Au Pair Duties and Responsibilities

Living with an American host family and working as an au pair is a unique and rewarding experience. Because your host family wants you to become a member of their family, you’ll have a wonderful opportunity to learn about American culture and share your culture with others on a daily basis.  Au pairs are responsible for providing quality childcare 45 hours per week. As an au pair, you'll create a special bond with your host family.

Au Pair Responsibilities

Your duties as an au pair can be varied and will include tasks related to the host family's children such as:

• Playing with the children and keeping them safe
• Preparing meals and snacks for the children
• Helping to keep the children’s room tidy
• Bathing and dressing the children
• Helping school age kids by packing lunches, taking them to school and helping with homework
• Entertaining the children and teach them about your culture
• Taking the children on outings to parks, playgroups and other activities
• Traveling with your host family on vacations and providing care for the children

See what a typical day in the life of an au pair is like.

Your responsibilities as an au pair are limited to child care and related duties as set forth by the U. S. Department of State.  You will not be expected to perform tasks that are not related to children or include heavy manual labor such as housecleaning, yard work or other types of work. However, as a family member, you may be asked to help participate in duties that a typical family member would help with. Many American families hire additional help such as cleaning services to assist with maintaining their home. What families want most is for you to provide quality childcare.

Learn more about how to become an au pair, the host family selection process, and options available such as the specialized infant care au pair program. Then review how to apply to Au Pair Care!