{"id":1617,"date":"2019-07-21T22:25:00","date_gmt":"2019-07-21T22:25:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/letmommysleep.com\/blog\/?p=1617"},"modified":"2026-04-16T12:03:06","modified_gmt":"2026-04-16T12:03:06","slug":"should-i-host-au-pair","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/letmommysleep.com\/blog\/2019\/07\/21\/should-i-host-au-pair\/","title":{"rendered":"Should I Host an Au Pair?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Should I Host an Au Pair? answers parents’ frequently asked questions about au pairs so you can see if this international childcare option is right for you and your family. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Parent FAQs about au pairs<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Should I Host an Au Pair? <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

How does a family actually host an au pair?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The first thing to do is register with an agency or even several agencies. Jaclyn Perovich a current host mom and Cultural Care Au Pair consultant notes that it\u2019s perfectly fine if you need a placement quickly or down the road. Either way, registering with an agency is the first step so you can begin the matching process when you’re ready. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Once you’re registered, you can start looking at au pair resumes and email them for interviews. A Placement Manager will help you go through the au pair applications and narrow down your family\u2019s specific needs. You might have twins<\/a>, be expecting a newborn when your older child is a toddler for example. The selection deadlines needed to secure a particular au pair with you will then be shared. The deadline is important because the au pairs travel will be determined by your start date.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In addition to the agency Placement Manager there may also be a Local Childcare Consultant (LCC) to help. This is the person in your geographical area who will be your local support throughout the year. The LCC also conducts in-home interviews with families and provides orientation for both the family and au pair upon arrival.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Should I Host an Au Pair? FAQ’s<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

What happens if the au pair arrangement isn’t working out? <\/strong><\/em><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If things aren’t working out with the host family and au pair, the local consultant will conduct a mediation. A “rematch” will occur if the relationship does not improve. The happens usually within 2 weeks. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Parents can set clear expectations and even over-communicate their needs to set the relationship up for success. Following up with an email of the expectations and then having a hard copy of instructions in the home are also good ways to keep everyone on the same page.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When can the au pair work?<\/em><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

An au pair will work up to 45 hours of childcare per week, scheduled around your families needs. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Can an au pair work with newborns?<\/strong><\/em><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Au pairs can NOT be the sole caregiver for newborns. For infants 12 weeks and under their role is more of a “mother’s helper.” <\/p>\n\n\n\n

How can families be sure their au pair is trained properly?<\/em><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Reputable agencies provide safety and child care training.  Cultural Care Au Pairs for example, conducts four day reviews of child safety and development at the company\u2019s training school in New York. They also require a classroom course on driver\u2019s safety taught by the Red Cross and the Red Cross Full Service Training in adult and pediatric CPR\/AED and First Aid. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Should I Host an Au Pair? What are Alternatives to Au Pair Care?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Nannies are the main alternative to au pair care. The main differences between nanny care an au pairs is:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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  1. Cultural Exchange vs. Formal Employment:<\/strong>\n