Childcare for Families in Virginia

Kids Euro Festival, the largest performing arts festival of its kind in the United States, once again brings together the European Union (EU) community to transform metro-Washington into a European adventure for children and their families. For the fourth year in a row, from October 14 through November 10, Kids Euro Festival will present more than 200 free events in and around the District.
 
A schedule of performances and information is available at www.kidseurofestival.org

Magicians, storytellers, an orchestra, dancers and puppeteers are just a few of the exciting acts scheduled to appear during almost four weeks of wonderful artistic adventures - no passport required!!!!  Designed for children ages 2-12, the festival is the largest and most diverse in the country, offered through the cooperation of 27 EU embassies and dozens of major cultural institutions.  Over 25 venues in the DC area will participate including The Kennedy Center, The Shakespeare Theater, The Library of Congress, The National Children’s Museum, The Studio Theater, The Adventure Theater, Strathmore and many more. 
 
Some performances require reservations, which can be made at the Kids Euro Festival website: www.kidseurofestival.org
 
I hope your families and au pairs will take advantage of some of these wonderful events and opportunities for cultural exchange.

It’s Halloween, and a local tradition around these parts is the annual “Boo” grams that make their way around the various neighborhoods.

What’s a Boo-Gram, you say?

A Boo-Gram is a mysterious note, left on neighbors’ doors in the middle of the day. The note is usually a poem of sorts, and a large “Boo!” decoration for their front door. The decoration serves as a means of communicating to other neighbors that this house has already been “hit” by Halloween.  It is not uncommon to see Boo-Grams lining up and down the street on all the doors in some neighborhoods!

Accompanying the Boo-Gram is a collection of goodies, determined by the giver. The goodies may vary from small Halloween treats, to kids’ toys. The magic of these Boo-Grams is the reciprocation of this gift, as it is expected that when you are “Boo’d”, you must “Boo” 2 other neighbors as well (after all, if you don’t like your “Boo” gift, you can always re-gift to another neighbor!).

Adventurous types “Boo” their neighbors in the broad daylight or early evening hours, as it increases the possibility of getting caught.  Those familiar with the famous “doorbell ditch” prank of their childhood years will be happy to know that this tradition lives on, though the recipient gets a fun gift in the process.

Many neighborhoods start in early October, however the common time to start seeing “Boo-Grams” is a couple of weeks before Halloween. However, don’t wait for someone to “Boo” you - start the tradition in your neighborhood.  You’ll be surprised how quickly the excitement spreads around the neighborhood!
How to start the tradition:
1. Create a “Boo” bag/basket o’ goodies (if this is new in your neighborhood, you may want to create 2 or 3).
2. Print a “Boo” gram (click here boo-gram2)
3. Find your unsuspecting target
4. Make the “drop”
5. Ring the doorbell and knock
6. RUN
We did this last night with our boys and au pair.  It was great fun.  I hope you’ll enjoy it too.

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 2011 the au pairs should file form 1040NR-EZ or 1040NR to report his or her au pair stipend for 2010. Go to www.irs.gov
• 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 you can view here.

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 is 20-2020345
• 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.

Valentine’s Day is almost here!  If you have school age children (or host children), you will likely be treated to new drawings, cards and art projects during the holiday and throughout the year.  While every finger painting, pasta necklace and egg carton sculpture is wonderful to admire, the question looms: what to do with all of your little artists’ masterpieces?

Interestingly enough, many parents have trouble parting with their kids’ artwork, while children are often unconcerned about preserving what they create. It makes sense.  Kids enjoy the moment of making the art but don’t worry so much about the final product.

Whether you choose to keep everything or save only the pieces you really cherish and recycle or digitally archive the rest, there are lots of great ideas out there as to how to store, display and re-use kids’ artwork.  Here are some great suggestions from Stephanie Rueter, Creative Director at Cultural Care Au Pair.

To store:

• Buy a large artists portfolio in which to store your favorite pieces.  Let your children help you select the “keepers”.
• Scan in or snap a digital photo of your childrens’ artwork to archive digitally.  Or, better yet, take a photo with your child holding his or her drawings.
• Use scanned artwork or photos to create a photobook of your favorite pieces. You can also order mugs, mousepads and other goodies through sites like Shutterfly and Kodak.
• Tuck little drawings and paintings into cookbooks, drawers and other places in which you’ll discover them later on — what a nice surprise when you least expect it!

To display:

• Using clothespins and string, hang each piece of artwork your child brings home, and rotate when you run out of room.
• Paint a wall of your child’s room with magnetic primer, and cover it with the paint color of your choice. Mount artwork with super-strong magnets
• Buy cheap stand-up plastic frames that you rotate artwork through and keep on your kitchen counter.
• Upload favorite masterpieces to Facebook. Kids love to see their work “published” and Facebooking grandmothers can’t help but gush.
• Create an interactive CD with your child’s artwork including music and titles.
• Use a favorite drawing as your computer’s wallpaper.

To re-use:

• Send artwork in the mail to out of town family and friends as “gifts”!
• With the help of your child, pick out 12 favorite drawings at the end of the year and create a calendar for next year using one photo for each month. These make great holiday gifts.
• Laminate pictures and use them as place mats.
• Send artwork to a U.S. soldier who is far from home: http://www.anysoldier.com.

