Category Archives: Q and A

School safety

It is that time of year again when students of all ages get ready for the first day of school.  Here are some tips to assist with the “back to school” transition and hopefully great start to the new school year.

MAKING THE FIRST DAY EASIER

  • Remind your child that she is not the only student who is a bit uneasy about the first day of school. Teachers know that students are anxious and will make an extra effort to make sure everyone feels as comfortable as possible.
  • Point out the positive aspects of starting school: It will be fun. She’ll see old friends and meet new ones. Refresh her positive memories about previous years, when she may have returned home after the first day with high spirits because she had a good time.
  • Find another child in the neighborhood with whom your youngster can walk to school or ride with on the bus.
  • If you feel it is appropriate, drive your child (or walk with her) to school and pick her up on the first day.

BACKPACK SAFETY

  • Choose a backpack with wide, padded shoulder straps and a padded back.
  • Pack light. Organize the backpack to use all of its compartments. Pack heavier items closest to the center of the back. The backpack should never weigh more than 10 to 20 percent of the your child’s body weight.
  • Always use both shoulder straps. Slinging a backpack over one shoulder can strain muscles.
  • Consider a rolling backpack. This type of backpack may be a good choice for students who must tote a heavy load. Remember that rolling backpacks still must be carried up stairs, and they may be difficult to roll in snow.

To be safe when they travel to and from school, follow these simple safety rules:

AT THE BUS STOP:

  • Always walk to the bus stop. Never run.
  • Walk on the sidewalk. If there is no sidewalk, walk on the left facing traffic.
  • Always go to the bus stop about five minutes before the bus is scheduled to arrive.
  • While at the bus stop, wait in a safe place away from the road. Do not run and play while waiting.
  • Never speak to strangers at the bus stop and never get into the car with a stranger. Always go straight home and tell you parents if a stranger tries to talk to you or pick you up.
  • Wait for the bus to arrive, watch for red flashing lights and the stop sign to be extended, and cross only when all traffic has stopped. Look left, right, and left again before crossing.

ON THE BUS:

  • Go directly to a seat. Remain seated and facing forward for the entire ride.
  • Talk quietly (so the driver will not be distracted).
  • If you need to talk to the bus driver: wait for the bus to stop, raise your hand, and call the driver’s name.
  • Never throw things on the bus or out the windows. Never play with the emergency exits.
  • Keep the aisles clear at all times.
  • If there is an emergency, listen to the driver and follow instructions.

EXIT THE BUS:

  • When getting off the bus make sure you walk (not run) three more steps away from the door. This is the best place to be around a bus. Stay away from the bus wheels and watch out for moving cars!
  • Once you get off the bus, go straight home so an adult will know where you are.
  • Only get on and off the bus at your designated stop. If you need to get off the bus somewhere else, you will need to have a note from your parents.
  • If you leave something on the bus, never return to the bus to get it. The driver may not see you come back and they may begin moving the bus.

    • Also, if you drop something near the bus, tell the bus driver before you attempt to pick it up, so they will know where you are.

Why should I audit?

When it comes to the Education requirement, au pairs can be confused by the phrase “not less than six semester hours of academic credit OR its equivalent.” What that means is that au pairs do not NEED to take credit classes. In fact, some colleges or universities will not allow J-1 visa holders to register for credit classes, as they “save” these for degree seeking students.

BUT au pairs can easily take non-credit or Continuing Studies classes. And some colleges and universities may allow them to “Audit” a credit class. This means that the au pair can sit in the class and do the assignments and take the tests but she will not get a grade for any work done, only a  ”pass or fail”. The cost may or may not be less to audit a class. Each individual school will have its own policy. Au Pairs should consult with their Community Counselor to see which schools offer this option.

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Fredericksburg is fortunate to have the University of Mary Washington which is an excellent school that has a special program for au pairs to audit classes. Check out the link below for more information:

http://academics.umw.edu/registrar/registration-instructions-for-nondegree-students-and-auditors/

Don’t forget the sunscreen!

Americans take suncare for children VERY seriously.  Take time to learn these sun safety tips and prevent sunburn.

APPLY SUNSCREEN DAILY. Kids will fuss when you try to apply sunscreen.  Remember, you are the adult in charge and responsbile for their well being.   Apply sunscreen daily.

