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Archive for the 'Program Info' Category

Cultural Care Au Pair Now Offers 3 Ways to Match!

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Posted by: swatkins on January 15, 2010

 
Finding the perfect au pair made easy
Cultural Care Au Pair offers 3 Ways to Match
Cultural Care Au Pair host families now have the ability to review even more applications and au pair profiles with our new 3 Ways to Match, a program feature that let’s host families select the style of matching that best suits their needs. Host families can now search through multiple candidates on their own timeframe, set an appointment for a consultative matching session or work one-on-one with a placement manager who carefully selects possible matches. Best of all, our 3 Ways to Match allows you to enjoy the benefits of all three matching styles to help you find the right au pair for your family.To get started
Whether you’re a new family to Cultural Care Au Pair or have already hosted an au pair, our 3 Ways to Match makes it easy for you to begin reviewing au pair candidates right away. Simply fill out your new or repeat application. Once it’s processed, you can log into your account and begin matching. Here’s how it works:

Personalized, exclusive matching
Enjoy the benefits of our trademark one-on-one matching. Your placement manager will select carefully screened applications for you to review based on your family’s unique needs. Each au pair is exclusively reserved for your family’s review, which means no two families are contacting the same reserved au pair candidate at the same time.

Consultative matching
Review our pool of au pair candidates in real time by setting up a consultative matching appointment by phone with your placement manager. This highly effective method allows you to carve out time with your placement manager to review available candidates who are not being reviewed by other families. At the end of the appointment, you have the opportunity to have up to three candidates maximum reserved for your family exclusively.

Search & Select
An enhancement to our current profile review system, this new feature offers families the ability to build a list of au pair profiles available for review. Families can narrow the search field and request, for example, a driver, a second year au pair or someone available now. If you find a candidate of interest to you, you may add the au pair to your list and notify your placement manager of your interest by clicking the Notify Placement Manager button. Your placement manager will review your suggested matches and place up to three of those matches into your host family account for further review of their full application.

Sample & Save - try our 3 “Ways to Match” risk free
Now for a limited time only, host families who apply to Cultural Care Au Pair will have the opportunity to try our 3 Ways to Match FREE. New families who submit an application from January 14th to January 19th, 2010 and take an au pair into their home by October 22, 2010 will have the $75 application fee waived, in addition to our $275 au pair selection fee waived. In addition, families applying will also receive a $500 discount off the program fee - a total savings of $850!

There’s never been a better time to begin your search for an au pair. For more information about our 3 Ways to Match or our limited-time-only $850 discount, contact your local childcare coordinator.
 

Au Pair Car Use

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Posted by: swatkins on June 23, 2008

Car Use

A Privlege, Not a Right

Car Use

A PRIVLEGE, NOT A RIGHT

 

Your host family will likely expect you to drive and allow use of the care while on duty. You may also be privileged to use the car while off duty for personal use. In either case, please do not take advantage of the situation and make sure you clearly understand your host family’s rules and always follow those rules.

 

Some things to remember and ask about:

·         Keep a copy of important reminders and car use rules and expectations in the glove compartment, the visor, or visible on the dashboard.

·         NO cell phone use while driving!!!

·         Always wear your seatbelt and make sure passengers do also. It is a crime in the State of Ohio to drive or ride in a car without a seatbelt buckled.

·         Make sure that your host children are always restrained correctly in the car. Ask your host parents to show you the proper use of car seats, booster seats, and seatbelts for their children. There are different rules based on the size and age of the child.

·         Always be aware of speed limit signs and drive at or below the speed limit. It is against Ohio law to drive over the set speed limit.

·         Ask your host parents about occupancy rules. How many passengers can you have in the car at one time?

·         Always follow your host family’s rules about limits to the driving distance and mileage you can use when you have use of the car.

·         Ask your host family if you are prohibited from driving in any particular locations.

·         Always abide by your host family’s curfew when using the car.

·         Discuss with your host family the expectations of on-duty vs. off-duty driving time and frequency of use.

·         Make sure you know what type and grade of gasoline to use in the car. It is courteous to re-fill the fuel tank at your expense after personal use of the car.

·         Ask your Host family what to do in an emergency such as an accident.

·         Keep local police phone numbers, state police phone numbers, and other emergency and road side assistance contact numbers in the vehicle at all times.

·         Get an Ohio license and ask your host family if you are included on the car insurance.

·         When in doubt, ask your host family!!!

