The results are in!

The results from the 2009 Host Family Survey are in … and the consensus is that our host families are overwhelmingly happy! To share a few of the stats:

- 96% of host families are satisfied with the quality of childcare that their au pair provides
- 95% are satisfied with the support provided by their Local Childcare Coordinator
- 97% are pleased with the choice they made to use the services of Cultural Care Au Pair
- 96% would recommend the services of Cultural Care Au Pair to other families

Thank you to our current host families for participating and for helping us to further improve our program! Host family feedback gathered through our customer satisfaction survey has contributed to several changes at Cultural Care Au Pair including an improved host family and au pair matching process, increased new and repeat host family discounts, new payment plan options, and better online and phone support for host families. In addition, host families are able to provide direct feedback to senior management at face to face meetings held throughout the country, and they may participate in an online forum (www.community.culturalcare.com) created just for program participants.

We’re thrilled with these results, which are certified by independent survey company Discovery Surveys, Inc. In fact, our participation rate (52% of active host families this time around) and the results themselves have improved each of the four times we have administered the surveys (spring and fall of 2008 and spring and fall of 2009). For more detailed survey information, visit our website.

Bring the whole family and enjoy various events throughout the week!  Events include a Medallion hunt, brunch, snow sculpture contest, children’s carnival, talent contest, dance, and much more!  Visit the link for more information!

http://www.snowflakedays.com/index.htm

The Anoka County Parks and Recreation Department is having its 10th annual Snow Day event on January 30th from 1-4 p.m. at the Wargo Nature Center in Lino Lakes, MN.  Featuring snowshoeing, skiing, sledding, live animal displays and crafts.

http://www.anokacountyparks.com/programs/se_snowday.htm

Thanks for joining us for our December Cookie Decorating Party!  There were some fabulous creations and I was very impressed by the creativity of the group.  At one point I commented that it was very quiet in the room, I was told it was quiet because they were concentrating on their cookies![

Cultural Care for the second year in a row is not raising thier program rates!  You can apply to the program now and pay the same program fees as 2008.

Current discount:

Apply online and pay a $75 application fee

Use the discount code PCNYP2010 and the $275 Final Selection Fee and $225 of your Program Fees will be waived for a $500 savings!

Offer valid until January 31, 2010

The Community Education Department of Anoka Hennepin Schools presents

COMMUNITY WELLNESS DAY

January 23rd from 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. at Coon Rapids Middle School, 11600 Raven St., Coon Rapids

FREE for the entire family - includes health and fitness information, Children’s book swap, activities for the kids and more.

go to www.anoka.k12.mn.us/communitywellnessday for more information.

Snow Tubing at Elm Creek!

Au Pairs will be meeting at Elm Creek Park Reserves Winter Recreation Area on January 24th at 12:30 p.m.

We will go snow tubing from 1-3 so wear warm winter clothes, gloves, boots, etc. The cost for snow tubing is $12 per person.  You can also bring along extra money for concessions or hot chocolate if you want.  Friends and Host Families are welcome to join us - look forward to seeing you there.

Looking for some fun things to do during the holiday season in Minneapolis?  Well, here are some of the things that I have come across.  Now that the snow is falling it is really beginning to look like Christmas!

The Holidazzle Parade - Downtown Minneapolis Thursdays through Sundays at 6:30 p.m. between 12th and 4th streets on Nicollet Mall.  Runs through December 20th.  Bundle up the family and head downtown!  www.holidazzle.com or call 612-376-snow for more information!

Before or After the Parade be sure to visit the “Day in the Life of an Elf” at the Macy’s 8th floor auditorium. Runs through December 31st and it is free! http://www.macys.com/store/event/index.ognc?action=search&storeId=902

Macy’s is also celebrating National Believe Day on December 11th.  In honor of the movie Yes, Virginia - if your name is Virginia you can get at $10 gift card for Macy’s!  Visit  http://www.macys.com/r61×45_virginias_popup.jsp?cm_sp=NONE-_-ABOVE_NAV_POOL-_-ADVERTISEMENT%20–%20510004%20–%20120809_gna_call_virginias for more details!

Nature Hike with Santa - for ages 3-9.  cost is $3-$6.  Decorate your own letter to Santa and and ornament.  Make an edible ornament for the squirrels.  1-3 p.m. Sat. Dec. 12 and Sunday Dec. 13th.  Eastman Nature Center, Elm Creek Park.  763-559-6700  www.threeriversparkdistrict.org

Folkways of the Holidays - discover the holiday traditions of the 19th century!  Sunday 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. December 13th.  The Landing in Shakopee.  www.threeriversparkdistrict.org

Winter skate Ice Skating Rink - Rice Park St. Paul - Free.  651-266-6400

Interested in a little holiday dinner theater - try the Season’s Restaurant at Bunker Hills Golf Course in Blaine. This year’s holiday production is “Lets Scrap Christmas” - This is a dinner theater so dinner is included in the price of the ticket.  Visit http://www.theseasonsatbunkerhills.com/dinner-theater/purchase-tickets for more information and to order tickets.

Check back often for more additions to the list!