The Silver Bay Au Pair Courses, established in 1996, is sponsored by Long Island University – CW Post, an accredited post-secondary institution of higher education.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are you located?
There are currently 3 locations where the courses are held. We have two campuses located in New York state, and we also have a few courses on the west coast in Las Vegas. Visit the Locations page to learn about each campus!
How much does the weekend cost?
Costs are subject to change. Email us at silverbayaupaircourses@gmail.com for the latest cost and registration materials.
The New York courses include the course, lodging, meals, and some snacks. It does not cover your transportation to and from the campus. There is no charge for parking. If you register less than a month before the course (registration postmarked less than a month before) there is a late fee of $30.
For courses outside of New York State email us at silverbayaupaircourses@gmail.com.
How many credits or hours does is the course worth?
Each weekend plus homework is worth 36 hours of study which is equivalent to three credits.
Can I study one subject all weekend long?
No, the intent is to give you exposure to multiple subjects.
How do I get there?
For the courses in Silver bay, about 94% of students car pool. We send out a list of students who you can call or e-mail to make driving arrangements. Others take train, bus or plane to Albany, NY and then arrange to ride with another au pair the last 80 miles to the Silver Bay Campus. Southwest Airlines flies in and out of Albany Airport, Albany NY.
For courses in Albany, au pairs drive or carpool together or take the bus/train to campus. Click here for information about each location.
How do I register?
You can register online OR email us the registration form using credit or debit card payment.
If checks are used, we will use the emailed copy of the registration to hold the space for one week until the check arrives. You can select to call in the credit card information.
How do I get confirmation of being registered?
Once received in our offices, it will take 1-2 days for us to process and then e-mail a confirmation to you.
How can I pay?
You can pay online OR email us the registration form using credit or debit card payment.
If checks are used, we will use the emailed copy of the registration to hold the space for one week until the check arrives. You can select to call in the credit card information.
See directions on the bottom of the registration form.
What is the difference between the Silver Bay and Albany campus?
Silver Bay Campus:
Silver Bay is 80 miles north of Albany and is 600 acres of lodging, dining room, classrooms, and recreational facilities on the shores of northern Lake George. Students simply say it is beautiful and wish they could vacation there.
Century House Hotel and Conference Center:
This is a hotel and conference center located 2mliles in the northern part of Albany, NY. It is close to the Albany International Airport.
What are rooms like?
Most of the rooms on the Silver Bay Campus have two beds and a bathroom. There are a few rooms with 3, 4 and even 5 beds in case students want to be together.
What is the food like?
Silver Bay has a large dining room that overlooks the lake and offers a wide variety of fresh foods at every meal, along with vegetarian, vegan and gluten free options. Students often comment on how good the food is and how much there is to select from. Silver Bay also has an ice cream shop with homemade ice cream.
Do I need to bring my own sheets and towels?
Since all our campuses are real hotels and conference centers, sheets and towels are provided for you.
What about roommates?
Most of the rooms on the Silver Bay Campus have two beds and a bathroom. There are a few rooms with 3, 4 and even 5 beds in case students want to be together.
How do I car pool?
About three weeks before the course, we send out an information sheet and a list of students attending. You can use this to contact other students to make arrangements.
How long will it take for me to get my certificate?
Some students e-mail their homework in advance of the weekend or bring it with them, and will receive their certificate on Sunday. If you e-mail it after the weekend, it will take us 2-3 days to read and process, and then your certificate will be emailed to you.
How do I turn in homework?
You must e-mail the homework to us within 6 weeks of the course. You can send it before the course or bring it with you. You must e-mail the entire homework at one time. You can not send portions at different times. ALWAYS put your name, weekend attended and full mailing address on the homework and in your e-mail message to us. Email to silverbayaupaircourses@gmail.com.
What do I do if my name is spelled wrong on the confirmation or certificate?
Check your confirmation and e-mail us at once if your name or address is spelled wrong.
Why is my name not on the list of those attending?
You probably registered after the list was printed. An updated list is available by e-mailing aupairassistant@gmail.com.
What about internet?
All our sites have wireless internet access.
What if I move or change host families?
Let us know you have moved and give us the new address in a cover note if mailing homework or in the body of the message if e-mailing it. If you have not yet taken the course and move, please e-mail us.