'OHANA BRIEFS
Au pair program seeks families

Advertiser Staff and News Services

Au Pair in America is starting its 2003-04 program, seeking Hawai'i families with childcare needs.

The program pairs English-speaking women, ages 18 to 26, with U.S. families. They live for a year on J-1 visas and provide 45 hours of childcare per week, including baby-sitting, changing and bathing children, preparing meals, driving children to lessons and running errands. In exchange, the au pair lives as a member of the family.

"Hawai'i families are able to fulfill childcare needs in their home while also creating a cross-cultural learning experience for their children," said Barbara Bancel, Au Pair in America community counselor here.

The families pay approximately $6,200 in registration and program fees to the overseeing agency, which selects and trains the au pair as well as provides insurance, visa and airfare. Families then provide room, board and weekly stipend of $139 directly to the au pair.

The program requires a one-year commitment.

For more information, call 521-3554.

Puppy photos help with math

A puppy is infinitely more attractive to most kids than doing their math lessons.

"Let's Count the Puppies" (HarperCollins) by Katharine Kunhardt combines the two, using photos of frisky Labrador retriever puppies to help little ones practice their counting.