For all au pairs who arrived on or after January 1, 2011 or whose extension term ends after January 1, 2012: Cultural Care will now require any au pair staying for his/her 30-day grace period to have proper insurance coverage for this period in order to book his/her return flight home. Additional Month Insurance can be purchased from Erika Insurance for $125 through the Cultural Care online store. For an additional $25 fee, au pairs can get the Additional Month Insurance with the Sports Supplement.

Alternatively, au pairs can use an independent insurance policy that covers the additional month, but must provide proof of coverage that meets the minimum coverage required by the Department of State regulations; this can be done by submitting the Proof of Insurance Coverage Form.

The Additional Month Insurance can be purchased online with a credit or debit card through Cultural Care’s Au Pair Store or by calling the Au Pair Services department at 800-448-5753. To pay by check, please fill out the Additional Month Insurance Purchase Form and send a check or money order to Cultural Care Au Pair c/o Au Pair Services Department (One Education St., Cambridge, MA 02141).

Please note that the Additional Month Insurance may only be purchased on or before the au pair’s last legal working day. Requests received after this date will not be processed. When the Additional Month Insurance is purchased, a new insurance card will be mailed approximately two weeks prior to the start of the additional month.

For au pairs with legal departure dates prior to January 1, 2012: While there is not an insurance requirement to stay into his/her grace period, Cultural Care Au Pair highly recommends the purchase of Additional Month Insurance.

Dear Au Pairs,

Please check the new courses that the at the Community College of the District of Columbia is offering for this Fall.  Their catalog is not on line yet, but you can feel free to contact the College directly for more information:

Amanda Olivares

PROGRAM COORDINATOR

CONTINUING EDUCATION

WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT & LIFELONG LEARNING

A DIVISION OF THE

COMMUNITY COLLEGE

OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

202.274.7183 OFFICE

http://ccdc.usdc.edu/continuing_education

They have the following courses available:

-Spanish

-Arabic

-Personal Fitness

-Feng Shui 

Fireworks

Popular viewing areas:

Capitol West Front

Nearest Metro Station(s): Union Station, Judiciary Square, Capitol South

This is the site of the annual PBS broadcast with the National Symphony Orchestra. Popular hits led by Broadway and country music stars precede the musical finale of the “1812 Overture,” punctuated by live cannon and the commencement of the pyrotechnic display. Crowds arrive on the Capitol as early as noon to stake out a good space - just remember that if you can’t see the Washington Monument from where you’re sitting, you’re not going to be able to see the fireworks either!

National Air and Space Museum

Nearest Metro Station: L’Enfant Plaza, Federal Center SW

The Air Force Band traditionally hosts a concert before the fireworks. It’s a great place for parents and families, who can use the restroom facilities inside the NASM up until the museum closes at 5:30 pm. Plus there’s a food court inside the NASM where you can get dinner so you don’t have to bring your food with you on the Metro.

Washington Monument/Lincoln Memorial/Reflecting Pool

Nearest Metro Station: Foggy Bottom or Federal Triangle

This puts you as close to the fireworks as you can get, legally, and those are the closest Metro stations, since the Smithsonian Station is usually closed for security reasons. If you like to hear the BOOM and don’t mind craning your neck upwards for a half-hour and possible fallout from fireworks residue, it’s a great place to spread a picnic blanket. Be doubly mindful that you might be interfering with another person’s view, especially if they arrived hours early to stake out a good spot and now a late-arriver wants them to share it or to sit (or stand) in front of them.

Jefferson Memorial/Tidal Basin

Nearest Metro: Smithsonian, but it’ll be closed, so walk from L’Enfant Plaza or Federal Triangle

This site gives you a great view of the Washington Monument and the White House as a backdrop to the fireworks, but it takes a lot of walking to get there without a car. If you drive into town, park along Ohio Drive and walk through the FDR Memorial to the Tidal Basin. Lots of lawn space, but the leaves of those cherry trees that were so beautiful just a few months ago block a lot of potential viewing areas. Restrooms in the basement of the Jefferson Memorial stay open until midnight!

