Hello! I just received word that you are interested in at-home childcare. My name is G. Gebre; I am the Local Childcare Coordinator for Minneapolis and some of the Northern Suburbs. As a former Au Pair I really have a lot to share with you from my own experience with the program. I can also answer any questions you have about the regulations and logistics of the program.
I think the key differences of Cultural Care are the level of the au pairs; they take less than 30% of all those who apply to be involved in the program. They are screened through references, a 2-day all English face-to-face orientation, background checks, legal and medical checks and psychological profile. Plus they have to show they love kids and have documented hours of experience and tons of verified references. They also go through an intensive week of training when they get to New York, all in English. Also, it is nice to have me near by, I can answer any questions, facilitate discussions if there is a problem or misunderstanding through the year. I meet with the au pairs every month and do safety training 4 times a year, and meet with host families and au pairs twice a year. Please let me know if you have questions about the program, how it may fit with the lifestyle and needs of your family. The best thing in my opinion is the flexibility and cultural exchange. I think it has really broadened all of our horizons. The rules of the au pair schedule are pretty flexible. They can work up to 45 hours a week, with at least 1 1/2 days off per week, can work up to 10 hours at a stretch, and they must have a full weekend off per month. Host Family is responsible for their room and board (they need a private bedroom, but can share a bathroom) and you pay $500 toward the 6 college credits they have to take during the year. The program averages out to about $270 or so a week (as of 2006), no matter if you have one child or three. Kids also get to attend activities they might not be able to due to various work schedules such as swimming and dance, and soccer. They really are an incredible group of young ladies (male Au Pairs also available) - they pretty much convince anyone who meets them! I can also pass on the name and number of some families in the program that you may want to ask about their experiences. There is a family very near you who has been in our program for several years and could share their experience. Once you actually apply, they do one to one matching...professional 'matchers' look at your family application in detail when finding the right au pair to present to you. If the application isn't right, or the interview isn't fabulous, they will send you another candidate. It takes 8+ weeks to have one come from overseas, there are also au pairs who have stayed a second year who are available faster or ones who transitioned out of a family and have less than a year left (usually a personality issue, they can still make great au pairs). The agency takes care of visas, embassy visits, travel and training... The website is www.culturalcare.com to learn more about the program or fill out an on-line application. I can also mail you a packet of info, if you can email me back your address and information. I hope that helps.
Call with any questions at all!
G. Gebre
Cultural Care Au Pair cell ###-###-#### home ###-###-#### e-mail ____@____.com
