Nannies: Posting Unprofessional online Profiles...

"It may seem private but an unprofessional online profile can damage your chances in finding your next family," warnes EL APOSTOL Centre Director of A-PRO Caregivers & Nannies Inc -a childcare & household staffing agency in the Vancouver area - A suggestive e-mail address or revealing post on a Myspace profile - Facebook or Friendster can kill a person's chance of landing a job. "We've seen it happen to a number of nanny candidates, and it's why we're raising the red flag."

Apostol recounts the story of one set of parents that did an Internet search on a nanny they wanted to hire. It was a rude awakening when they found her Friendster account with details of drunken, all-night parties on her most recent long weekend. But the real deal breaker was that she had written at length about the family she used to work for, listing things she didn’t like about them and the job.

APOSTOL says her agency has added one more thing to its screening process - an Internet search of each potential job candidate’s name. “We will not represent candidates who have an unprofessional online persona. We advise them to keep their private lives private.” Candidates who make it through A-PRO’s screening process are reminded to mind their online P’s & Q’s forever.

Here are the tips A-PRO gives to the people it sends out for job interviews:

• If your e-mail address is suggestive or otherwise unprofessional, change it.
• Make sure your voicemail greeting has only a brief, professional message during your job search.
• If you have an Internet page or profile, make it private and available only to pre-approved viewers. (It’s a simple setting on MySpace, Facebook, hi5 or Friendster.)

FAQ's by Families

1. Why Choose Us?

EXPERIENCE - A-PRO Caregivers & Nannies Inc enjoy an excellent reputation, we know the players, we know the rules, and we have the necessary practical experience to support our services. We're experienced in handling both your stress and issues when choosing the best care possible.

CREATIVE, PRACTICAL and ACCURATE ADVICE - Knowing the regulations and meeting the families is the easy part of our job. The more difficult aspect is balancing the two in creative and practical ways, to achieve our Families' short and long-term objectives. We take pride in our ability to meet this challenge. Before we give an opinion, or make a recommendation, the legal and practical implications are always considered. The result is that you are put in the position of making an informed and pragmatic decision.

PROACTIVE SOLUTIONS - We encourage our Nannies/Caregivers to seek our advice before problems arise. By helping them take a proactive, preventative approach to Immigration and employment issues, we can save the families time, money and aggravation. We endevour to keep you up-to-date with the current processing times as it becomes known to us.

PERSONAL APPROACH - Our staff are committed to providing individual, personalized service. We take the time to get to know our clients. Once we understand the needs, we tell the client about their options, and our recommendations.

ACCESSIBILITY - We are easily accessible in person (where applicable), by e-mail, or by telephone Mon-Fri 10am-2pm Pacific Standard Time. Extended hours are available by appointment.

VALUE - Our clients need to be able to forecast and control their expenses. Our fees are clearly set out in our Engagement of Services and in our Fees & Refunds Schedule.

NETWORK - Our clients benefit from our good working relationships with many other professionals including lawyers, accountants, realtors, employment or business consultants. We can quickly put you in the hands of other advisors if the need arises.

2. How does A-PRO Caregivers & Nannies (A-PRO) find quality candidates?

Our organization has been successfully bringing together employers and candidates since 2001. A-PRO Caregivers & Nannies represents a diverse group of experienced, skilled and professional private service professionals from around the world. We are proud to work with candidates who refer their sons, daughters and grandchildren to us for placement. Our marketing, advertising and referral programs combined with our established network, allow us to work quickly to fill clients staffing needs with quality candidates.

3. What kind of experience do A-PRO candidates have?

Since 2001, we have been successfully placing experienced candidates. Many candidates have a long term relationship with us. Each time their job comes to an end they return to us for a new position.Candidates are required to have verifiable previous work experience in a home or similar industry. For many years, candidates interested in working in a home could only learn the trade by on the job training. In the past 10 years, schools have opened that now train nannies, and household managers, Candidates will also have transferable experience and training from fields such as education, hospitality and health care.As the employer, your job description will determine the type of experience and background a candidate needs to meet your requirements. Based on your information we will execute a search to match your requirements. Candidates that are not authorized to work in CANADA are not eligible for placement through A-PRO.

