Great Advice For Au Pairs from LCC Lori Brust...

10. ADMIT IF YOU DON'T UNDERSTAND. Let your family know if the language is a problem. Admit if you don't understand a word or directions. Ask questions. Relax "your English will improve rapidly during the first few weeks, and after you become accustomed to the family's routine, you'll find that the number of questions will decline.

9. TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR YOUR ACTIONS. No one is perfect. If you make a mistake, take responsibility and try to correct the situation.

8. BE A GOOD EXAMPLE. The children you care for look up to you. Don't you do things in front of the children that their parents wouldn't want them doing.

7. BE CONSIDERATE OF YOUR HOST PARENTS. Keep them informed of where you are going. If you are planning on traveling, discuss the details with them and make sure your plans do not interfere with their schedules.

6. FOLLOW HOUSE RULES. The only way you will establish trust is by following rules "even those with which you may not agree.

5. NEGOTIATE FOR CHANGE. If you have a problem, present it to your host parents clearly and calmly. Suggest your solution to the situation. Listen to what they say. Try to reach a compromise.

4. RESPECT THE PRIVACY OF OTHERS. Gossiping about other au pairs and their families may be very harmful. If your friends confide in you, do not tell other people. Do not tell your host family about what goes on in other families.

3. BE A GOOD "BUDDY." Remember what it is like to be a new au pair. Welcome new arrivals.

2. STAY IN TOUCH WITH YOUR LCC. Call if you can't come to a meeting. Let me know if you'll be out of town. Most important, call if you have a problem. I like hearing from you!

1. WORK HARD WHILE YOU ARE ON DUTY...PLAY HARD AND HAVE FUN WHEN YOU ARE OFF DUTY!

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Posted May 8, 2008 10:00:46 PM

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Categories: Important information for Au Pairs

Educational information

All au pairs and host families must abide by the education component mandated by the US State Department. Au pairs must earn at least six academic credits or its equivalent (72-90 hours) at an accredited post-secondary institution, by volunteering, travel or distance learning.

The host family agrees to assist the au pair in enrolling in and attending classes, and they will pay up to $500 in tuition and related expenses, such as books and required entrance tests. Au Pairs are responsible for educational costs exceeding. If the au pair can �t use the car to go to school and there are no buses, the family is responsible to get the Au Pair to and from classes.

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Posted May 8, 2008 9:40:17 PM

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Categories: Educational Opportunities

Helpful Hints

Have fun- this is a great time to meet new people, learn a new culture, see new areas.
Communicate with your host family and tell then what works and what concerns you may have
Try to have a weekly meeting with your host parents to talk about upcoming events and your schedule
Get out of the house on your time off
Socialize with other au pairs
See the sites of Hunterdon County and the surrounding areas
Go to New York City, Philadelphia and other cities
Plan your vacation way in advance
Coordinate Play Dates
Have your host family's children have play dates with other children including other children whose families are in the Cultural Care Au Pair program
Have activities with the children planned at the beginning of the week
Enjoy your time as an Au Pair This is a once in a lifetime experience.

Some Key Points for Au Pairs...

Remember...

* Au Pairs may not provide more than 45 hours per week and no more than 10 hours per day of childcare under any circumstances.

* Au airs may not work outside their host family's home. Also au pairs may not provide additional childcare (in excess of 45 hours per week) for additional compensation to their own host families.

* Au Pair responsibilities must relate solely to the care of the children and may not include heavy household chores.

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Posted May 8, 2008 9:39:06 PM

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Categories: Advice from your LCC