The Ultimate FAQ Guide for Hosting an Au Pair

Everything You Need to Know About Hosting an Au Pair: FAQs for First-Time Host Families

You’re exploring childcare options and came across the term au pair. What does an au pair mean? How does hosting an au pair work? The au pair program is a cultural exchange experience that provides flexible live-in childcare for American families while providing opportunities for young international people to live abroad, experience a new culture, and strengthen their English skills. But how is it different from hiring a nanny? What are the responsibilities of an au pair? Is it right for your family? Who is the best au pair agency?  

To help you understand more about the au pair program, we’ve compiled the most frequently asked questions about hosting an au pair, the differences between an au pair and a nanny, the responsibilities of an au pair, and more. Whether you’re new to the concept or just want more info, this article will walk you through the au pair program from AuPairCare’s local year-round support to whether an au pair is the right fit for your family. Keep reading to determine if an au pair is right for your family’s childcare needs.

1) Important Information for Host Families

How does hosting an au pair work?

• Hosting an au pair involves welcoming a young adult from another country into your home to provide live-in childcare. Au pairs travel to the U.S. on a J-1 non-immigrant cultural exchange visa, allowing them to experience American culture while assisting with your family's childcare needs. The process includes applying through a designated agency like AuPairCare, selecting an au pair who matches your family's preferences, and preparing for their arrival. Au pairs can assist with various childcare-related tasks, offering flexibility tailored to your family's schedule.

What are the benefits of hosting an au pair?

Hosting an au pair offers several advantages: ‍

• Flexible Childcare: Au pairs provide up to 45 hours of childcare per week, accommodating your family's unique schedule. No more rushing to pick up your kids from daycare or worrying about arranging childcare on the fly during snow days or when your child is sick.  ‍
• Cultural Exchange: Your family gains exposure to a new culture, language, and traditions, enriching your household environment. ‍
• Personalized Care: Au pairs become like extended family members, forming close bonds with your children and offering individualized attention. ‍
• Cost-Effective: For families with multiple children, hosting an au pair can be more economical than other childcare options.

What are the requirements for hosting an au pair?

To host an au pair through AuPairCare, families must meet the following criteria:

• Residency: Be U.S. citizens or legal permanent residents with a Green Card.
• Language: Speak English as the primary language in the home.
• Background Check: Pass a criminal background check.
• Program Commitment: Be open to participating in the one-year au pair program.

Additionally, families must provide a private bedroom for the au pair and should be willing to integrate them into their daily lives, fostering a supportive environment for cultural exchange.

Learn more about hosting an au pair.

What are the costs to become a host family?

Hosting an au pair can be a much more cost-effective way to find flexible and reliable childcare. When considering hosting an au pair, think about the following costs associated with becoming a host family:  

• Program fees
• Weekly au pair stipend
• Required Educational contribution  
• Room and Board for your au pair
• Additional costs such as food, phone bill, auto insurance if you want your au pair to drive the children, etc.
  

Learn more about au pair program costs.  

What are the responsibilities of an au pair?

• An au pair can provide live-in childcare and assist with related tasks, including:
• Preparing children's meals and cleaning up after mealtime.
• Bathing and dressing the children.
• Packing lunches, helping with homework, and taking the kids to school.
• Taking children to parks, playgrounds, and other activities.
• Assisting with light child-related household tasks like children's laundry and keeping their rooms tidy.

It's important to establish clear expectations and maintain open communication to ensure a successful relationship with your au pair. Learn more about the roles and responsibilities of an au pair for your family.  

How long can an au pair stay with a family?

• An au pair's initial program term is 12 months. However, they can extend their stay for an additional 6, 9, or 12 months if both the au pair and the host family agree. The maximum duration an au pair can stay in the U.S. is 24 months.

How can AuPairCare help my family find the right au pair?

• AuPairCare provides expert matching account managers and a robust online system where families can browse au pair profiles and conduct interviews. Families should consider factors such as childcare experience, personality, language skills, and cultural background when selecting an au pair. It's important to communicate your family's needs and expectations clearly during the interview process to ensure a good match.

2) Comparing Au Pairs to Other Forms of Childcare

Comparing au pairs to nannies

• An au pair is a young adult from another country who lives with a host family to provide childcare as part of a cultural exchange program. They receive a weekly stipend from the host family and become integrated into the family's daily life. A nanny, on the other hand, is typically a local childcare provider who may live in or out of the family's home and is paid a salary or hourly wage. Nannies may have formal childcare training, and their role is primarily professional, without the cultural exchange component.

What tasks are au pairs not allowed to do?

• Au pairs should not be responsible for heavy housework, yard work, or tasks unrelated to childcare. Their primary focus is on the children, and while they can assist with light child-related household tasks, duties such as deep cleaning, washing the family's laundry, or cooking for the entire family are beyond the scope of the au pair program.

Can an au pair take care of infants?

• Yes, au pairs can care for infants who are at least three months old, provided they have the appropriate experience and the host family specifies this requirement during the matching process. AuPairCare has one of the largest pools of infant-qualified au pairs, allowing families more opportunities to match with a fantastic au pair that's right for their family.