4. How Does A-PRO screen candidates?

A-PRO requires all candidates to complete a rigorous pre-screening, personal interview, reference verification and independent background check process. Initially, candidates are pre-screened for work eligibility in CANADA (Overseas caregivers), work history, skill assessment, communication skills, attitude and job preference. If the candidate passes our initial screening they are personally interviewed and individually assessed. Each candidate completes a 12page application which provides us with their personal and work history, work style, education and work preferences.Upon completion of the interview, the candidate's references are checked by phone. You will be provided with detailed reference summaries for review. Local candidates: Criminal background checks are performed by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. As there are fees involved for these background checks, they are conducted after a job offer has been made and accepted. Additional background check - driving record when applicable.

5. Does A-PRO have a Registration Fee/Retainer Fee?

NO, A-PRO does not charge a Registration Fee/Retainer Fee to begin your search.

6. What is your agency fee? The fee for our service is due if a candidate is hired, directly or indirectly by an employer who has listed their job opening with our firm. Our placement fee is $1200. Our fee is due upon submission of Service Canada (HRDC) Foreign Worker Job Validation Application to A-PRO. Fees for pre-employment background checks are included in our placement fee after a job offer has been made and accepted. If you're interested in these services prior to hiring a candidate you will be required to pre-pay the fee for these services.

7. Indirect fee: Employers who introduce candidates who have been introduced to the employer by our firm to another employer will be responsible for payment of the placement fee. Our services include an initial phone consultation or on-site consultation.

8. What are the current salary for Nannies/Caregivers? Salary will depend on the experience & education that a Nanny/Caregiver brings. Live-in Caregivers coming from outside Canada can be between $1400-1600 while others who are available locally, between $1500-$1800. Live out Nannies/Caregivers between $1800-$2500+ (View salary)

9. How do I know if the person I hire is the right person for the job?

When you list your job opening with us, your consultant will spend time going over your family needs assessment form. Your consultant will begin formulating a job description, the required personality profile to compliment the household, preferred experience and other details. We will identify and present appropriate candidates for your consideration.

10. Where will A-PRO staff candidates for employment?

Currently we are staffing Live-in childcare and household employees in the British Columbia area only. Geographic placement is concentrated in Vancouver, North Shore, Burnaby and select locations in the South Surrey area, and East to Mission.Nationwide we staff Live-In Nannies and Domestic Helpers by request.

Please fill out our family needs assessment form: your first step.

A-PRO Caregivers & Nannies Inc. Site Links:

HOME
ABOUT US
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FAMILY REGISTRATION
HIRING OVERSEAS
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GETTING THE BEST NANNY & CHILDCARE
CHILDCARE EXPENSE DEDUCTIONS
RESOURCES

LTO announces new policy on driver's license renewal for OFWs

The Philippine Consulate General is pleased to inform the public that Filipinos overseas whose Philippine driver’s licenses have expired may now renew their driver’s licenses through an authorized representative in the Philippines.

This privilege is extended to Filipinos who had valid authentic Philippine driver’s licenses at the time of departure from the country and who are currently staying abroad.
Click here to download a copy of Administrative Order No. RIB-2007-011 issued by the Land Transportation Office, Philippine Department of Transportation and Communications, which details the procedure for the renewal of the driver’s licenses for overseas Filipinos.

Email us if link above is broken.

Driving School/Training Link

Nanny Agency in Vancouver
http://www.a-procare.com

FILIPINO NATIONALS - in Vancouver needing to renew passport

*** IT WILL TAKE 6WEEKS for passport renewal --- cheaper if you can do it in the Philippines. Plan your trips!!

What documents should you submit if u wish to renew your passport?

The regular requirements for the renewal of your passport (for holders of green passports) are:

A. Your original old or expired passport;
B. Accomplished passport application form (affix left and right thumbmarks on spaces provided for) and affidavit of immigrant status;

If you cannot appear in person, you must have your application form notarized by a notary public or barrister.

C. Three (3) recent photos (45mm x 35mm) taken in a photo studio or professionally taken within the last six months before application;
D. Photocopy of passport data page;
E. Photocopy of permanent resident card, work permit or record of landing; and
F. The passport processing fee of Can$ 57.50 (Can$ 69.00 for a 64-page passport)

If you’re holding a brown passport, you should submit the documentary proof of your complete middle name (original and one photocopy) in addition to requirements A to F.

You may present your birth certificate, baptismal certificate, landing papers or you driver’s license as the documentary proof of middle name.

