better to be safe and risk a little embarrassment, than stay in an uncomfortable situation that may be unsafe.
  • If you are in danger or being attacked and want to get help, yell “Call 911!” or give specific directions to onlookers; for example: “You! Get the police!” or “Walk me to the store on the corner, I’m being followed.”
  • Have your keys ready when approaching your car or building.
  • Vary your routine: drive or walk different routes every day. If you suspect that someone is following you, by foot or in a car, don’t go home (or they will know where you live). Go to a trusted neighbor or to a public place to call police, or go directly to the police station.
  • Do not label keys with your name or any identification.
  • Don’t talk about your social life or vacation plans where strangers can overhear you.
  • Carry your cell phone with you at all times.

Personal Safety – Date Rape Drugs

These tips are not intended to scare you, but to make you aware of some simple things you can do to prevent being the victim of a crime.

It is important that you are aware that people have been known to put drugs into women’s drinks at bars and at parties. Please read these tips, to avoid becoming a victim.

  • Use the buddy system. Do not leave your friends.
  • Get your own drink.
  • Watch your drink being poured and do not leave it unattended.
  • Don’t drink from a large open container, like a punch bowl.
  • Don’t drink anything that has an unusual taste, especially a salty taste.
  • Don’t share drinks.
  • Don’t leave a party with someone you just met.
  • Warn others about high-risk situations.