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Au Pair: Live-In Child Care Provider
Filed under: Expert Advice: Babies, Expert Advice: Toddlers & Preschoolers, Expert Advice: Big Kids
Au pair is French for "on par" and is used to refer to a foreign person, usually a girl who is employed to care for children in exchange for room and board in the family's home. An au pair is different than a domestic servant because she is treated as an equal member of the household, including getting a private room in the host family's house and being asked to work no more than 45 hours per week.
Au pairs come to the United States from many countries through a State Department-approved program. Though they usually do not have any formal child care training or education, they must be between the ages of 18 and 26 and have the ability to speak English. They must commit to staying with a host family for a year before they are given a J-1 Visitor Exchange Visa.
Au pairs are compensated according to the Fair Labor Standards Act. For most au pairs, this means they will receive a weekly stipend of $195.75. Host families pay program fees to the sponsor agencies which can total more than $8,000 for a 12-month contract.
While in the country, au pairs are required to complete at least six hours of academic credit through an accredited post-secondary institution at the host family's expense. Additionally, the an au pair must agree to take child safety and development training through the sponsoring agency.
For more information about becoming a host family, visit the International Au Pair Association. To find an au pair sponsor program, visit the U.S. Department of State Office of Exchange Coordination and Designation.
Read more about child care at ParentDish.
Au pairs come to the United States from many countries through a State Department-approved program. Though they usually do not have any formal child care training or education, they must be between the ages of 18 and 26 and have the ability to speak English. They must commit to staying with a host family for a year before they are given a J-1 Visitor Exchange Visa.
Au pairs are compensated according to the Fair Labor Standards Act. For most au pairs, this means they will receive a weekly stipend of $195.75. Host families pay program fees to the sponsor agencies which can total more than $8,000 for a 12-month contract.
While in the country, au pairs are required to complete at least six hours of academic credit through an accredited post-secondary institution at the host family's expense. Additionally, the an au pair must agree to take child safety and development training through the sponsoring agency.
For more information about becoming a host family, visit the International Au Pair Association. To find an au pair sponsor program, visit the U.S. Department of State Office of Exchange Coordination and Designation.
Read more about child care at ParentDish.
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ReaderComments (Page 1 of 1)
12-16-2009 @ 8:27AM
Edina Stone said...There are 12 legal au pair agencies in the United States and although they all are regulated by the Dept. of State, their customer service, fees and individual programs vary. We compare all 12 agencies across these dimensions and conduct satisfaction surveys by host parents. We report and review the best of the 12 agencies. Check out our Number One Au Pair Agency, chosen by host parents, at www.aupairclearinghouse.com. We also provide a family forum where you can ask questions and receive advice, a blog, Consumer News Stories, Au Pair Agency Press Releases, and article and tips on au pairs.
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12-29-2009 @ 6:36PM
AuPair At Heart said...Cultural Care Au Pair has been placing au pairs with host families for 20 years! For more information you can contact me at 763-458-5662
Reply
1-04-2010 @ 2:33PM
Au Pair USA said...InterExchange Au Pair USA is one of the oldest, au pair agencies in the US. Au Pair USA is different because it is a non-profit agency that provides a really personalized service to both au pairs and host families alike. Call Au Pair USA toll free on 1-800-AU-PAIRS.
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2-15-2010 @ 10:45PM
FrenchNad said...I am a former au pair from France and now act as au pair program consultant for families in the Southeast (Carolinas, Georgia, Florida). I checked out all agencies listed on the US Department of State website before choosing which agency to work with. I wanted a company with experience, thorough screening and great support for families, au pairs and coordinators.
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