Recommendations for a Smooth Start

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Posted by: swatkins on June 23, 2008

Important Information for Au Pairs

Recommendations for a Smooth Start

Important Phone Numbers and Contact Information for Cultural Care Au Pair (CCAP)

Your LCC –      Sheri Watkins (614)204-5693

                        sheri.watkins@lcc.culturalcare.com

                        http://swatkins.aupairnews.com

             

The Boston Office can be reached by dialing the main CCAP number: 1-800-333-6056. Basic information can be obtained this way. Your Program Director is Robin Hannum. Dial the main number, press 1, and then dial her extension: 3580, followed by the # key.

By calling 1-800-448-5753, you can speak with someone at CCAP about flights, visas, deposits, phone cards, travel, and extension.

Basic Insurance Information

Many au pairs choose to go to an urgent care facility rather than a doctor’s office. Either is fine as long as they accept Aetna (most do). To find a doctor, follow these directions:

·         Go to www.aetna.com/docfind/custom/erika

·         Click on Enter Docfind

·         Click on I Accept

·         Click on Zip

·         Enter your Host Family Zip Code

·         Choose the distance you are willing to travel (like 5 miles)

·         Select a provider Category (usually medical provider)

·         Select a provider type (this means the type of doctor; primary physician, specialist, etc.)

·         Select a plan, choose Open Choice PPO

·         You can click on More Options to narrow your search or click on Start Search to view search results of doctors and medical providers in your area

If you have the basic insurance plan and see an Aetna doctor, you must pay $65 deductable/co-pay ($95 for non-Aetna providers). If you have the extended insurance plan, you will have to pay $35 deductable/co-pay when you see an Aetna doctor and $65 if you see a non-Aetna provider.

You can expect to have to pay for your prescriptions when you fill them. You can fill out a reimbursement form and the insurance company will pay you back. Ask the doctor if the medication is expensive before you leave the office. She/he may be able to prescribe one that is not as expensive!

Driver’s License/Social Security Card

Study the Ohio Digest of Motor Vehicle Laws. Go to www.bmv.ohio.gov/driver_license/mvdigest.htm for a downloadable version or obtain a copy at the following testing stations:

Customer Service Center East

1583 Alum Creek Drive

Columbus, OH 43209

(614) 995-5353

Open Monday through Friday from 8:00 A.M. until 5:30 P.M.

Open Saturday from 8:00 A.M. until 12:00 P.M.

This location offers one-stop shopping services with the Ohio State Highway Patrol (OSHP) driver license examination station, deputy registrar license agency, Clerk of Courts title office and Columbus regional driver license reinstatement service center.

NOTE: The driver license reinstatement service center is NOT open on Saturday.

 

 

Customer Service Center West

1970 West Broad Street

Columbus, OH 43223

(614) 995-5353

Open Monday through Friday from 8:00 A.M. until 5:30 P.M.

Open Saturday from 8:00 A.M. until 12:00 P.M.

This location offers one-stop shopping services with the Ohio State Highway Patrol (OSHP) driver license examination station, deputy registrar license agency and Clerk of Courts title office.

 

 

Hilliard Driver Examination Station

4738 Cemetery Road

Hilliard, OH 43026

(614) 921-8946

Open Tuesday through Friday 8:00 A.M. until 4:30 P.M.

Open Saturday 8:00 A.M. until 2:00 P.M.

Bioptics Testing By Appointment

This location offers one-stop shopping services with the Ohio State Highway Patrol (OSHP) driver license examination station and deputy registrar license agency.

Springfield Driver Examination Station
1139 Bechtle Avenue, Park Shopping Center
Springfield, OH 45504
(937) 325-4554
Open Tuesday through Saturday (Call for hours of operation or to schedule a driving test)
This location offers one-stop shopping services with the Ohio State Highway Patrol (OSHP) driver license examination station and deputy registrar license agency.

 

Get an Ohio Driver’s License. Written Tests can be taken in 16 different languages at any of the above Ohio BMV licensing offices/stations.

Learn what the family wants you to do if you have a car accident. If you plan to drive, do not leave the house without this information!

 

Social Security Card

Visit www.ssa.gov/online/forms.html to download and print forms. Go to the section “other forms” and scroll down to form SS-5.

**Au pairs should wait 10 days from the date they enter the United States before filing an application with the Social Security Administration (SSA). The SSA cannot verify their status with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) until at least 10 days after the date of entry**  

Take the following Au Pair documents to the SS office:

 

SOCIAL SECURITY
1051 WORTHINGTON WOODS
WORTHINGTON, OH 43085

 

Phone Numbers:

Local Number  (614) 888-5339
Toll-Free  1-800-772-1213
TTY (614) 228-0226
   

 

Or

 

SOCIAL SECURITY
2026 W MAIN STREET
SPRINGFIELD, OH 45504

 

Phone Numbers:

Local Number  (937) 325-0674
Toll-Free  1-800-772-1213
TTY (937) 325-2954

 

Documents you should take when applying for both a driver’s license and a social security card:

1.      Completed SS-5 form

2.      Passport

3.      I-94 (should be stapled inside VISA)

4.      DS-2019

5.      Social Security Letter (available on host family extranet)

6.      Letter of Good Standing (sent to host family prior to Au Pair’s arrival- and available from host family extranet)

7.      If passport is less than 1 year old, THEN… Picture ID with DOB… This ID MUST be more than 1 year old.

Bank Accounts

Open a bank/checking account. Shop around at different banks in search of those that offer free accounts.