REMEMBER EASY-TO-MISS SPOTS. The most vulnerable parts of the body are often the ones that get overlooked when applying sunscreen. To make sure your kids are covered, teach them “BEENS.” This useful acronym stands for Back of knees, Ears, Eye area, Neck, and Scalp (if visible).   Bottom line: For a handy reminder, write “BEENS” on your sunscreen bottles.

BE GENEROUS.   We may all use sunscreen, but most of us aren’t putting on enough.  If you apply a third of the recommended dose of SPF 30 product, the protection is more like SPF 10.  Bottom line:Adults should apply an ounce (about a handful; see above), and kids half that much, of a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 every two hours, and more frequently if they’re swimming or sweating.

COVER UP. To avoid burns when the sun is strongest (between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m.), take frequent shade breaks, wear a UV-protective shirt while swimming, and use a sunscreen with zinc oxide.  Bottom line: You probably can’t keep kids out of the mid-day sun completely, so it’s important to be all the more vigilant about protection during those hours.

SET A GOOD EXAMPLE FOR YOUR KIDS. If your child sees you following sun-safety rules, he’ll take them for granted and follow suit. Skin protection is important for every member of the family, so team up with your children to stay protected when venturing out in the sun.  Trust me, you will be thankful when you are 40 years old you applied sunscreen.

Photo from channel3000.com

Summer is coming!

Looking for a camp for your children? Check the link below for a guide to what is available in the Fredericksburg area:

http://www.fredericksburgparent.net/guides-and-activities/summer-camps

The end of the school year is a busy time and schedules will be changing. Make sure to discuss upcoming changes with your au pair and let her know what the plans for the summer will be. Make sure that you do not exceed the maximum allowed hours (45 hours per week).  If you are traveling with your au pair and she is working, be sure to talk about expectations while away. If you are traveling without your au pair and it is NOT her vacation, she is still entitled to her weekly stipend.

If you reimburse your au pair for gas for the car that she uses, remember that trips to the pool, library, park and playground may be more frequent in the summer. Reimburse her accordingly.

Photo from lisaleonardonline.com

Traveling outside the USA?

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If you are planning to travel outside the U.S. during your first year, your DS 2019 will need a travel validation signature.  See “Travel Links for Au Pairs” on the side of this page for link to the Travel Validation Request Form. At least 3 weeks before you travel, you should print this form and send it along with your original DS-2019 form and a self-addressed stamped envelope (so your signed DS 2019 may be returned to you) to the following address.

Au Pair in America
River Plaza
9 West Broad Street
Stamford, CT 06902
Attn.: Evelyn Blum

You will also need to check whether you need a visa to enter the country you intend to visit. I have a link for Visiting Canada. Other countries requirements can be found by doing a Google search such as “visitor requirement Mexico.”  Obtaining a tourist visa is solely the responsibility of the au pair.

Extension Au Pairs: In your extension year, travel outside the U.S. is restricted. Please contact me before making any plans to travel outside the U.S. in your extension year.

Have a great trip!

New Orientation location starting January 28th

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As of January 28, 2013, Au Pair in America’s orientation site will be changing. Our Orientation hotel will be:

DoubleTree by Hilton
455 South Broadway
Tarrytown, NY 10591

The phone number is 914-631-5700.

Please read the below for answers to questions you may have regarding the change of orientation site, pick-up locations, trains and flights.


Can my family still send gifts to welcome our au pair?
Yes, however, we do recommend families follow the guidelines regarding gifts received after matching. While we expect the hotel to be efficient in delivery of gifts received and do not expect any issues, it is best for families  sending flowers, etc… to check with the hotel once they think the delivery has taken place.  The address of the hotel is:
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Tarrytown, 455 South Broadway, Tarrytown, New York, 10591, USA

Will there still be a NYC tour?
Yes, however, the tour will take place on Tuesday night, instead of Wednesday night.  Families may purchase the tour as a gift in advance or au pairs may purchase.  Please note,the deadline for families purchasing the tour is the Friday before the arrival.  Due to the tickets for Top of the Rock and deadline for ordering dinners, we cannot extend this deadline.

Will there be a change in orientation schedule?
The orientation will still be a 4 day period, typically starting on a Monday and ending on Thursday.

What if an au pair gets sick?  Where is the nearest medical facility?
There are several urgent care facilities in the area that take the au pairs’ insurance, in addition to White Plains hospital about 15 minutes away should there be the need for greater care.

Is there Internet service?
Yes, we have negotiated for free wireless internet service, available in public and private rooms. Many au pairs use Skype to communicate back home and to their host families.

