header image

Archive for the 'Program Info' Category

Getting an au pair is more affordable than ever

No Comment |

Posted by: lbrust on January 8, 2010

Our host families spoke, and we listened. The economy had an impact on everyone last year. Many families faced new financial challenges, but in the end, they still needed flexible, affordable childcare. As a result, Cultural Care Au Pair has created several new payment options that help lower the initial cost for welcoming an au pair into their home in the New Year. Along with this exciting new change, we are also keeping our prices the same for the second year in a row!

Now new families applying to Cultural Care Au Pair will have even more payment options available. Not only have we reduced our application fee, we have created several new payment plans for new and repeat families. As a result, they can continue to enjoy all the benefits they have enjoyed from Cultural Care Au Pair in the past - and even more!

Lower application fee, lowered payment plan options
How does it work? Now new families applying to the program will pay a $75 non-refundable application fee -a savings over our previous $350 application fee. Upon finding the right au pair, a $275 selection fee will be due so the au pair can finalize arrangements to come to the U.S. Offering this new payment structure not only helps secure the au pair for the family, it allows the visa process to begin moving forward.

In addition, families now have even more flexibility when it comes to making payments. On our regular payment plan, families now have the ability to pay the program fee 30 days prior to the au pair’s arrival, instead of upon selection of an au pair. This is great for families who select an au pair early, as it provides them with additional time to pay their program fee.

In addition, our Extended Payment Plan option now lowers the initial deposit to $2,395, plus a $200 payment plan enrollment fee. Families have the option of making a payment in three easy installments or they can log into their host family account at their convenience and pay weekly, bi-weekly or monthly - whatever works best for the family, as long as it’s within the Extended Payment Plan timeframe. Repeat and extension families enjoy all these flexible payment benefits as well, with the additional benefit of a waived application fee!

Along with keeping prices the same in 2010, and creating several new, lower payment plan options, we are also decreasing the cost for enrolling in our Extended Payment Plan, making it even easier to afford an au pair in the New Year. For more information about how to utilize these new options, contact me, your local childcare coordinator, and I will be happy to provide you with additional details about Cultural Care Au Pair’s exciting new payment options for 2010!

What Do The Au Pairs Learn At The Training School

No Comment |

Posted by: lbrust on January 8, 2010

All Cultural Care Au Pairs spend their first week in the U.S. at our Training School at St. John’s University, Oakdale Campus. Watch Au Pair Answer Mom for details about what the Au Pairs do and learn during their stay at the Au Pair School. Click the link below:

http://tiny.cc/dSPaF

Au Pair Stipend and Minimum Wage

No Comment |

Posted by: lbrust on February 4, 2009

 ******AU PAIR WEEKLY STIPEND IS NOW $195.75 PER WEEK******

The calculation used to determine the au pair stipend amount is a combination of the federal minimum wage as well as a room and board allowance. The exact calculation used to determine the weekly stipend is as follows:

Minimum wage amount x 45 hours - 40% (room and board allowance) = au pair stipend amount

On May 24th, 2007, Congress approved the first increase in the federal minimum wage in nearly a decade. President Bush signed this bill on May 25th and this has a direct impact on the au pair weekly stipend 60 calendar days post-presidential approval.

As the changes to minimum wage impact the au pair stipend incrementally, what follows is an overview of these changes and how they impact the stipend over the next two years:

1. 60 Days = Tuesday, July 24th, 2007

  • Increase from $139.05 to $157.95/week

2. 12 Months = Thursday, July 24th, 2008

  • Increase from $157.95 to $176.85/week

3. 24 months = Friday, July 24th, 2009

  • Increase from $176.85 to $195.75/week

All Cultural Care Au Pair literature and agreements stipulate that host families comply with all regulations, therefore, adherence to these changes is required of all program participants.

Important Information

No Comment |

Posted by: lbrust on March 7, 2007

Some Important Information To Know

  • Our Regional Manager is Jill Janson and she can be reached at 1-800-333-6056 ext. 5587.  Her email is Jill.Janson@culturalcare.com
  • If you have an emergency after hours and you are unable to reach me you can call the Cultural Care emergency number 24 hours a day at 1-800-333-6056 if it is after hours please give the person picking up the call all the information and someone will get back to you shortly.
  • Au pairs may not provide more than 45 hours per week and no more than 10 hours per day of childcare under any circumstances including situations in which au pairs are left home alone overnight with the children.
  • Au pair responsibilities must relate solely to the care of the children and may not include heavy household chores
  • Au pairs may not work outside their host family’s home under any circumstances including babysitting for neighbors.
  • Au pairs may not provide additional childcare (in excess of the 45 hours per week) for additional compensation to their own host families.
  • Au pairs may not be left alone with infants under 3 months of age under any circumstances. If an au pair is asked to care for an infant under 3 months, a parent or responsible adult must be present in the home at all times.
  • Au Pairs get 2 weeks paid vacation (14 days total, including weekends)
  • You are required to attend monthly meetings and your host family needs to give you the time to attend.
  • Driving the car is a privilege and should not be abused and all rules set up for use of the car by your host family should be followed or this privilege can be taken away.
    •