Image: sweetpaulmag.com
Field Trips can be a great way for kids to learn and have new experiences. You can start observing nature at any local park or in your own backyard. If you want to take it a step further, Below is a list of other local places to go explore nature. Get permission from your host parents before any outings and check websites before you go for hours and information.
Safety note: When coming inside after you have been outside exploring nature, it’s always a good idea to check the children and yourself for ticks. For more information, take a look at this post.
Image: toddleratplay.com
Next week’s Camp Au Pair theme is Under the Sea.
Crafts, recipes, activities, and games related to creatures who live under the sea can all be found here on the Camp Au Pair – Under the Sea pinboard.
Field Trips can be a great way for kids to learn and have new experiences. Get permission from your host parents before any outings. Check the websites before you go to be sure you understand the hours, costs, and whether advance tickets/reservations are required. Search online to see if your area has any of the following:
National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) – NOAA has a lot of fun, interactive and educational activities on their website. They focus on whales, sharks, sea turtles, sea lions and more.
Webcams – You can do a google search for aquariums and zoos across the country (and the world) with webcams that allow you to observe sea creatures. Here are a few to get you started.
Videos – Look for fun videos on YouTube about sea creatures. There’s more to see than Baby Shark. Movies like Finding Nemo, Dolphin Tale, and The Little Mermaid also go well with this theme.
Books – Stop by your local library and look for books on sea creatures. The Rainbow Fish is a classic children’s book, your kids may already own. If not, you can find videos like this of it being read aloud.
Movies – There are lots of movies with under the sea themes.
Television – There are some episodes of children’s television shows that talk about life under the sea.
The Magic School Bus is a television series that follows Ms. Frizzle and her class as they set off on field trips. Most episodes can be found on YouTube. Here are some episodes that fit this week’s theme.
Bill Nye the Science Guy has episodes on Fish, Marine Animals and more on YouTube.
The Discovery Channel has an annual Shark Week coming up on July 20. Check out 15 JAW-some Activities for Shark Week with lots of fun ideas for kids in grades 5 and up, but a few for younger kids too.
Photo: mimisdollhouse.com
When kids are out of school for the summer, it doesn’t take long for them to become bored and sometimes that leads to sibling squabbles and mischief. Even though they don’t realize it, they are usually missing routine and predictability in their daily schedule. One solution is to make fun plans to keep them busy!
Each week this summer we will share a different Camp Au Pair theme. These weekly themes are designed to give you ideas to keep your host kids occupied and engaged all summer long. They will also be learning. (But shhhh, don’t tell them that part.) Check back each Friday, for the next week’s theme. This gives you a chance to make plans and gather materials for the next week. For each theme there will be crafts, games, snacks and activities. You can just use these ideas or add your own and customize the themes to fit the ages and interests of your host children.
Here are the themes you can look forward to:
Check out Summer Fun & Summer Holidays pin boards for even more ideas.
If you get some great pictures doing these activities with your host kids, please send those to your community counselor. We love to share your accomplishments and inspire other au pairs!
Let’s make this an amazing summer!
When kids are out of school for the summer, it doesn’t take long for them to become bored and sometimes that leads to sibling squabbles and mischief. Even though they don’t realize it, they are usually missing routine and predictability in their daily schedule. One solution is to make fun plans to keep them busy!
Each week this summer we will share a different Camp Au Pair theme. These weekly themes are designed to give you ideas to keep your host kids occupied and engaged all summer long. They will also be learning. (But shhhh, don’t tell them that part.) Check back each Friday, for the next week’s theme. This gives you a chance to make plans and gather materials for the next week. For each theme there will be crafts, games, snacks and activities. You can just use these ideas or add your own and customize the themes to fit the ages and interests of your host children.
Here are the themes you can look forward to:
Check out Summer Fun & Summer Holidays pin boards for even more ideas.
If you get some great pictures doing these activities with your host kids, please send those to your community counselor. We love to share your accomplishments and inspire other au pairs!
Let’s make this an amazing summer!
Au Pair Education Requirement Au Pairs must complete the education component of the program. The requirement is 6 semester hours of academic credit at a post-secondary accredited school. (6 credits = approximately 80 hours in the classroom) EduCare au pairs must complete double of the above. Host families are required to contribute up to $500 (au pair) $1000 (EduCare) for the cost of tuition. An accredited institution is officially recognized by a regional or national accrediting commission of schools.
Host Family Education Requirement The host family is required to pay the cost of up $1000 for EduCare au pairs and $500 for all other au pairs to meet the au pair education requirement. The host family is also required to provide transportation, including gasoline, parking, or public transportation costs (if applicable) to and from classes in your community. The cost of transportation is in addition to the $500 (au pair) $1000 (EduCare) for tuition. The host family must provide an appropriate schedule that allows time for the au pair to take classes.
Weekend Classes: There are some institutions around the country that offer weekend classes. A list of these can be found in the education folder in Field Point. Au Pair in America policy is to allow au pairs to take one weekend course for half their requirement. If the class is not local, the host family is to pay for the class and the au pair is to cover the cost for transportation and meals and lodging not included in the class. Any exceptions or questions about the weekend classes should be directed to our Education Administrator Allison Malino.
