Your host family will be in one of 174 'cluster' areas in the US. Each cluster is supported by its own local Au Pair in America representative, known as the Community Counselor. The Community Counselor is there to: - interview host families to make sure they are suitable
- welcome you to the local area when you arrive
- inform, advise and support you and your family throughout your stay
- arrange monthly meetings and social activities for all the au pairs in your cluster
In case of emergencies when your Community Counselor is not available, we provide a 24-hour toll free helpline you can call (800) 9AU PAIR.
| Name: Terry Magruder
Location: Seattle, Washington
This is my 15th year as a Community Counselor. I have recently retired as a schoolteacher. Throughout the years, I have worked at many grade levels, most recently as a pre-kindergarten teacher. This job has been so valuable in relating to Au Pairs and their daily childcare responsibilities. My beautiful Pacific Northwest Cluster includes Seattle (a major metropolitan city), suburbs, islands (reached only by ferry boat) and mountains. My cluster averages in number from 40 - 45 Au Pairs and we take part in many activities, including Halloween costume parties, Christmas parties, baseball games and talent shows. We also hold childcare meetings to discuss and exchange methods of childcare. I feel that one of the most important aspects of my job is to help families prepare for the realities of having an Au Pair and understanding the cultural exchange aspect of our program. I also get to be a counselor, teacher, friend, mother and judge all in one. It is quite simple - I love working with people! |
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