Prior Lake MN March 1st, 2008 - Local Prior Lake residents Brett and Angela were recently invited to join other childcare experts at a regional conference in Memphis Tennessee hosted by Cultural Care Au Pair. Angela and Brett are Cultural Care Au Pair Local Childcare Coordinators (LCC’s) for the South West Metro area. As local childcare coordinators, the Grosklags support area families who are currently hosting an au pair in their home, as well as the au pairs themselves. This month, they attended the annual conference as part of an ongoing training program Cultural Care Au Pair provides for its field staff. Grosklags and their fellow LCCs participated in educational and developmental sessions that enhance their role as local community resources for child care. “As a family who has seen first hand how rewarding hosting an au pair in your home can be, We are looking forward to expanding this program in our community. This conference was a great opportunity for us to share our ideas and discuss new ways to raise awareness of alternative childcare options,” said Angela. “Parents should know there are options outside of daycare. Au pairs are one of the most affordable and flexible means of childcare available to families today.” The Grosklags are members of a nationwide network of more than 500 Cultural Care Au Pair local childcare coordinators dedicated to promoting global understanding through intercultural childcare. In addition to supporting a local group of host families and their au pairs, the Grosklags organize social activities throughout the program year, advise au pairs on educational opportunities in the community and provide advice on intercultural exchange. The Grosklags and their colleagues found the conference to be a great opportunity to collaborate on the most effective means to support their families and au pairs locally, ensuring a positive experience for everyone involved with the program. The Grosklags are currently interviewing area parents who are interested in hosting an au pair. They can be contacted at 612-532-4262 for additional information on the Cultural Care Au Pair program. Interested families may also visit the Cultural Care Au Pair Web site at www.culturalcare.com. Cultural Care Au Pair is the leading provider of intercultural childcare and educational exchange. Since 1989, Cultural Care Au Pair has placed more than 60,000 au pairs in welcoming American homes. A division of EF Education and 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.