UCLA Advantage Online Course: The University of California at UCLA has created a 19-week online course for 6 credits that meets the educational requirement. This is the only online option we approve for au pairs. Any other online class will not be approved as part of the education requirements. This is a very good option for au pairs who are in areas with limited choices for classes.
The next session for UCLA Advantage will be September 25, 2017 – February 12, 2018.
Au pairs can enroll here: http://humanities.uclaextension.edu/amer-studies-online/ Interested au pairs must register and pay, once payment is made she has secured her spot in the class. This course is focused on American History and is designed for more serious students with strong English. In addition to weekly reading and assignments, there is a community involvement piece that requires the au pair to participate in a global awareness presentation, volunteering, and other activities during the course. The cost of the program is $500, it runs for 19 weeks. It will earn au pairs 6 credits towards their education requirement. Registration instructions for au pairs are attached.
Au Pairs ~ Extending
Au Pairs who wish to extend must have completed the required credits by the 11th month of their first year on the program. Please track education carefully, and make sure your au pairs who are interested in extending have enough time to gain the required credits.
Education questions? Check the education folder in Field Point, we have lots of information for counselors there. Any other questions, please contact Allison Malino at amalino@aifs.com or your RPM.
Driving
· Make sure you have a clear understanding of the car use rules with your host family, if not talk to them about it or call me
· Ask your host parents where the insurance and registration documents are in the car. These documents should always be in any vehicle you are driving.
· Make sure you know how everything in the car works! Ask questions, even if you have to ask twice, that’s okay!
· Find out about areas that may not be considered safe, especially in and around cities, ask your host family or me for guidance if you are not sure
· Be extra careful at night, park in well lit safe places, avoid empty looking car parks and indoor garages when you are alone
· Do not use your phone or any electronic devices while driving, pull over in a safe spot if you need to send a text or check your messages
· Let your host family and/or me know immediately if you get into an accident so we can help you
· Drinking and driving is extremely dangerous. It puts lives at risk. If you are arrested for drinking and driving there are very serious consequences. Be a good friend and don’t let your friends drink and drive. If you are caught drinking and driving you will go home
· Reminder! drinking under 21 years of age is illegal in the United States
· Always lock the car and the trunk when leaving the car unattended
· If there is public transportation available where you live, find out how to use it and give it a try!
· Download the apps for Uber or Lyft ~ both taxi services will pick you up and take you anywhere you need to go
Be safe and make smart decisions. We want you to have a wonderful and safe time in the United States. Call me if you have any questions.
Drive safe!
It’s hard to believe, we know, but outside of San Francisco the weather is usually quite toasty come summer time. Here are 8 of our favorite summer escapes!
You don’t have to cross any major oceans to see the creatures of the savanna! Located just over an hour from San Francisco, this unique experience offers some glamping for those that wish to wake with the giraffes. Google Maps Directions & Safari West’s Website
A day trip to Yosemite isn’t out of reach. Wake up bright and early for the 4 hour trip to the world famous national park. From the old growth forests to the cascading waterfalls, Yosemite is a bucket list trip that is closer than you think. And with all the snow this year, those waterfalls should still be churning! Google Maps Directions & Yosemite’s Website
Russian River is the perfect place to cool down once you’ve escaped the gloom. Grab a raft and float around in the sun. If the river isn’t your cup of tea, check out the Armstrong Redwood Reserve and stand among giants, including Colonel Armstrong, a massive redwood that is around 1,400 years old. Google Maps Directions for Guerneville & Maps Directions For Armstrong Reserve. Websites for Guerneville & Armstrong Reserve
If hiking and perhaps geology are more your thing, check out the Pinnacles located about 2.5 hours south of San Francisco. You’ll be able to explore old volcanos, lava caves, and even the location of the California Condor release site. Google Maps Directions to Pinnacles & Pinnacles Website
Locke is a unique California town that looks like it has stepped out of a western movie. Narrow streets, covered patios, and small mom and pop businesses dot this historic place. The entire town is a historical site and your car is your time machine. Google Maps Directions to Locke & Locke’s Website
If you’re looking for a family escape, check out California’s Old Faithful geyser. The area includes a petting zoo with fainting goats as well as picnic areas to enjoy some sunshine. It is just north of Calistoga. Google Maps Directions to California’s Old Faithful & Old Faithful’s Website
Located about 1 hour east in Livermore, this fabulous lake has 2 swimming beaches, and motorboat, patio boat, and pedal boat rentals. Think about how much fun you’ll have with a group of friends on a boat soaking up some summer sun! Google Maps Directions to Del Valle & Del Valle’s Website
Pescadero is just an hour away. For a memorable experience, stay at the Costanoa Lodge. From the gorgeous pools and bungalows to the horseback riding, biking, and hiking, there is much to enjoy at this nature retreat — perfect for unwinding. Google Maps Directions to Pescadero & Costanoa Lodge’s Website
Our May cluster meeting was a delicious evening of appetizers from around the world.
