Daycare Question - Gresham,OR

My family has had au pairs for a few years and we LOVE them. I also decided to become a Local Childcare Coordinator for Cultural Care Au Pair in my "spare time" -- I am a FTWM (attorney) of 2 that are 3.5 and 2 and 1 on the way. I would be willing to talk over the benefits, drawbacks and requirements of the program with you -- just private message me your number or give me an e-mail or call :) Our first was from Australia and our second is from Germany. They are both FABULOUS with our children and $10,000 less than we were spending for daycare....yes, $10,000.

Best wishes,
A. F.
Local Childcare Coordinator, Cultural Care Au Pair
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http://aferrini.aupairnews.com
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I used an au pair for 2 years and it was a wonderful experience -- she became a part of the family. I did pay a bit more per month to get an au pair who was over age 22 and I think that was worth it. I agree -- day care is really expensive, and if we had a bigger house, I would still be using an au pair! Good luck!

I have no experience with live-in childcare, but I would highly recommend in home childcare. Your children will be able to play together and make friends at different ages. It is more home like, they will develop a relationship with 1 person and the cost is more affordable. If they are in a day care centre, they will be separated for the entire day, perhaps with the exception of outside play.

Hello Momof2girls,

I live in the Portland area and have worked with parents and children for over 25 years. I have been a nanny and have run an in home day care. Although both of those are great options, I think a live in situation can be an amazing experience for your family, especially if the situation is intercultural.

I just recently became a childcare coordinator for the nation's largest au pair agency, Cultural Care. We provide local families with experienced au pairs with legal visas. Our au pairs – young women and men from all over the world – are carefully evaluated, selected and trained. They are between the ages of 18 and 26 and are excited to spend a year (or more!) with an American family to provide up to 45 hours per week of childcare. Hosting an au pair is a cultural exchange experience for the whole family!

We have an au pair meeting coming up in December that I would love to invite you! You and your family could meet au pairs in the area and ask any questions you may have. Our au pair meeting is at the ScanFair at Portland State University that celebrates Scandanavian Christmas traditions. It will be a fun time to meet au pairs and other local childcare coordinators like myself to learn more about our program.

Feel free to contact me if you would like more information.

Best wishes to your family as you look for the right daycare fit for your family.

~P. G.
Local Childcare Coordinator, Cultural Care
http://PGowing.AuPairNews.com
http://www.MrsGowing.com
http://www.PortlandPreschoolDirectory.com
http://www.VancouverPreschoolDirectory.com

It can be wonderful or horrible depending upon whom you get.
There are agencies that are specialized in bringing young women to America for one year to care for your children and do light housekeeping.
Try to get one who speaks another language that will be useful for your children. You can get a European student who wants to improve her English while living here.
You need/must have a separate private room for her to live in. You also must have a set day off/ 24 hours which is hers. Things you must decide: if she can drive will you leave her the car to run errands and take your daughters to ballet or the library.
We found ours through an ad. But truthfully you want a young woman who has been completely vetted.