Sheri Watkins

The Phoenix Theatre for Children presents Madeline’s Christmas

http://www.phoenix4kids.org/madeline.php

The Columbus Children’s Theater presents The Best Christmas Pageant Ever

http://www.colschildrenstheatre.org/2009-10_Season/upcoming09-3.html

Worthington Square PJs with Santa

http://www.worthingtonsquare.com/pjs/

Wild Lights at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium

http://www.columbuszoo.org/default.aspx

Holidays in Powell

http://www.cityofpowell.us/event-holiday-tree.php

Have a wonderful holiday season!

NW Columbus Au Pairs participated in the Sights and Sounds Shopping Extravaganza, sponsored by Like Minded Moms and Columbus Ballet Met!

Au Pairs helped children at the craft and children’s area while their parents shopped from over 40 vendors. All proceeds from the event benefit the Ballet Met Scholarship Fund!

LOCAL CHILDCARE COORDINATOR, SHERI WATKINS, ATTENDS CULTURAL CARE AU PAIR INTERNATIONAL SUMMIT IN BERLIN, GERMANY

In honor of the 20 year anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall

 Columbus, OH, Nov. 18, 2009 - Dublin resident Sheri Watkins was recently invited to join more than 75 of her peers at an international summit in Berlin, Germany, hosted by Cultural Care Au Pair.  Watkins is a Cultural Care Au Pair local childcare coordinator for NW Columbus and surrounding suburbs.

As a local childcare coordinator, Sheri Watkins supports area families who are currently hosting an international au pair in their home, as well as the au pairs themselves. Watkins earned her invitation to the summit by expanding the program in Ohio in the previous year, as well as for her role as a local community resource for parents interested in intercultural childcare.

The group was in Berlin for the 20th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall, a fitting venue for the celebration of Cultural Care Au Pair’s 20 years of providing a childcare and cultural exchange program for American families. “It was fascinating to be part of the celebrations and hear from Berliners about what it was like before the wall came down,” says Watkins. “It’s incredible to think that just 20 years ago, it would not have been possible for some of my German au pairs to come to the United States. The dismantling of the wall shattered cultural and travel barriers for them. ”

Secretary of State Hilary Clinton, also in Berlin for the celebration, spoke at the U.S. Embassy. “It is such a great personal privilege to be joining with the German people, and people throughout Europe and the world, to celebrate this occasion…to commemorate that day 20 years ago when the Berlin Wall gave way to a new era of peace in a united Germany, in a united Europe…We’re celebrating the triumph of democracy and freedom, and the important role of the German-U.S. relationship.”

Sheri Watkins is a member of a nationwide network of more than 600 local childcare coordinators dedicated to promoting global understanding through intercultural childcare.  In addition to supporting a local group of host families and their au pairs, she organizes social activities throughout the program year, advises au pairs on educational opportunities in the community and provides advice on intercultural exchange. Watkins and her colleagues use the conference as an opportunity to network with other coordinators and collaborate on the most effective means to support their families and au pairs locally, ensuring a positive experience for everyone involved with the program. 

Watkins is currently matching area parents who are interested in hosting an au pair with available au pairs from around the world.  She can be contacted at 614-204-5693 for additional information on the Cultural Care Au Pair program. Interested families may also visit Watkins’s web site at swatkins.aupairnews.com. 

Cultural Care Au Pair is the leading provider of intercultural childcare and educational exchange. Since 1989, Cultural Care Au Pair has placed more than 70,000 au pairs in welcoming American homes. A U.S. Department of State regulated program, Cultural Care Au Pair is headquartered in Cambridge, Mass., with an extensive network of recruitment, screening and orientation offices worldwide. For more information about hosting an au pair, visit www.culturalcare.com or call 800-333-6056.

Everyone had a Spooktacular time at our Halloween party on Oct. 31, 2009! The costumes were awesome and everyone enjoyed yummy treats and fun games and crafts!

Lovely Ladies!

Catherine's steaming brew was a big hit!

Northwest Columbus Au Pairs enjoyed a great afternoon on Sat., Sept. 26 at Zone 71! Roller Skating, Laser Tag, Pizza, and Fun with Friends; what more can you ask for?

COLUMBUS CULTURAL CARE AU PAIRS ATTEND A COLUMBUS CLIPPERS BASEBALL GAME!

Our Au Pairs cheered on the Columbus Clippers on August 22, in beautiful, new Huntington Park in Downtown Columbus. For some this was the first time to an American Baseball Game! Many tried to catch a foul ball “prize!”

We enjoyed lots of stadium food and enjoyed the great weather!

Easton Town Center 6/7/09

Central Ohio Cultural Care Au Pairs enjoyed a great afternoon at Easton Town Center for the annual scavenger hunt! Each team searched high and low to find the items on their list. The winning team received Old Navy Flag Ts.

Fun with Friends!

As of 6/3/09

It is vitally important that everyone understands that au pairs wishing to extend their program term for 6, 9, or 12 months must COMPLETE their educational component by the end of their 11th month.  There will be no exceptions to this policy and no requests for extensions will be submitted for ANY au pairs who are completing their classes in their 12th month.

Our Columbus Au Pairs and Host Families enjoyed the afternoon on Sunday, May 3 at our Cultural Fair. Au Pairs shared information, snacks, crafts, and pride from each of their home countries! From music and salsa in Mexico to Crepes in France, to smiles in Thailand, it was a true cultural exchange!

Thanks to all Au pairs for making it such a success and to all host families for attending!

Today we can Speak Spanish and Catherine and Sheri won't say, "English only!"

Our new host family meets the au pairs

Christina's helping!

Smiles from Thailand!

Fun for everyone!