The Details:
When: Saturday, May 19th, 2012
Boarding Time: 6:30pm (please arrive by 6:00pm to check in and receive your ticket)
End Time: 10:00pm
Location: Pier 83, West 42nd Street, New York, NY 10036
Ticket Price: $20 per au pair. (non-refundable) You will need to provide credit card information when you register. Tickets will not be sold on site. The cruise is exclusively for au pairs and friends. A cash only bar will be available on the boat, please be sure to bring your proper ID if you are 21+ and would like to purchase alcohol.
Deadline to Register: You must register here and submit payment by Friday, May 11, 2012! Don’t forget to invite all of your au pair friends - they can register here.

While Cultural Care is not able to provide specific tax information for host families because their circumstances are so different, we are pleased to provide general guidelines regarding host family and au pair taxes, as well as information to help au pairs complete their tax returns.  Because we update these guidelines on a regular basis, we suggest that you download our most current guide to host family and au pair taxes Host Family and Au Pair Tax Information. You can also call our office and request a copy by email.

Please note that Cultural Care is not licensed to provide official tax advice, so none of our staff may counsel host families or au pairs regarding tax issues.  Since tax laws vary from state to state and are changed on a frequent basis, we advise host families and au pairs to speak with a local professional tax advisor or directly with the Internal Revenue Service for definitive answers to any specific questions regarding taxation.

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, the au pair should file form 1040NR-EZhttp://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f1040nre.pdf or 1040NRhttp://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f1040nr.pdf to report his or her au pair stipend for the previous calendar year. Instructions on how to fill out the form: i1040nre1

• 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 is20-2020345
• 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
• Forms: http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f1040nre.pdf orhttp://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f1040nr.pdf

Now that 2012 is finally here it is time to start the year off on the right track by securing childcare and a unique cultural exchange experience. Cultural Care Au Pair is offering you the opportunity to save hundreds AND welcome an au pair to provide flexible, affordable and most importantly loving childcare for your family.

Apply today through January 24, 2012, using promo code PCJBAP2012, and you will receive a$75 application fee waiver and a $750 program fee discount!*

I look forward to working with your family!

This will include hygiene cleanings, fillings and extractions. The event will be held on February 11, 2012 and patients up to 21 years of age can participate. This is a very generous offer and I hope that many au pairs can take advantage of this.

This event is expected to be very successful, and tickets will be handed out on a first come basis. The office will open at 7:45 am with the first appointment starting at 8:00 am and ending at 3:00 pm. Please make sure you get there before 9:30 am.

Please call 860-658-1991 if you have any questions.

Center for Dental Excellence, 625 Hopmeadow Street, Simsbury, CT 06070

The relationship with your au pair is an important one for your family and for you, as a working parent. It can be wonderful but also complicated. As with any working relationship, it is important to discuss and reach agreement about key issues. This process is especially important for a live-in helper who participates in family life while providing an important service. An intentional and organized effort to communicate expectations for roles and boundaries can prevent many problems, while providing a solid foundation for any issues that do arise.

While you will begin your au pair’s orientation by reviewing your child’s personality and temperament, preferences and routines, and by providing practical life training on the use of the household appliances, you will also want to establish common understanding about the topics listed below. You will need to revisit these issues weekly during the first month, and then in subsequent daily and monthly check-ins to maintain clear communication.

Clarify needs regarding food: allergies, preferences, personal, religious and cultural issues.

Define what kind of activities are acceptable and which are not.

• Can the au pair paint with the child, and if so, where is an acceptable place to do this activity?
• What are the family practices for television and video-game viewing? Can the children watch television or play with video games? If so, how much and what can they view?

Provide a schedule for the typical week, clarifying the au pair’s responsibilities.  It is important that the au pair is provided the three mandatory orientation days with one of the parents as a training tool.

• State what you would like the au pair to do during the morning routine and evening routines, as well as guidelines for what you would like to happen if the children are at home all day. For example, which park is okay to visit?
• Discuss driving needs to and from the children’s organized activities.
• Discuss what help you need for the children’s meal preparation.
• Define roles. David Elkind writes: “…because parents share child rearing with so many non-family members, it is not always easy to keep the roles clear.” (The Power of Play, p.74)

Make a list of your expectations for the au pair.

