·        availability.

·        Providing guidance to Aupairs interested in volunteering with local organisations.

·        Providing a signed Completion Certificate to departing Aupairs who have successfully completed the requirements of the program.

·        Facilitating communications between Aupairs and Host Families when difficulties arise in the relationship. Encouraging Aupairs and Host Families to discuss issues regarding care of the children or other concerns and intervening when they are unable to resolve major issues on their own.

The activities of the Local Coordinators are monitored by the New York City based Aupair USA staff. Additionally, Aupairs and Host Families are asked to complete an evaluation of their experience with the program at the end of their program year. Information contained in these evaluations are an important part of the annual performance review of individual Local Coordinators.

C.     CLUSTER ACTIVITIES

Local Coordinators meet with all Aupairs in their "cluster" on a monthly basis. The meetings may be informal get-togethers at the Coordinator's home or they might be more structured events like a trip to a local sporting event or a childcare information meeting. Monthly gatherings give the Coordinator an opportunity to see each Aupairs to bond with one another and share experiences.

The Coordinator will listen to suggestions from the Aupairs as to what activities they prefer and meetings should be scheduled at a time when most can attend. Meetings are mandatory. Some possible meeting topics and events might include:

·        Holiday parties (Christmas, St. Patrick's Day's Easter, Fourth of July Celebration, Halloween, Thanksgiving)

·        Sporting events (Aupair/Host Father softball game, trip to see professional basketball game)

·        Guest speakers (self defence trainers, travel experts)

·        Childcare discussion groups and speakers with expertise in child development

·        Day trip to local areas of interest

Picnics, horseback, riding, biking trips, multi-cultural "pot luck" dinners, roller-skating, country dancing lessons, theatre trips are just a few of the many different activities enjoyed by Aupairs in the past.

D.    THE EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENT

Active involvement in the educational component of the program is required of all Aupairs travel to the United States on J-1 Exchange Visitor Visa, which requires participants to enrol in a course of study. For Aupairs, the educational requirement is more specific and all participants are required to spend at least 12-24 weeks in an approved course.