Upon arrival to the U.S., Cultural Care au pairs attend an exclusive, four-day training program focused on child development and safety. Our unique Au Pair Training School offers instruction from dedicated and experienced educators in a classroom setting. Small class sizes allow teachers to give au pairs one-to-one attention. The Cultural Care Au Pair Training School is located on the beautiful Oakdale campus of St. John’s University on Long Island, New York—allowing au pairs to adjust to their first days in the U.S. in a comfortable, collegiate environment.
What do Cultural Care au pairs learn at the Au Pair Training School?The Cultural Care Au Pair staff developed the curriculum for the four-day program in collaboration with The Children’s Foundation in Washington, D.C.
Topics covered include:
- Health and Safety in the Home
- Child Nutrition
- Common Childhood Illnesses
- Safety and Emergency Education
- Effective Communication
- Au Pairs as Role Models
- Ages & Stages: Birth to Teenage Years
- Age-appropriate Materials and Activities
- Building Self-esteem in Children
- Behavior Management
In addition to their time in the classroom, au pairs attend group workshops. In the communication workshop, teachers and au pairs discuss cultural differences in communication and effective problem solving skills necessary for a successful year. Au pairs also attend a personal safety workshop led by a New York police officer and are offered a tour of New York City. Au pairs depart from the school feeling confident, socially-connected and ready for the year ahead.
New! Our specialty preparation courses
In addition to the basic curriculum mandated by the U.S. Department of State on
child safety and development, Cultural Care’s Training School now also offers specialty
preparation classes. Host families can choose to enroll their au pair in an additional
day-long program which is offered before the standard training begins. Topics include:
- Sharing Your Native Language with Children
- Focus on the School Aged Child: Academics and Activities
- A Practical Introduction to the American Home