Keep track of your spending and try to save up for any trips that you may want to take!

Phone Cards

Many long distance companies’ offer international calling, but they can be the most expensive option.

Alternatives:

EF Phone Card – Some of the Au Pairs buy theses at school in New York. They can be recharged using a major credit card. The rates are not the best though.

www.nobelcom.com

www.zaptel.com

www.phonecardsonsale.com – All of these offer online phone card purchase. Extremely reasonable rates. Always read the connection charge/expiration info. Some cards do expire within a certain time frame.

 

  Other Recommendations for a Smooth Start

*      Communicate! Communicate! Communicate

*      Review the Household Handbook. Review it again after you have been here for a month! You will do a better job if you remember what the family is expecting.

*      Exercise and eat healthy food and be careful about eating too much fast food. Many Au Pairs gain weight, and you do not want to buy a new wardrobe. Nor do I want to hear you are on an unhealthy “diet” in pursuit of weight loss!

*      Keep a journal to help with homesickness. It will also be a nice way to look back at your year. Set your mind on learning as much as you can about American Culture and spend time sharing yours. I have ideas to help if your homesickness becomes overwhelming!

*      Use your daily communication log especially to track non-verbal children’s activities and daily happenings.

*      Remember that the guidelines are important. Contact me if the family is working you more than 45 hours a week, 10 hours a day.

*      Remember that you are part of their family and be sure to help as a family member would.

*      Make a copy of your insurance card, passport, I-94, and DS2019. Just in case something gets lost. It will be easier to replace.

*      If you plan to travel outside of the US, check to see what the visa requirements are and be sure to complete the travel checklist. This will include having your DS-2019 signed by Boston!

*      Come to your monthly meetings without exception. Your ideas are always welcome! You can find the dates and times on the website: http:/s-watkins.local.culturalcare.com

 

Most importantly!

I am here to help your year run smoothly!!! Do not hesitate to contact me with questions, concerns, or small issues before they become big problems.

Office Hours: Call between 9:00 AM and 8:00 PM unless extreme emergency. Email anytime!

 

Sheri Watkins

Cultural Care Au Pair

Local Childcare Coordinator

(614)204-5693

Sheri.watkins@lcc.culturalcare.com

http://swatkins.aupairnews.com

SS# update

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Posted by: swatkins on May 27, 2008

Applying for a social security card - important FYI

 **Au pairs should wait 10 days from the date they enter the United States before filing an application with the Social Security Administration (SSA). The SSA cannot verify their status with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) until at least 10 days after the date of entry**

Are you ready for the arrival of your Au Pair?

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Posted by: swatkins on May 20, 2008

Your Au Pair is About to Arrive 

 

Are you ready? 

 

Important things to think about 

 

SS card 

 

In the state of Ohio, an au pair does not need to get a social security card in order to obtain a driver’s license. However, some families like for the au pair to have a ss# and some au pairs like to have a ss# as it makes it easier for them to get a cell phone or apply for a credit card. 

 

Visit www.ssa.gov/online/forms.html

to download and print forms. Go to the section “other forms” and scroll down to form SS-5. 

 

Take the following Au Pair documents to the SS office (one on East Broad Street in Columbus) 

 

1.     

Completed SS-5 form 

 

2.     

Passport 

 

3.     

I-94 (should be stapled inside VISA) 

 

4.     

DS-2019 

 

5.     

Letter of Good Standing (sent to host family prior to Au Pair’s arrival- and available from family extranet) 

 

6.     

If passport is less than 1 year old, THEN… Picture ID with DOB… This ID MUST be more than 1 year old. 

 

You can use Cultural Care Au Pair’s Tax ID # for your tax purposes rather than the au pair’s SS#. To request this info, call the Boston office @ 1-800-333-6056. 

 

Driver’s License 

 

Mail your Au Pair the OHIO Rules of the Road book

before he/she arrives to the US. 

 

To obtain a driver’s license, bring the following documents plus the au pair’s international driver’s license and possibly home country license to the BMV:

·         Passport

·         I-94

·         DS-2019

·         Au pair’s international and/or home country driver’s license

 

(Offices are located throughout the area, including Alum Creek Drive, the corner of Bethel Rd. & Sawmill, and the main office on West Broad Street) Au Pairs can take the written portion of the test on the computer in any language that they choose. While the state of Ohio allows international driver’s license, many local municipalities do not always know or remember this. It is better for your au pair to get an Ohio driver’s license. The state will issue a Non-Renewable/Non-Transferable Driver’s License or a temporary license if the au pair does not have an international license. 

