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
All AuPairCare au pairs arrive at your home fully trained and ready to provide exceptional child care. 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. Because safety and quality care are our top priorities, all au pairs receive rigorous training before they come to your home. Our au pair training program, Au Pair Academy*, 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. Au pairs conduct their Academy training online through interactive courses and webinars and fly directly to your home airport. 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. From pre-departure virtual learning to on-the-job safety reminders, au pairs receive superior teaching and continued reinforcement of their skills while on program.
AuPairCare also offers two expanded virtual training programs for au pairs who will be caring for infants and toddlers, All About Infants and All About Toddlers. These interactive courses lead au pairs through advanced age-specific training covering developmental milestones, safety concerns, language skills, and play for your little ones. Through quizzes, videos, resources, and a live virtual workshop with an Academy trainer, the courses help your au provide the best care for your family and equip your au pair to become even more proficient in infant or toddler care.
As a host family, you can also select separate Advanced Online Training courses, which cover specific topics such as positive discipline, at-home education, and food and nutrition. AuPairCare is the only agency that offers advanced online training courses for au pairs based on the unique needs of our host families. Regardless of which learning path you choose for your au pair, you can be sure that they will receive the best training for your family.
*We look forward to reopening our in-person Training Academy when it is safe to do so.
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
Plan quarterly events for host families in your community