• Define the au pair’s role while you are home. What time will you consider the au pair to be officially working? When, during the day, will you as parent take over as the official caretaker?
• If you work from home, define for yourself how you would like conflicts to be handled and if you will have a role in handling conflicts during your official work hours. Then share this plan with the au pair, and with both of you present, define this for the children. For example, “When Mommy has the “I’m at work” sign turned on the door, I am working and can not be disturbed. Janice will help you with anything you need, and if you have a disagreement, you need to work it out with Janice. If there is an emergency, Janice will come get me or send one of you.”
• If there are two parents, discuss how you will communicate with the au pair to provide consistency and clarity. Much like you might do with your own children, identify who is the point person to answer questions or concerns that the au pair may have, and for key issues, wait for the designated weekly meeting time to have a discussion with all adults present.

Discuss what constitutes free time for the au pair.

• Can the au pair’s free time be spent at the house? Can the au pair have friends over? If of a legal age, can the au pair drink alcohol in a responsible and reasonable manner in your home?
• Clarify how you will define family time and when the au pair is invited to be a part of family activities.

A new relationship is filled with hope, excitement, anxiety and expectations. A structured approach to beginning and maintaining the relationship will set the tone in promoting and nurturing this relationship. As you get to know each other and share experiences, the communication and understanding you have established and maintained will form a successful relationship for both the au pair and your family.

Anelise at left with her au pair friend Poliana at our 2009 holiday party

Hi dear current aupairs,

My name is Anelise. It’s been 2 years since I was an aupair and I remember how homesick we can get at times. Especially, on Christmas, when all the families get together.

At this time, I want you all to know that you don’t see it right now. But, take it from me: you will miss it! There are going to be times when you look back and wish you had taken advantage of every second of this different experience. Being in the USA for Christmas is something really special! Do not waste your time whinning about not being home. YOU’VE SPENT CHRISTMAS AT HOME MOST OF YOUR TIME!!! So, why not trying something different?!

So, here’s what I say: wake up in the morning, hug and kiss your kids, wish them Merry Christmas, be thankful, get together around Christmas tree, open presents, sing Christmas song, dress beautifully for dinner, eat, see snow (if there’s any), ENJOY IT TO THE FULLEST!
Aupair life has to do with choices all the time. You either choose to be sad, locked in your room OR you decide to push aside all these negatives thoughts that bring you down and make your Christmas experience be one of a kind!!!!

I, myself, hope you choose number 2! If it’s difficult, call a friend. I had an amazing German friend who helped me out so much. We had so much fun together and it’s important, it’s HUMAN to need friends. Don’t shut yourself off from the other aupairs. MAKE FRIENDS! You’ll keep them for life! Take me as an example: I live in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. My best buddy is from German. Two years have gone by and I am 2 weeks from visiting her. Yes! I am going to Germany to visit her. She is very excited to have me and so am I. Where did I meet her? How did we become so friends? THERE! Living the same life, sharing difficulties, sharing happy and funny moments! Maria knows that!=D

Aupair life is all about getting mature and growing in so many areas…start with Christmas! Be happy!! It’s a happy celebratrion because God’s son was born!!!!!

So, I wish from my heart a Merry Christmas to you all and may your New Year’s resolutions be successful!

Anelise.

We learned that in Poland the family gathers on Christmas Eve for a traditional dinner “Wigilia” and an empty place setting is left at the table in case an unexpected traveler or guest stops by.

In Mexico the Christmas season begins on December 16th by hosting “Posados”, reenactments of the Biblical familys’ quest for lodging. Each family takes a turn playing innkeeper. Only at the third home is the Biblical family allowed lodging and they celebrate with a festive Christmas gathering.

German families prepare for Christmas four Sundays before by making an advent wreath of fir or pine branches with four candles. They light a candle on the wreath each Sunday. The children count the days until Christmas with an advent calendar. Each day they open a numbered flap on the calendar to find a Christmas picture or a small chocolate treat.

In Sweden, Christmas begins with the annual St. Lucia Day on December 13th. Usually, the eldest girl in the family puts on a white robe and is allowed to wear a crown with four candles. She serves her parents Lucia buns and coffee or mulled wine.
We had a great time learning about the different traditions, enjoyed lots of wonderful appetizers and desserts and concluded our au pair gathering with a “secret santa” gift exchange.

Cultural Care is offering you the chance to secure flexible, affordable childcare for 2012.

In the spirit of the Holidays new families who apply now through December 6, 2011 and welcome an au pair to their home by March 31, 2012 will receive an application fee waiver ($ 75) and a $ 800 program fee discount.

Please call Maria Calabro for the promotion code 860-463-0036

The activities start at 4 pm on Hopmeadow Street.

Visitors will enjoy pony rides, ice carving, trolley rides, demonstrations by a trampoline team, children’s activities, music, and much more.

One big highlight is the huge firetruck parade and the fireworks display at the Simsbury Meadows following the parade.