 

Add the Au Pair to your auto insurance policy. (Some companies will give lower rates if the au pair has a state license) 

 

Prepare yourself and your Au Pair for the worst case as a driver.

Consider putting a disposable camera in your glove compartment along with a step by step list of what to do in case of an emergency or accident. 

 

 

 

 

Bank Accounts 

 

It is helpful for the Au Pair to have her own bank account. Open one at your bank of choice. Many have free checking accounts. The Au Pair weekly stipend is $176.85. It will increase on July 24, 2009, to $195.75 per week. Many families use an automatic deposit into the Au Pair’s account as a form of payment. 

 

 

 

 

Phone Programs 

 

Many long distance companies’ offer international calling, but they can be the most expensive option. 

 

Alternatives: 

 

EF Phone Card –

Some of the Au Pairs buy theses at school in New York. They can be recharged using a major credit card. The rates are not the best though. 

 

www.nobelcom.com

 

 

www.zaptel.com

 

 

www.phonecardsonsale.com –

All of these offer online phone card purchase. Extremely reasonable rates. Always read the connection charge/expiration info. Some cards do expire within a certain time frame. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other Helpful Recommendations 

 

 

 

 

·         Send an email to your Au Pair at the school in New York during her/his training week. Most families send an email and the au pair will be looking for a message from you. The email address is aupair.training.school@culturalcare.com

They are printed daily and delivered to the au pairs. Their ability to check their own email is limited. If you need to call the school, the number is (631)218-3806.

 

 

·        

Complete the Household Handbook online

for your au pair. Include as much as you can about the expectations that you have (i.e. the car, vacation, curfews, visitors, children’s schedules, discipline, etc.) The more information you give to your au pair about your family and your expectations, the better your year will go. While you can always back off of your expectations, it is rare that a family can successfully add more responsibilities. Print a copy of the Household Handbook for yourself and email a copy to your au pair. Then he/she will have access and be familiar with your expectations even before they arrive. 

 

 

 

 

Help your Au Pair Feel Welcome 

 

Little things and small tokens of welcome go a long way towards making the transition 

 

 easier and making your au pair feel like a welcome part of your family. 

 

·        

Decorate the door to your au pair’s room.

 

 

·        

Have a welcome gift or basket to give to your au pair

 

 

·        

Welcome him/her at the airport with a balloon or cute sign

 

 

·        

Purchase the au pair’s first phone card for him/her

 

 

 

 

 

During the First Week 

 

Take your au pair to the grocery store

during his/her first few days. This is a way to find out what your au pair likes and he/she can learn your children’s favorite foods and snacks. Then when you get home, your au pair can help you put the items away and learn the organization in your kitchen. 

 

Spend the first 3 days at home with your au pair

before you leave him/her home alone with the children. 

 

Make the time

to go with your au pair to the social security office, to open a bank account, and to get a driver’s license. These are extremely important to allowing your au pair to become self sufficient. 

 

Take your au pair on a day trip through your city.

 

 

Make a copy of your au pair’s insurance card, passport, I-94, and DS2019,

just in case something gets lost. It will be easier to replace. 

 

 

 

 

Ongoing 

 

Communicate, Communicate, Communicate!

It is the key to a successful year. Be sincere and respectful in your interaction with your au pair. You are welcoming them into your home and family. Think of how you would want your loved one treated if he/she were to spend a year in another country living with a host family there. 

 

Include them

in meals, home cooked and take out. Encourage them to cook their favorite meal occasionally. 

 

Use your Daily Communication Log

especially to track children’s activities and daily happenings. 

 

Understand that the program guidelines are set forth by the US Department of State,

not Cultural Care Au Pair. The guidelines are the same for all agencies sanctioned by the  Department of State. 

 

Stay aware of dates of meetings and make your schedule around them. Au Pair meeting dates and times are listed on my website, http://s-watkins.local.culturalcare.com

 

 

 

 

 

Most importantly! 

 

I am here to help your year run smoothly!!! Do not hesitate to contact me with questions, concerns, or small issues before they become big problems. 

 

Office Hours:

Call between 9:00 AM and 8:00 PM unless extreme emergency. Email anytime! 

 

 

 

 

Sheri Watkins 

 

Cultural Care Au Pair 

 

Local Childcare Coordinator

(614)204-5693

Sheri.watkins@lcc.culturalcare.com

http://s-watkins.local.culturalcare.com