Ellipse/White House South Lawn

Nearest Metro: Federal Triangle, Metro Center

The Ellipse gives you a great view southward with the Washington Monument and the Jefferson Memorial as your backdrops. If you’re fortunate enough to know somebody who lives (or works) in the White House complex, the Marine Band (aka “The President’s Own”) plays patriotic favorites on the South Lawn of the White House for the President and his (or her) guests.

Rosslyn/Iwo Jima Memorial

Nearest Metro: Rosslyn

One of the best views of the fireworks with the National Mall as a backdrop. You can’t hear the boom of the explosions, but many people bring their radios for the National Symphony Orchestra’s simulcast. From here, the fireworks will only appear a few degrees above the horizon since they’re set to explode somewhere between 700 and 1500 feet above the ground (keep in mind that the Washington Monument is only 555 feet tall), but there’s a big expanse of lawn for picnicking. The Memorial grounds were under construction in the spring of 2006, so they might not be ready by July.

George Washington Parkway/Arlington Cemetery

Nearest Metro: Arlington Cemetery (with Rosslyn at the northern extreme and Pentagon City at the southern end)

The roads and lawns along the Parkway are jammed with tailgate parties, but pedestrians can wander along the Potomac River until they’ve found a spot with a view. Just be mindful that the Park Service has erected barricades along the Parkway for your protection, so use the designated crossing points.

National Airport/Gravelly Point

Nearest Metro: National Airport

From the airport terminal, head north along the bike/jogging trail to the wide open expanse known as Gravelly Point. It should be easily recognizable by the airplane junkies with their headsets, fisherman with their poles, Latino soccer players, and lots of families with picnic baskets who arrived by car or bicycle. Just be prepared for the scream of jet engines only a few hundred feet over your heads! This area is filled with all day picnicers on July 4th. Also, lots and lots of people put their boats into the Potomac at this location. Your vehicle/boat will be searched looking for alcohol. This area does fill up and they close the entrance to vehicles at some point before the fireworks. This area does have porta johns.

Or if you prefer the comfort of the great indoors, you can head to the northernmost end of the Main Terminal and enjoy the fireworks from the main or upper concourse as you enjoy a big cup of clam chowder and fried clam strips from the adjacent Legal Sea Foods.

Memorial Day office hours:

We will be closed Saturday through Monday for the Memorial Day holiday weekend. We will resume normal business hours on Tuesday, May, 31st.

New Extension Fee’s take effect Monday June 6, 2011:

Please note that effective June 6, 2011, the extension fee will increase to $283.  Any au pair completing his/her application on or after June 6th will be subject to new pricing….so if you are thinking about it or have started, please get it in before the cost goes up!

Dear Washington, DC-area Au Pairs:

National Louis University (NLU) is introducing a new, exciting, and affordable educational opportunity for Au Pairs and other international students beginning this summer at their Washington, DC satelite campus location! Registration will be opening soon!
Au Pairs can complete their entire educational requirement for $500 at NLU in Washington, DC over two intensive weekends this summer or next fall. There is both a 45 hour, one-weekend (3 credit equivalent) and  90 hour, two-weekend (6 credit equivalent) option available.  Online registration will be available soon, but since the spaces will be limited in each of the four weekends offered this year, interested Au Pairs are encouraged to email as soon as possible to reserve a space. Early registration incentives will be offered for this initial program opening. The first weekend course offered is coming up June 24-26, 2011 and the early registration deadline is May 1. There will also be a regular and late registration deadline (see attachment).

Please see the attached Fact Sheet for all the important details including course descriptions and requirements, cost, dates, schedule, housing, and registration information. This information and a registration link will be available ASAP. The first 10 students who reserve a space (and subsequently register) in one of the summer classes by April 20 will receive a $10 Starbucks Gift Card.

If you have any questions that are not answered on the attached fact sheet, please feel free to email: aupair.classes@nl.edu<mailto:aupair.classes@nl.edu>.

Please forward this to any Au Pairs who might be interested in taking this class to help share this new opportunity.

Thank you,

Dr. Lora Anderson Cook                                                    Margaret Stemler
Program Director/Professor                                             Director of Continuing Education, National Louis University

March 20- March 26 is a National Poison Preventions Week.