Do au pairs help with homework?

• Yes, assisting with homework is one of the typical responsibilities of an au pair. They can help children understand and complete their assignments, providing support and guidance as needed.

Can an au pair drive children to school?

• Yes, all au pairs need to come with a driver’s license from their home country. Au pairs can drive children to school, appointments, and activities. During the selection process, it's important to confirm the au pair's driving experience and comfort level. Host families should also ensure that their auto insurance policy covers the au pair.

Can au pairs work overtime or take on extra hours?

• No, au pairs are not permitted to work beyond the maximum of 45 hours per week or more than 10 hours per day, as regulated by the U.S. Department of State. These limits are in place to ensure the well-being of both the au pair and the children. Families should plan their schedules accordingly and not request additional hours beyond these established limits.

Is an au pair cheaper than a nanny?

• Hosting an au pair can often be more cost-effective than hiring a nanny, especially for families with multiple children. Au pairs receive a weekly stipend, the amount of which is regulated by the U.S. Department of State, and the cost remains consistent regardless of the number of children. In contrast, nannies typically charge higher rates, which can increase with the number of children and the scope of responsibilities.

Which is better for my family: an au pair or a nanny?

• The choice between an au pair and a nanny depends on your family's specific needs and preferences. If you're interested in cultural exchange and flexible scheduling and have the space to accommodate a live-in caregiver, an au pair might be a suitable option.
• A nanny might be more appropriate if you prefer a caregiver who does not live in the home or need someone who can work more than 45 hours per week. Consider factors such as budget, desired level of experience, and the importance of cultural enrichment when making your decision.

What are the pros and cons of hiring an au pair vs. a nanny?

Pros of hiring an au pair:

• Cultural Exchange: Introduces your family to new languages and traditions. ‍
• Cost-Effective: Fixed costs regardless of the number of children. ‍
• Flexible Scheduling: Ability to adjust hours to meet varying needs.

Cons of hiring an au pair:

• Limited Duration: Typically stays for 12 months, with possible extensions. ‍
• Experience Level: May have less professional childcare experience. ‍
• Live-In Requirement: Requires providing a private bedroom and integrating them into daily family life.

Pros of hiring a nanny:

• Professional Experience: Often has extensive childcare experience and training. ‍
• Long-Term Stability: Potential for long-term employment. ‍
• Flexibility: Option for live-in or live-out arrangements.

Cons of hiring a nanny:

• Higher Cost: Typically more expensive, especially for multiple children. ‍
• Less Cultural Exchange: May not provide the same cultural enrichment as an au pair.

Consider your family's priorities and circumstances when deciding between an au pair and a nanny.  Learn more about comparing au pairs vs nannies.

3) What Does an Au Pair Do?

An au pair is a young adult from another country who provides live-in childcare for a host family while experiencing cultural exchange.  

Their responsibilities typically include:

• Caring for children and teaching them about new cultures.
• Preparing children's meals and cleaning up after mealtime.
• Bathing and dressing the children.
• Packing lunches, helping with homework, and taking the kids to school.
• Taking children to parks, playgrounds, and other activities.
• Assisting with light child-related household tasks like children's laundry and keeping their rooms tidy.

What kind of activities do au pairs plan for children?

Au pairs create fun, engaging activities that support learning, creativity, and cultural exchange. Common activities include:

• Outdoor Play: Trips to parks, bike rides, and scavenger hunts. ‍
• Arts & Crafts: Drawing, DIY projects, and cultural crafts. ‍
• Educational Fun: Reading, language practice, and science experiments. ‍
• Cooking & Baking: Simple recipes, often inspired by their home country. ‍
• Music & Dance: Singing, playing instruments, and cultural dances. ‍
• Imaginative Play: Storytelling, dress-up, and puppet shows. ‍
• Seasonal Activities: Holiday traditions, decorating, and festive crafts.

With AuPairCare, families get a childcare experience enriched by culture and learning. Learn more at AuPairCare.

How old are au pairs usually?

• Au pairs are between the ages of 18 and 26 years old. This age range is specified by the U.S. Department of State for participants in the au pair program.

Where do au pairs come from?

• Au pairs come from more than 40 countries around the world. The program encourages diversity, allowing families to choose au pairs from different cultural backgrounds, which enriches the cultural exchange experience for both the au pair and the host family.

What is the cultural exchange aspect of the au pair program?

The cultural exchange aspect of the au pair program involves:

• Language sharing: Au pairs can teach their native language to the host family's children and improve their own English skills. ‍
• Traditions and customs: Au pairs share their country's traditions, holidays, and customs with the host family, providing a global perspective. ‍
• Culinary exchange: Au pairs can introduce their host family to traditional dishes from their home country.
• ‍Cultural activities: Participating in local events, festivals, and activities together enhances mutual understanding and appreciation of different cultures.

This exchange enriches both the au pair and the host family, fostering global awareness and lifelong connections.

Interested in learning more about the au pair program? Learn more about what is an au pair.