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AN AFFORDABLE CHILDCARE SOLUTION WITH FINANCIAL SAFEGUARD

In a time of economic crisis, families appreciate a “Peace of Mind Guarantee”  (Cambridge, Mass.) March 6, 2009 – Cultural Care Au Pair, the leading provider of intercultural childcare in the United States has announced the launch of a brand new program created to address the concerns of American families during this difficult economic time.  Cultural Care is the only au pair agency to offer the “Peace of Mind Guarantee” (www.culturalcare.com/peaceofmind) which provides a triple guarantee for the safeguarding of host family finances. 

The triple guarantee includes, first and foremost, a price guarantee.  While other au pair agencies are increasing prices, Cultural Care Au Pair has committed to maintaining their 2008 program fee rates for the entirety of 2009.  The second level of protection comes through a guarantee of program continuation.  This ensures that if a parent suffers an involuntary job loss, they are able to keep their au pair while receiving a refund.

Uninterrupted childcare will allow that parent to focus on securing a new job.  The third level of protection is provided by a financial safeguard guarantee.  In the event a family is forced to make the decision to withdraw from the program as a result of an involuntary job loss, Cultural Care will refund the unused portion of their program fees.  

Cultural Care Au Pair President and host father, David Fougere, “Now is not the time to put more pressure on parents who rely on our program for their childcare solution - families need us more than ever because of our affordability. Our “Peace of Mind Guarantee” will hopefully ease families’ concerns about making a commitment to a year-long program. In fact, we have taken many steps to help families in these tough economic times. While other au pair agencies are raising their fees, we are holding our prices at 2008 levels for 2009. We have also adjusted our payment plan and reduced the initial deposit so the upfront costs are more manageable. And, we will be offering greater discounts to both new and repeat families throughout the year so many families will be paying even less than they paid last year.”

Thousands of parents across the country rely on au pairs to fulfill their need for affordable childcare. The average weekly cost of au pair care averages about $320 regardless of the number of children in the family, far less than parents might pay for daycare or a nanny. In fact, a report recently published by the National Association of Child Care Resource & Referral Agencies (NACCRRA) called Parents and the High Price of Child Care: 2008 Update reveals that the average price of full-time care for one infant in a center was as high as $14,591 a year, which is comparable to the au pair program but covers the cost of just one child. For families with two or more children, au pair childcare makes the most sense financially and the added value of bringing cultural exchange into the home is priceless. 

Mr. Fougere has already seen the impact of Cultural Care Au Pair’s decision to launch this new program. “Families I talk to have expressed concern regarding the economy and want to make sure that they are protected in the event that they unexpectedly lose their job.”

About Cultural Care Au Pair

Cultural Care Au Pair is the leading provider of intercultural childcare in the United States. Now in its 20th year, Cultural Care Au Pair has placed more than 75,000 au pairs in welcoming American homes since 1989. A U.S. Department of State regulated program, Cultural Care Au Pair is headquartered in Cambridge, Mass., with an extensive network of recruitment, screening and orientation offices worldwide and more than 600 local coordinators across the U.S. For more information about hosting an au pair, visit www.culturalcare.com or call 800-333-6056.

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