Now that you know what to do with your child’s (or host child’s) artwork, you can keep ‘em coloring, painting, scribbling, drawing and creating for years to come!

At this time of year when lots of fruits and vegetables are out of season, it is more challenging to encourage healthy snacks and meals, especially for children and teens.  When kids come home from school they are often quite hungry.  Remember, it’s important to nourish them with healthy foods and not spoil their dinner.   Here are some great ideas for you and your host kids to consider.  If you can include the children in the shopping or food preparation, it is not only fun, but encourages them to eat a healthy snack!

Fruit Smoothies:  Use your favorite fruits such as bananas, mango or pears (remove skin).  Add frozen berries (available at most markets).  Add a splash of juice like Orange or Pineapple and some yogurt.  Mix in a blender and enjoy!  Make your own recipes with the kids!  You can also make fruit kabobs.  Let the kids skewer their own combinations.  With very young children, you can even work on following patterns - banana, apple, grape, kiwi… banana, apple, grape, kiwi…

Yogurt Parfait:  Really good Greek Yogurt is now widely available.  I love the Fage brand.  Buy PLAIN unflavored yogurt (no sugar).  Let the children create their own personal parfait.  Use some honey to sweeten it a little bit.  Top with fruits, granola or nuts for extra protein to hold them over until dinner.  Here are some of my favorite combos:

• Bananas, honey and almonds with a touch of cinnamon
• Berries, honey or brown sugar and unsalted Pistachios
• Apples, grapes and candied walnuts
• Granola and Raisins

Trail Mix:  Create your own trail mix recipe with the kids and shop for the ingredients.  Some ingredient ideas:

• Dry cereal like Cheerios or Chex
• Raisins
• Nuts (salted or unsalted)
• Seeds like Sunflower or Pumpkin
• Dried fruits like Raisins, Currants, Apricots, Mango or Apple
• Banana chips
• Pretzels
• A small amount of a special ingredient like chocolate chips or mini marshmallows. Go light on these as they are high in sugar.

Soups:  You can make your own together with recipes from the Internet.  Trader Joes also has several good all-natural choices like Creamy Tomato, Butternut Squash or Roasted Red Pepper.  Pair with half a sandwich on whole wheat bread.

Ants on a Log - Let kids fill Celery sticks with Peanut or Almond Butter and top with raisins.   You can also do this with carrots or apple slices.

Crackers - Top crackers with:

• cream cheese and diced veggies or fruit
• bananas and peanut butter
• make your own creation

Hot Oatmeal- (try Steel Cut Oats) topped with berries and brown sugar.

Hummus with Vegetables and Pita Bread - peppers, cherry tomatoes, celery, carrots and cucumbers all make great dippers.

Some other ideas for a heartier snack or a fun dinner:

Tacos:  Trader Joes has organic taco shells and taco seasoning (recipe is on the package).  The taco seasoning is a little spicy.  I use only ¼ of the package as my kids like it mild, use more for spicier flavor.  You will also need a can of Trader Joes Tomato Sauce (this is NOT spaghetti sauce), an onion and some type of ground meat like beef, turkey or chicken.   Add toppings like shredded lettuce, salsa, bell peppers, black beans, cheese, sour cream, avocado or guacamole.  You can also adapt this for burritos using flour tortillas.

Create your own Salads:  Talk about seasonal ingredients and take the kids to shop for salad ingredients.  At this time of year my kids love to add pears, pumpkin seeds and dried cranberries to a salad and top with a raspberry or balsamic vinaigrette.  Also try adding hard boiled eggs to a Caesar or Chef Salad for extra protein.  

Stuffed Baked Potatoes:  Use left over dinner ingredients from last night and add flavor and fun to a baked potato snack.  See link for some ideas - http://zestycook.com/5-simple-stuffed-baked-potatoes

Vegetable Pizza:  Buy uncooked dough available at Whole Foods, Trader Joes and Wegman’s.  Have the kids stretch out their own piece of dough.  Buy pizza sauce, shredded cheese and veggies for toppings like mushrooms, olives, green peppers and onions.   Or skip the dough and try this on an English muffin, bagel or tortilla.

Please remember to be aware of any host kids with food allergies and always check with host parents if there are special diets or food restrictions.  I hope you can use some of these ideas and have fun. 

Greetings McLean Au Pairs and Host Families.  My name is Susan Kurtz and I am a new Local Childcare Coordinator in McLean, VA.  I recently joined the Cultural Care staff after hosting my first au pair this summer.  I look forward to getting to know you and begin working with you this fall. 

I live in Great Falls with my husband, Jonathan and my two boys Steven, age 8 and Dylan, age 6.  I love to hike, read, travel and I am passionate about healthy food and cooking.  I can not wait to meet all of you, learn about your families, hobbies and cultures!  See you soon.

I will be at the Chain Bridge Rd. Starbucks with McLean LCC, Leslie Byers this Friday, Nov 12. at 9:30 am if you want to stop by and meet me.  I will also be at the next au pair monthly meeting on Nov. 17th at the Vienna Town Fire House.