There are two basic themes “Children Act Fast…So Do Poisons!” and “Poisoning Spans a Lifetime.” Parents and caretakers must always be watchful when household chemicals or drugs are being used. Many incidents happen when adults are using a product but are distracted (for example, by the telephone or the doorbell) for a few moments. Children act fast, and adults must make sure that household chemicals and medicines are stored away from children at all times. It’s important to remember what young kids see and reach, they usually put in their mouths and as their mobility and capabilities increase, they can reach medicines and household products wherever they’re stored.

In an Emergency
1. Call Poison Help (1-800-222-1222), which connects you to your local poison center, if someone may have been poisoned - even if you’re not sure.
2. Stay calm - most poisoning emergencies can be resolved quickly.
3. Call 9-1-1 if the person is unconscious or has trouble breathing.

Emergency Checklist
If someone may have been poisoned, call the toll-free Poison Help line (1-800-222-1222), which connects you to your local poison center, to speak with a poison expert right away. This expert can give you advice on first aid and may save you from a visit to the emergency room.
Below is a checklist to help you in the event of a poisoning.
First steps
If the person is not breathing, call 911.
If the person inhaled poison, get him or her fresh air right away.
If the person has poison on the skin, take off any clothing the poison touched. Rinse skin with running water for 15 to 20 minutes.
If the person has poison in the eyes, rinse eyes with running water for 15 to 20 minutes.
Do not use activated charcoal when you think someone may have been poisoned.
Calling Poison Help
Do not wait for signs of poisoning before calling Poison Help (1-800-222-1222), which connects you to your local poison center. Stay calm. Not all medicines, chemicals, or household products are poisonous. Not all contact with poison results in poisoning.
Make sure to have the container of the product you think caused the poisoning nearby. The label has important information.
Be ready (if you can) to tell the expert on the phone:
The exposed person’s age and weight
Known health conditions or problems
The product involved
How the product contacted the person (for example, by mouth, by inhaling, through the skin, or through the eyes)
How long ago the poison contacted the person
What first aid has already been given
Whether the person has vomited
Your exact location and how long it would take you to get to a hospital
Cultural Care Au Pair Continuing Educational Program

Cultural Care Au Pair has developed the Continuing Education Program (CEP). Through the CEP, seasonal units will provide au pairs with information and ongoing training in the areas of childcare safety and personal safety.
Spring: Bicycle and Passanger Safety
Summer: Playground and Water Safety/Drowning Prevention
Fall: Sports Injury and household Poisoning Prevention
Winter: Fire and Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Prevention

Child Tips
Kids - if you are unsure of something that could potentially be dangerous, ask a grown-up.
Where are poisons found?
Poisons can be found anywhere - in the house, in the yard, in the playground, or on the sidewalk.
What should you do if you suspect someone is poisoned?
Tell a grown-up right away.
Call the Poison Help line (1-800-222-1222), which connects you to your local poison center. You will talk to a poison expert who can help you.
Also remember:
If you do not know what something is, do not put it in your mouth.
Never put plants and berries in your mouth.
Never take medicine unless a parent tells you to.
Always let grown-ups use spray cans and bottles. Do not touch or play with them.
Stay away from things used to clean the house, clothes, or car.

For caregivers
Caregivers should be mindful of safety tips to keep children safe from poisons. Children who are less than 6 years old are the most likely to be poisoned.1 A child’s age, weight, and medical history will affect the treatment of a poisoning.
Keep the following poisonous products away from children:
Painkillers such as acetaminophen and similar medications
Cosmetics such as perfume or nail polish, and personal care products such as deodorant and soap
Cleaning products such as laundry detergent and floor cleaners

To avoid poisonings when taking care of children, be aware of the following tips:
All medicines and household cleaning products should be stored in locked cabinets, out of the reach and sight of children.
Keep children where you can see them at all times, even when you go to answer the door or telephone.
Never leave young children alone.
Do not leave poisons on a counter or in an unlocked cabinet.
Never carry something that can be poisonous, such as a medicine, in a purse where children may find it.
Safety latches on drawers or cabinets, and child resistant caps on bottles, are helpful in keeping poisons out of the hands of children.