Applicants who applied in person but who want their passports/visas/documents mailed back to them should also submit a self-addressed Canada Post registered mail or ExpressPost envelope along with the regular requirements.

PASSPORT FORMS:


Please print documents on legals size paper. All forms in Word format unless specified.
Passport Application Form (Word Format) and Requirements for Passport Renewal/Application
Affidavit of Immigration StatusAffidavit of Loss of PassportAffidavit for Use of Maiden Name RequestForm for Passport AmendmentReport of Birth Form (PDF Format)Report of Marriage Form (Word Format / PDF Format)
Parental Consent Form
Last Updated ( Monday, 07 July 2008 )

If the above forms return a dead link - please email us with subject: Dead Link on Blog


Vancouver - Nanny - Caregiver OFW's
http://www.a-procare.com/

Another Child Killed

http://www.canada.com/vancouversun/news/story.html?id=bb9a55e6-c33f-4c1c-a1b4-8ae4e94efd89&k=85900


A father has been arrested after a one-year-old girl was found dead inside the family's North Delta home early Friday. Police have not confirmed the identity of the suspect or his relationship to the victim, but neighbours say the girl was the youngest daughter of Lakhvinder Kahlon and his wife, Manjit.

A close friend of the family, Surinder Johal, said Kahlon had been depressed for the last five or six months over the birth of another girl. According to Johal, Manjit walked her two older daughters to school and came back to find that the baby girl had been stabbed multiple times with a kitchen knife. Delta police spokesman Const. Paul Eisenzimmer said officers were called to a possible homicide in the home in the 7800-block 116th Ave. just before 9 a.m.

Eisenzimmer confirmed the child was "apparently murdered," and that police arrested one man. Eisenzimmer wouldn't confirm the exact age or sex of the child, nor the relationship of the suspect to the victim. But he said more information would be available at a media briefing at 1 p.m. Friday.

I believe that culture should enter into this discussion.

The facts are this:

• 
  Traditionally Indians have valued baby boys higher than baby girls.
• This father was depressed because his baby was his 3rd consecutive girl, when he wished for a boy.
• His cultural norms reinforce his belief that boys are more desirable. The baby would likely be alive today if it had been born a boy.

Because of these traditional beliefs still held by many, it is imperative that the Indian community strongly condemn this murder and take further action to ensure that girls are valued and protected.

I have met so many smart and strong Indian women that I'm puzzled why these traditional values still persist.

It is such a disappointment to see a baby murdered in Canada by her parent just because she happened to be the wrong gender.

Tonight I will light a candle for her.

EL APOSTOL
http://www.a-procare.com

15mins Cleaning routines

CLEAN OUT YOUR CAR -- a good rule is to clean out your car when you fill up. You do not have to be on EMPTY to fill up.

• Do you have room for your children? Check your childrens' car seats to make sure they are securely fastened to the seat.
• Do you have UFOs that could become a hazard if you had an accident? Clean them out. Does stuff fall out when you open the door?
• Do you smell something bad and can't find it?
• Are there 2 changes of clothes and a couple of sweaters in your car?
• Do you still have boxes of items waiting to be dropped off?

Let's go out there and empty our cars of clutter. Drop off the stuff that needs to be given away.

Nannies: An affordable option

When most families need a nanny or caregiver they shop the old fashioned way. Some will spend two to three hours calling different agencies from the phone book. Others will place their own ads and then have to deal with many unqualified applicants.

This is where A-PRO Caregivers & Nannies, a nanny agency based in Vancouver, comes into the picture. The company’s goal is to help you focus your search and take the worry and frustration out of the selection process. For most of us, free time is often in short supply. A-PRO will do the legwork for you so you can spend the time doing what you enjoy instead.

"Most families who opt to hire a live-in nanny aren’t even aware of the tremendous advantages that a nanny can bring," says El Apostol, owner of A-PRO Caregivers & Nannies Inc. "A nanny can have a positive effect on the time saved by families."

The advantages of hiring a live-in nanny include:

• Not having to deal with the politics of using a relative;
• Set daily routine of pick-ups and drop-offs;
• Child stays in familiar surroundings;
• Mornings will be less stressful;
• Scheduling is more flexible with a nanny than a daycare centre;
• Household chores can be done during the week, leaving your weekends free.
  

