Hello Momof2girls,
I live in the Portland area and have worked with parents and children for over 25 years. I have been a nanny and have run an in home day care. Although both of those are great options, I think a live in situation can be an amazing experience for your family, especially if the situation is intercultural.
I just recently became a childcare coordinator for the nation's largest au pair agency, Cultural Care. We provide local families with experienced au pairs with legal visas. Our au pairs – young women and men from all over the world – are carefully evaluated, selected and trained. They are between the ages of 18 and 26 and are excited to spend a year (or more!) with an American family to provide up to 45 hours per week of childcare. Hosting an au pair is a cultural exchange experience for the whole family!
We have an au pair meeting coming up in December that I would love to invite you! You and your family could meet au pairs in the area and ask any questions you may have. Our au pair meeting is at the ScanFair at Portland State University that celebrates Scandanavian Christmas traditions. It will be a fun time to meet au pairs and other local childcare coordinators like myself to learn more about our program.
Feel free to contact me if you would like more information.
Best wishes to your family as you look for the right daycare fit for your family.
~P. G.
Local Childcare Coordinator, Cultural Care
http://PGowing.AuPairNews.com
http://www.MrsGowing.com
http://www.PortlandPreschoolDirectory.com
http://www.VancouverPreschoolDirectory.com