Adult Tips
Poisonings can happen to anyone, but you can protect yourself and others. Learn 1) how to prevent poisoning, 2) how to recognize and store poisons around your home, and 3) what to do in a poison emergency. Here are some tips to help you. Remember, if you suspect someone has been poisoned, right away call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222, which connects you to your local poison center.
To avoid poisoning, pay close attention to the following products:
Painkillers
Sedatives (drugs used to reduce anxiety), hypnotics (sleeping pills), and antipsychotics (drugs used to treat mental illness)
Household cleaning products
To help keep your home safe:
Never mix household or chemical products together.
Be aware of common poisons to avoid.
Keep all chemicals, medicines, and potentially poisonous substances out of the reach of children.
Educate children, teenagers, and older adults on basic poison tips.
____________________

Poison Proof Your Home
More than 90 percent of the time, poisonings happen in people’s homes. The majority of these poisonings occur in the kitchen, bathroom and bedroom.2 That is why it is important to follow simple steps to prevent a poisoning from happening at home.
Teach your family to never touch or put anything in their mouths unless they know what it is. Below are additional tips on how to keep poisonous items safe in your home. Remember, if you suspect that you or someone you know has been poisoned, immediately call the toll-free Poison Help line (1-800-222-1222), which connects you to your local poison center.
Medicines
Carbon monoxide (CO)
Household products
Chemicals
Back to school/art supplies
Food
Animals/insects
Plants, mushrooms, and berries

Here is a list of websites for your reference:

http://www.poisonprevention.org/
http://poisonhelp.hrsa.gov/

http://www.safekids.org/
http://www.aapcc.org/

Several of our host families have new au pairs arriving in the next couple of weeks. This can be an exciting time for the whole family as they say goodbye to their well loved au pair and welcome a new one they will soon adore. Your family may have gone through this a few times before and if you have you know that no two au pairs are alike and there will be a period of time where everyone needs to get to know one another, the language barrier will be broken and the bonding will occur.

One way to facilitate this is to use tools that have worked for other families in establishing the basic daily care things early on so more time can be spent on getting to know one another during free time and meals. My favorite tools are the household handbook and the daily communication log.

If your family creates or updates their household handbook it will be a great resource for your new au pair. Even if you have an old copy give it a review because as we all know rules tend to change as children and families grow.

Below is a description of these tools from the Cultural Care Au Pair website.

“Household Handbook

The Household Handbook is an interactive tool to help host families document all of the important information an au pair should know about their family including information about their children (likes, dislikes, discipline), household rules (curfew, smoking, car use) and community information (location of library, stores, schools). Host families can access and create their own custom Household Handbook on their Extranet. An email copy is generated and sent to the host family once the handbook is completed.

Daily Communication Log

The Daily Communication Log is given to all host families to provide a tool to facilitate daily communication in the home. The log includes standard pages for daily, weekly and monthly communication as well as contact numbers, emergency information and important information regarding the children.”

Important Au Pair Tax Information

•The IRS considers au pairs to be “employees” of the host family for tax reasons, even though they are in the United States on a “cultural exchange” visa. This means that au pairs are required to file U.S. individual income tax returns even though many au pairs will not owe any taxes
•By April 15 2011 the au pairs should file form 1040NR-EZ or 1040NR to report his or her au pair stipend for 2010. Go to http://www.irs.gov/
•In order to file income taxes in the United States, all au pairs need to have either a social security number or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (”ITIM”)
•Au pairs are allowed to claim a personal exemption for themselves, but are not eligible for the standard deduction in their tax filing. As stated above, au pairs are not considered “students” by the IRS so they are also not eligible to exclude au pair wages from gross income under the student article of any U.S. income tax treaty
•Because the maximum tax burden for the vast majority of au pairs is less than $1,000, there is usually no need for the au pair to make quarterly estimated payments, or to have the host family withhold taxes. There are some exceptions to this rule which are explained in our more detailed guide which is downloadable above.
Important Host Family Tax Information

•Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit: As long as you have used the au pair’s child care services in order to work or look for employment, the stipend paid to your au pair, the costs of room and board and the program fees paid to Cultural Care are all eligible under the Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit. Cultural Care’s federal tax ID number is 20-2020345
•Dependent Care Reimbursement Programs: The eligibility requirements for these programs (often called “Flex-Spending Accounts” or “FSAs”) are usually identical to those for the Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit. Please note that expense paid for using Dependent Care Reimbursement Program funds are not also eligible for the Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit
•Flex-Spending Account Paperwork: Cultural Care is happy to provide host families with a summary statement of payments received during a tax year. We are also able to sign and complete most forms that your plan might require for reimbursement. Please note, however, that we are only able to provide you either the total amount you paid in a given calendar year, or the amount you paid in a given calendar year with the dates of the applicable full au pair term of service (e.g. one year, six months, etc.). Cultural Care cannot provide documentation explicitly pro-rating payments received to a specified range of dates. Contact our office if you require any assistance in claiming a Dependent Care reimbursement
•Withholding for Au Pair Taxes: Because the maximum tax burden for the vast majority of au pairs is less than $1,000, there is no need for the au pair to make quarterly estimated payments. In addition, because au pair wages are deemed by the IRS to be paid for domestic service in a private home, they are not subject to mandatory income tax withholding on Forms 941 and W-2 by the host family. Host families usually do not need to pay federal unemployment taxes for their au pair or to withhold Social Security and Medicare taxes. There are some rare cases where this rule might not apply - please refer to our downloadable guide for more details
•Other Potential Host Family Tax and Financial Issues: We strongly recommend that you inquire with a professional insurance advisor about specific state laws and requirements which may include, but not be limited to, workers’ compensation insurance and state unemployment taxes

You have completed all the necessary forms, researched geography, culture and customs-and interviewed your new au pair. You are looking forward to this adventure and anticipating a year of new experiences for your family.

On the surface it all seems like life should be easy. Just communicate your expectations with your au pair, give her a daily schedule, and get back to work confidently knowing that the Au Pair will handle everything great, right? It would be easy to think that this all there is to this new childcare arrangement. However, family affairs are often more complicated than they may initially appear.

You take your role as a parent very seriously. You want only the very best for your children and that is why you have gone the extra mile and hosted an au pair in the first place. But sharing your role as nurturer is tricky. You want your child to bond with the new au pair but not to the point where you lose your authority as the parent. You also have a specific way of handling things when children misbehave. It is important that your au pair have a similar philosophy in order to create consistency for your children.

But what do you do if things do not go as smoothly as you had imagined? What if your au pair does not agree with you when it comes to discipline or structure? How do you navigate these waters without being too critical?

Being proactive and insightful is vitally important when it comes to these situations. Here a few important things to consider as you navigate these uncharted waters:

1) BE SELF AWARE

It is important to understand your own social/emotional/cognitive process when passing the baton off to a childcare provider. If you are entering into the work force for the first time after starting a family, chances are you are experiencing strong feelings related to attachment and adjustment to a work setting. Being aware of how you are truly coping will dictate your perception and affect the way you address your concerns with the au pair. Bounce your thoughts and feelings off of a trusted friend or co-worker to get feedback.

2) BE FLEXIBLE

Your au pair has spent hours preparing for her arrival to your home. She is looking forward to her year and wants to do an excellent job for you. She has been trained in a different culture with different child-rearing norms. Although she has probably had some general training about what to expect from American families, your family has its own personality and traditions and learning about them will take some time. Be patient with your au pair and understand that learning the nuances of every family is a unique process. Consider the fact that while the new au pair is learning the culture of your family, she is simultaneously learning about American culture as well.

3) BE A COMMUNICATOR

Once you have a clear understanding about what is upsetting you, the next step is to discuss it with the au pair. Choose a time that is neutral. Avoid confronting the au pair in the heat of the moment as this is rarely productive for either you or her. Having a weekly meeting is a good way to keep this feedback relevant and non-threatening. Write down your concerns as they come up, so that you are clear about what you want to discuss. Use the following dialogue framework to help you ask for what you need.

(AU PAIR NAME) when you (ACTION/BEHAVIOR),

I FELT (STATE YOUR FEELINGS).

WHAT I NEED YOU TO DO IN THE FUTURE IS (IDENTIFY HOW YOU WANT HER TO HANDLE IT)

Ask the au pair to summarize what she heard so that you know she understands. This will alleviate any confusion and promote healthy communication.

Committing to these 3 basic rules is sure to guide you through a successful year with your au pair. Healthy interpersonal interaction is crucial to all relationships. Using these tools is sure to bring success in this and all relationships.

Lisa Bravo, MC, LPC, LISAC, NCC

Cultural Care Au Pair Program Counselor

6-8:30 p.m.