A-PRO helps families find the best in childcare, eldercare or special needs. For more information, call 604-568-7099 or visit http://www.a-procare.com/

***TIP: Deal locally - you'll get better service when you deal with an agency in your Province.

3.5 Mistakes Families Make when choosing childcare

Choosing someone to care for your child is a big responsibility one of the most important decisions you will make as a parent. That's why it's important to avoid making any of the following all-too-common mistakes:

1. Not understanding what makes for a good childcare arrangement: Most parents spend more time researching car purchases than they do in educating themselves about what makes for a good childcare arrangement. Before you start evaluating various childcare arrangements, you'll want to arm yourself with the facts. Find out what options are available. Analyze what you want for your child and for yourself. Know health and safety features you should be looking for when you're evaluating a childcare center or home daycare; and what makes for a fun and stimulating childcare program. >> Live-in Nannies: an affordable option
2. Leaving your search until the last minute: Childcare spaces are always in short supply, so it pays to start your childcare search as soon as possible especially if you're looking for childcare for an infant. A rule of thumb, you should have your search well underway by the end of your second trimester of pregnancy. In the case of hiring overseas – 3-5month lead time is required. Keeping in mind Immigration Canada processing times differ from country to country.
3. Neglecting to consider your family's long-term needs: Changing childcare arrangements is hard on both you and your child. That's why it's important to consider your family's long-term needs before settling on a particular arrangement. Will the quiet home daycare environment that is ideal for your sleepy newborn be an equally suitable setting when she becomes a rambunctious toddler? Will your child's space in the company daycare center disappear if you decided to change jobs? Is the nanny you're thinking of hiring committed to your family for the long term or for just a year or two? These are the types of questions that you need to consider before settling on a particular childcare arrangement.

3.5 Failing to understand your responsibilities: - as an employer in the event that you decide to hire a nanny: The moment you hire a nanny or other in-home caregiver, you automatically become her employer; at least in the eyes of Canada Customs Revenue Agency (CCRA). That means that you are responsible for finding out whether she's legally entitled to work in Canada; paying her the minimum wage and complying with other provincial and federal labor laws; withholding EI and CPP, and federal income tax from her pay checks; carrying Worker's Compensation Insurance (where applicable); and notifying the BC Employment Standards Branch that this person is working for you.

Just a quick word of warning: you shouldn't assume that you're off the hook if your caregiver happens to work for you on a part-time basis: even if she makes less than $1000 from you per calendar quarter, the government might still consider her to be your employee.
While there are plenty of other issues to consider when you're choosing childcare for your child, you'll be well on your way to making a good decision if you manage to avoid making these 3.5 mistakes.

Good luck!

EL APOSTOL - Centre Director www.a-procare.com

6.5 Safety Tips: Vancouver Nanny Job Search

Whether you are answering an ad on Craigslist, on a local newspaper website or through one of the big nanny recruiting sites you need to be cautious and smart. Just think of it this way, if you were answering a personal ad for a potential date, would your first meeting be at his house? NEVER! The same should hold true for a first time meeting with an employer. Here are more common sense tips for safely using the internet to find a nanny or babysitting job.

*** A telephone interview is your first screening. Treat the interview - not just for the family to know a little bit about you, but for you to know them. Ask for references - if they have hired before ask to speak to previous nanny or babysitter.
If reading the ad, seems strange -- vague, and lack the genuine feel of need - lack information on childcare needs - don't go on the interview.

1. Read the ad carefully. If it seems strange - vague - lack the genuine feel of need - lack information on childcare needs - MOVE ON....
2. Stay away from services that are completely free to families. Online nanny databases that charge a subscription fee and monitor their subscribers will help weed out the less scrupulous.
3. If you had posted the want ad, and the responder seems to have answered the wrong ad, don't reply. They just want your contact info. Families who are seriously searching for a nanny do not make these mistakes. Be choosy about who gets your phone number. It only takes seconds to do a reverse search.
4. The location of the nanny job - if it sounds strange, don’t go on the interview. Trust your gut.
5. Do a reverse check on http://www.canada411.ca/ both for addresses and telephone numbers. Verify the name and phone number/address match.
6. If the family is a two parent household and you have only dealt with Dad, ask to speak with Mom. If there are excuses for her absence, do not pursue the job any further.
   If you are meeting only a “father”, request that the children be present. Ask a friend to accompany you to the nanny interview and have them wait in the car.

6.5 Keep track of what the family has told you in previous conversations and make sure their answers are consistent.

EL APOSTOL -Centre Director www.a-procare.com