Will there still be the AAA Driving Course option?
Yes, the AAA course option will still be available. Au pairs arrive a day early and participate in a unique hands- on experience, designed specifically for them by AAA of Southern New England.  Families receive information regarding this course in their placement packet and via email. If you have not or have questions, please contact Laura Blersch at orientation@aifs.com.

What Amtrak station will au pairs be traveling from?
We will continue to utilize the Stamford train station for au pairs traveling Northbound (To Boston) and Southbound (to all points to Washington DC) from orientation to their host families.  Au pairs will be bused from the orientation site to the Stamford train station. Trains must depart after 4 pm.

Where do I pick up my au pair if I am a local family?
For your convenience, we are offering two locations for pick-up.
• The first is at the hotel in Tarrytown.  Pick up is between 3pm and 5pm in the lobby.

• We will also offer a location in Stamford, Connecticut.  This location is at the Au Pair in America office located at:

9 West Broad Street, Stamford, CT 06902.

Pick up time is between 3:45-4:45pm. If you are not able to pick up your au pair within timeframe, please plan on picking her up at the hotel location. Please park in the visitor’s parking spaces and come to the first floor “Community Room” where you will meet your au pair.

Families who live locally will receive an email form from our orientation coordinator prior to the week of arrival asking them to choose their preferred pick-up location.

How will the location affect those taking flights?
This move will not affect those flying in anyway. The average time to each of the major airports is approximately the same as it is now. Our guidelines for flights after 6 pm will remain in place.

If you have additional questions regarding the new orientation site, please contact Laura Blersch at orientation@aifs.com.


Take an online class!

This interdisciplinary online course is designed specifically for au pairs who are required to continue their education as a part of their experience in the U.S.

The 19-week program is in a blended online format, with media-rich, self-paced sessions and some instructor-led, cohort-based sessions. Participants read lessons, write, share resources, network with one another, and collaborate on special projects. They explore web links, play games, and take virtual field trips, all designed to further their understanding of U.S. culture.

The Community Involvement segment of the program takes au pairs into face-to-face contact with the community. Au pairs are required to do a Global Awareness presentation, volunteer at local organizations, and participate in historical and cultural activities. Au pairs will relate these experiences to their academic coursework. A follow-up writing assignment will consist of a reflection on the community-based experience. Participants who successfully complete the program receive 6 quarter units (4 semester units) and earn a certificate of completion from UCLA Extension.

Participants also have access to a UCLA Extension transcript, should they wish to request articulation of this program into a degree program at another college or university.

For more information, please contact Seydy Ortiz at (310) 206-6671 or email sortiz@uclaextension.edu. Subject line should read: “American Studies” Information Request. In the body of the message include if you are an AuPair, a Community Counselor, a Host Parent and your questions.

Winter 2013 course will take place from January 14 – May 20, 2013. To view the course description and to enroll* in course REG# Y7382

Spring 2013 course will take place from April 8 – August 18, 2013. To view the course description and to enroll* in course REG# Y7562

Don’t forget your classes!

The education component of the au pair program is a requirement of the State Department of the United States. The State department gives authorization for all au pair programs to exist.  When an au pair does not achieve her requirement, this puts all au pair agencies at risk. Completing your education hours is an important part of being an au pair and is required by your contract with Au Pair In America. Taking a course will provide yet another level of experience during your year and yields many skills that you can use to further your personal goals. You may also make new friends and professional contacts! I hope you enjoy your educational courses. If you need assistance finding a course or have questions, please call or email your counselor.

Some Important Tips:

  • Any course can be taken as long as it is taught from a college, university or technical college. Only those schools approved by the State department can be accepted. All of the schools listed on your resource page on the au pair web-site are acceptedhttp://www.aupairinamerica.com/state/georgia.asp
  • Your counselor can clarify any questions about a school.
  • The only online course currently being accepted by the State department is the UCLA au pair advantage online course. NO other on line course can be accepted.
  • 72-80 hours of education is required for standard au pairs.
  • 144-160 hours for Educare au pairs.
  • For a second year au pair, 36-40 hours is required for a six month extension and 72-80 hours for a nine or twelve month extension.
  • Credits and hours are different. Count the hours you are in a classroom.
  • At the end of your course, send your community counselor your documents showing the name of the school and the hours that you have achieved. Check your certificate. Some certificates do not show the number of hours. If the hours are not present on the certificate, you will need a letter from the school stating how many hours you have achieved. This information is needed by your counselor to insure your end of year completion bonus and flight home.
  • Host families reimburse tuition costs and costs of related materials (books and supplies) up to $500 for the first year. EduCare companions are reimbursed up to $1000 for the first year. If it will cost you more than $500 (or $1000 for EduCare) to meet the requirement, you must pay the additional expense, so plan carefully.
  • Your host family is 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/$1000 allocated to tuition and related fees. It is your host family’s responsibility to provide transportation or cover the transportation costs until you complete your educational requirement, even if the $500 education allowance has already been spent.
  • To extend your first au pair term, you will need to have proof of 72 hours. Send the documentation to your community counselor as soon as possible. You should plan to have your education requirement finished at the time you request an extension. This happens approximately three months before the end of your first term. Au pair In America requires 72 hours to be able to extend your au pair term. Without 72 hours, Au Pair In America will not accept your application to extend and you must go home at the end of your first year.

If you want to extend and have not completed all of the hours, but you do intend to have them finished before your first year ends, you will need to do the following:

1. Register for a class that will complete 72 hours of education by the end of your first term.

2. Send the registration confirmation or other documents showing proof of your registration to your community counselor as soon as possible. All proof of education must be given to your counselor before your deadline to extend.

3. At the time that you finish the course, another letter will need to be written by the school stating that you have now completed the course and the number of hours you have earned.

Your counselor is the best person to ask questions about your education requirement. Courses and colleges are constantly changing. Your counselor is always researching new and exciting courses that are appropriate for you.  If you are aware of a new resource, please let your counselor know!

For more information about your education requirement visithttp://www.aupairinamerica.com/resources/life_in_the_us/education.asp#1

Preparing for a storm –

Do not worry about the hurricane, but it is important to be careful.

• Stay home with your host family during the storm and follow their advice and direction
• Keep your own families at home informed about your location and personal status during/after the storm
• Talk to your host family about any travel plans you or they have for this week and cancel/reschedule
• If you have an emergency during the storm, please call our emergency line 1-800-727-2437

There is a possible hurricane coming this week. Do not be afraid, but it is good to go over emergency procedures with your host parents.

We may lose electricity during the storm. Sometimes it takes a few days to get the power back on. Please know that you will be safe and that your host parents are prepared for these kind of situations. Stay inside in a hurricane and stay together.

Here is a list of things to have on hand in the event of a natural disaster like a hurricane:
• Food and water
• flashlights and batteries
• a battery operated radio
• charge your cell phones before the storm
• cooler and ice for food to be stored
• hand wipes
• a first aide kit
• activities to occupy the children
I hope the storm isn’t too bad, but if you lose electricity, do not worry, it will come back on. Trust your host parents to know what to do and help anyway you can, especially with the kids!
If you have to evacuate with your host families to another location, you must:
Take your important documents. This includes passport, Form DS-2019, Form I-94, Social Security Card, Financial Records, plane ticket, checks, credit cards, etc.)
Take contact numbers and e-mail address of your community counselor
Take SEVP and Department of State contact information. SEVP email address: SEVIS.Source@dhs.gov.; Department of State e-mail address: Jvisas@state.gov.

Have a cold?

Here is the current list of Urgent Care Centers accepting APIA insurance:

Nextcare Urgent Care

Specialty: Urgent Care Center

15 S Gateway Dr Ste 101

Fredericksburg, VA 22406-1231

540-368-5603

Nextcare Urgent Care

Specialty: Urgent Care Center

330 White Oak Rd
Fredericksburg, VA 22405-2792

540-373-2424

Nextcare Urgent Care

Specialty: Urgent Care Center

5825 Plank Rd Ste 105
Fredericksburg, VA 22407-5207

540-785-2727

Prime Care Urgent Care

Specialty: Urgent Care Center

2511 Salem Church Rd
Fredericksburg, VA 22407-6466

540-786-1200

Spotsylvania Emergicenter

Specialty: Urgent Care Center

992 Bragg Rd
Fredericksburg, VA 22407-6979

540-786-7637

Nextcare Urgent Care

Specialty: Urgent Care Center

325 Garrisonville Rd Ste 101
Stafford, VA 22554-1544

540-288-2892

Stafford Urgent Care

Specialties: Outpatient Facility, Urgent Care Center

422 Garrisonville Rd
Stafford, VA 22554-1573

540-720-8000