Childcare is one of the most important decisions you’ll make as a parent. Our screening process, matching system and ongoing support were all put in place so that you’ll have the peace of mind that you’ve selected the best childcare option for your family.
We recruit au pairs from 40 different countries, and are committed to accepting only the most qualified applicants into our program. Over the years, we have developed a comprehensive screening process designed to assess an au pair’s childcare experience, personality, skills, and motivation for becoming an au pair. Our screening process ensures that every au pair is able to provide the best care for your family.
Beyond the core requirements defined by the Department of State, AuPairCare au pairs must meet extensive AuPairCare requirements and are evaluated on their background and suitability for the program.
Applicants 18-26 Years Old
Conversational English
Good Health
Graduation from Secondary School or Equivalent
Police Background Check
Previous Childcare Experience
Two Non-Family Childcare References*
One Non-Family Personal Reference*
Individual, In-Person Interview in English*
Psychometric Evaluation - DISC Personality Assessment
*Each conducted or verified by an AuPairCare representative.
Childcare History, Experience, and Skills
Motivation for Becoming an Au Pair
Medical History and Current Health Status
More than 200 Hours of Childcare Experience
Driving Experience
Personal Lifestyle, Interests, Family, and Education Information
As a Department of State regulated program, AuPairCare follows industry standards for family qualifications. To be eligible to host an au pair, you must be a U.S. Citizen or a legal permanent resident with a Green Card, speak English as the primary language in the home, pass a criminal background check, and be open to a one year au pair program. Each host family must also:
Provide the au pair with a private bedroom
Ensure your au pair works no more than 45 hours per week or 10 hours per day
Limit the au pair's responsibilities to childcare and light housekeeping as it relates to the children
Provide your au pair with transportation to classes and to monthly au pair meetings
AuPairCare believes that learning is a continuous process. From pre-departure virtual learning, to a hands-on curriculum and on-the-job safety reminders, our au pairs receive the superior training and continued reinforcement of their skills while on program. The au pair you select for your family has hundreds of hours of childcare experience, carefully checked references, and a proven commitment to caring for children. But because safety and quality care are our top priorities, all au pairs also receive additional in-person training at Au Pair Academy in New Jersey before they come to your home. Safety CareTM, our au pair training program, is designed to provide au pairs with an introduction to their year in America and to provide practical training and education about childcare and safety topics.
All au pairs caring for children under the age of two are required to have a minimum of 200 hours experience with that age group. AuPairCare also offers two enhanced training options, the Infant Specialized Program and the Toddler Care program. Infant specialized au pairs meet additional under two childcare requirements, and have a separate 5-day curriculum and training at Au Pair Academy. Toddler Care au pairs also have a separate 5-day curriculum and training at Au Pair Academy focused on the needs of children ages 1-3 years.
Regardless of which au pair program you choose, you can be sure that your au pair will receive hands-on training in a range of topics including:
CPR and First Aid Training
Child Safety Techniques
Driving Safety in the U.S.
American Way of Caregiving
Strategies for caring for more than one child at a time
Child Development Games and Activities
Infant CPR and First Aid Certification
Infant Sign Language and Baby Massage
Baby Soothing Techniques
Finding the right au pair for your family is easy with AuPairCare. From recommending au pairs to setting up interviews, we're with you every step of the way.
Once you register and apply, you'll gain access to our award-winning database and be able to search for au pairs based on childcare experience, skills, nationality, language, age, driving status and more.
Our dedicated team plays an active role in helping you find the right au pair and bases their recommendations around your family's specific wants and needs.
When you find an au pair you’re interested in speaking with, we’ll help you set up an interview using Skype or by connecting your international calls for free. During these calls you can share information about your family and learn whether an au pair will be a good fit.
After you decide on an au pair and both agree to match, you'll choose an arrival date. We'll take care of the visa paperwork and flights, and help you plan for your au pair's arrival.
Choosing a live-in au pair is a unique experience, and it’s why we pay extra attention to supporting you throughout the program. As a host family you’ll receive guidance and advice from your local Area Director, who lives in your community and will be there with you every step of the way.
Your Area Director is your first point of contact and will support you in the following ways:
Meet with you during the in-home interview to provide helpful information about hosting an au pair
Answer your questions before, during and after your au pair’s arrival
Contact you within 48 hours of your au pair’s arrival to your home
Conduct an arrival orientation with you and your au pair to ensure a smooth program start
Maintain monthly contact with you and your au pair
Provide your au pair with local information about educational opportunities
Organize regular au pair activities and outings in your community
Host an annual event for host families in your community