December 3-12
(Friday through Sunday nights)

December 17-January 1
(Every night except December 24, 25, and 31)

ZooLights. It’s Wild . . . It’s Free!
See the Zoo in a whole new light! This year, as a holiday gift to the city, Friends of the National Zoo announces ZooLights is free!

Create memories with loved ones while enjoying thousands of environmentally-friendly light and animal exhibits, entertainment, and a special train ride for children. Visitors can thaw their paws in our animal houses while attending special keeper talks, or stop by the Visitor Center to see the Zoo-themed model trains and the gingerbread habitat contest entries on display in the auditorium. Of course, the crown jewels of ZooLights are the dozens of animal light displays, including a new display featuring Andean bears.

The Small Mammal House, Great Ape House, Reptile Discovery Center, Think Tank, and Kids’ Farm will be open every night.

The Washington Post called ZooLights “an ideal activity for family and friends.” Read more of the Post’s 2008 review in this Weekend section feature.

Tickets and Parking
As a holiday gift to the city, ZooLights is free of charge! No tickets are required.

A flat rate will be charged for parking starting at 6 p.m. on ZooLights nights. Free FONZ membership parking will not apply.

Parking rates are:

$8 FONZ members
$15 Nonmembers

Join now to get the member rate.

Directions to the Zoo

Take Metro to ZooLights
We encourage you to take Metro to the Zoo. Pedestrians may enter the Zoo through the Connecticut Avenue or Harvard Street entrances.

Five Weeks of ZooLights
Each week of ZooLight will highlight a different animal house or area of the Zoo. Come explore all five!

Week One December 3, 4, and 5
Reptile Discovery Center
Week Two December 10, 11, and 12
Great Ape House
Week Three December 17, 18, and 19
Kids’ Farm
Week Four December 20, 21, 22, and 23
Small Mammal House
Week Five
December 26, 27, 28, 29, 30
and January 1 Keepers Nights

Trains and Train Rides
Train enthusiasts won’t want to miss two new highlights: the Zoomagination Train Station inside the Zoo’s Visitor Center, sponsored by Amtrak®, and the FedEx Panda Express at the Great Meadow. Our new Amtrak® Wildlife Train Park will be on display inside the Asia Trail gift shop with an old-fashioned steam engine, Thomas the Train, and animal figurines. The FedEx Panda Express is a train that will take children on a fun ride around the Great Meadow beginning December 4. Every night of ZooLights, one lucky rider will get a “special delivery” gift from FedEx after riding the train. Train rides are $2.

Amtrak is registered service mark of the National Railroad Passenger Corporation.

Stuff a Hippo Crate
This year the Zoo is helping make others’ holidays bright by stuffing a hippo crate with canned goods! Contribute by bringing canned goods to the hippo crate in front of the Visitor Center. Donations will go to the D.C. Central Kitchen.

Special Themed Nights
ZooLights offers a variety of entertainment groups and themed evenings, including Giant ZooTRITION Night on December 11. Join us and our friends at Giant for a family fun night about health in the animal kingdom. Fun activities, prizes, and food wait at each animal house.
Learn more.

Jingle and Mingle Nights
Singles and couples come to these special nights of ZooLights and enjoy special discounts, treats, and experiences. Buy tickets now.

Panda Claws
Track our special ZooLights ambassador Panda Claws around the city. Be the first to snap a photo of him and post it to our Facebook page for a chance to win tickets to a major spring event at the Zoo. Learn more.

Panda Claws will also be available every night of ZooLights to greet children and guests and pose for photos.

Gin-GRR-Bread Habitat
There’s a whole lot to love about the National Zoo, especially our seven lion cubs! Let your imagination run wild this winter—design and build a Gin-GRR-bread Habitat for the pride, and win a behind-the-scenes tour for six to meet the lion cubs! Learn more and enter the contest.

Holiday Shopping at ZooLights
All three Zoo gift stores will be open during ZooLights, allowing you to stock up on eco-friendly and Zoo-themed presents for everyone on your list.

Our Green Screen will be open in the Great Cat Shop where you can have your photo taken against a winter backdrop. Browse the online store.

Sponsor ZooLights
In addition to attending this sensational event, you can help sponsor it or sponsor a specific light display