The Top Au Pair Agencies Nationally: A Guide for Families

Finding the right childcare for your family can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re juggling work, school, and busy schedules. For some families, hosting an au pair,  a young adult from another country who lives with you and provides childcare, is a flexible and culturally rich option.

Au pairs can support your family up to 45 hours per week, helping with daily routines, school runs, and light household tasks related to the kids. Because they live with you, they often become part of the family. Working with a reputable au pair agency is essential to make sure the process is smooth, safe, and compliant with J-1 visa regulations.

Below, we’ll walk through some of the top au pair agencies in the U.S., to help you narrow down which option might be right for your family.

Jump To:

At-a-Glance Comparison of Top Au Pair Agencies

1. Cultural Care Au Pair

2. AuPairCare

3. Au Pair in America

4. Go Au Pair

5. InterExchange Au Pair USA

Choosing the Right Agency for Your Family

Final Thoughts

At-a-Glance Comparison of Top Au Pair Agencies

To help you understand the unique strengths of each agency, this section provides a high-level comparison of their experience, focus areas, and support offerings. These differences can shape how well an agency aligns with your family’s routine, budget, and cultural priorities.

The table below summarizes these key factors in a clear, easy-to-scan format. Reviewing it first can make the deeper agency profiles more meaningful as you continue reading.

Comparison Chart: Top Au Pair Agencies in the U.S.

*Approximate based on publicly available information.

1. Cultural Care Au Pair

Cultural Care is one of the largest and most established au pair agencies in the United States. With more than three decades of experience, they match families with au pairs from over 25 countries.

Families get support throughout the entire process, from choosing an au pair to travel arrangements and ongoing local support once the au pair arrives. Cultural Care offers a variety of program options, including specialized infant care and different program lengths.

Key features:

• Large database of au pair candidates from around the world

• Thorough screening and matching process

• Local consultants who support both families and au pairs

• Flexible payment plans and financing options

• Multiple program types and specializations (including infant care)

Why families love them:
Many parents appreciate Cultural Care’s wide selection of candidates and high level of customer service. With so many options, it can be easier to find an au pair whose personality, schedule, and experience line up with your family’s needs.

2. AuPairCare

AuPairCare has been matching families with au pairs since 1989 and emphasizes safety, quality, and tailored matches. The agency is known for its detailed selection and matching process, which helps ensure that families and au pairs are a good fit.

AuPairCare offers different program options to meet a range of needs, including infant care and year-round coverage. They also provide online tools and resources that help families stay organized throughout the placement.

Key features:

• Rigorous selection process and thorough background checks

• Programs tailored for different ages and schedules, including infant care

• Local area directors to provide ongoing support

• Online resources and a mobile app for communication and management

• Training and preparation for au pairs before arrival

Why families love them:
Families often highlight how intentional the matching process feels. AuPairCare’s focus on understanding each family’s routines, expectations, and parenting style can make it easier to find a caregiver who feels like the right fit from the start.

3. Au Pair in America

Au Pair in America (APIA) was one of the first au pair agencies approved to operate in the U.S. and is widely trusted for its long track record and focus on high-quality care. They work with au pairs from more than 60 countries and offer specialized options, including the “Extraordinaire” program for highly experienced caregivers.

Beyond childcare, APIA puts a strong emphasis on cultural exchange and education. Au pairs have opportunities to take classes, join local activities, and learn more about life in the U.S., which in turn enriches your family’s experience.

Key features:

• Access to candidates from 60+ countries

• Specialized programs, including options for more experienced caregivers

• Strong focus on cultural exchange activities

• Educational opportunities for au pairs, including local coursework

• Comprehensive support from local counselors and program staff

Why families love them:
Families who want more than just coverage often choose APIA. The focus on cultural enrichment and education, for both au pairs and kids, can make the whole experience feel like a meaningful exchange rather than only a childcare arrangement.

4. Go Au Pair

Go Au Pair has been in operation for over 30 years and focuses heavily on making au pair care more affordable while still maintaining strong standards. They offer flexible payment plans and a wide range of candidates, including au pairs with specialized experience in infant care or particular age groups.

For many families watching their budgets, Go Au Pair can be a way to access live-in childcare with robust support at a more approachable price point.

Key features:

• Competitive pricing and flexible finance options

• A wide range of au pair candidates, including those with specialized skills

• Multiple program options, including infant care and flexible schedules

• Support from local coordinators and central program staff

• Transparent matching process with detailed candidate profiles

Why families love them:
Families often point to Go Au Pair’s affordability and flexibility. It can be a strong option if you’re cost-conscious but still want a reputable agency and a vetted au pair.

5. InterExchange Au Pair USA

InterExchange has been involved in cultural exchange programs for decades and runs its au pair program under the name Au Pair USA. As a nonprofit organization, InterExchange emphasizes mission-driven work, cultural understanding, and community-building.

The agency is known for strong customer service and comprehensive support for both families and au pairs. Their focus is on creating positive, long-term experiences and helping au pairs and host families navigate challenges together.

Key features:

• Nonprofit organization with a focus on cultural exchange and community

• Competitive pricing and flexible program structures

• Highly screened and trained au pairs

• Dedicated local coordinators who support both families and au pairs

• Extensive online resources and clear program guidelines

Why families love them:
Families who value a mission-driven, community-oriented approach often gravitate toward InterExchange Au Pair USA. The emphasis on shared understanding and strong support can help make the experience feel especially welcoming and well-supported.

Choosing the Right Agency for Your Family

Every family’s situation is different. When comparing agencies, think about:

• Program flexibility: Do you need infant care, part-time hours, or a specific schedule?

• Support level: How important is local, in-person support versus digital tools and helplines?

• Budget: What are you realistically able to spend, and which agencies align with your budget?

• Cultural priorities: How important are language learning, cultural activities, and educational opportunities?

• Experience needs: Do you need an au pair with extensive infant or special needs experience?

It’s also important to confirm that any agency you consider is a designated sponsor for the J-1 au pair visa program. This ensures they follow U.S. regulations around working hours, stipends, education requirements, and program length.

Tip: Create your own personal “shortlist chart” in a spreadsheet, listing your top 3 priorities (for example, cost, infant experience, local support) and rating each agency. This can help make the final decision clearer.

Final Thoughts

Hosting an au pair can be an excellent option if you’re looking for flexible, live-in childcare and a meaningful cultural exchange. By choosing a trusted au pair agency, you’ll have help with matching, paperwork, travel logistics, and ongoing support, which can make the experience smoother for everyone.

The agencies listed here all have strong reputations and distinct strengths. Taking time to compare them side by side, review their charts and features, and ask plenty of questions will help you find the best fit.

For more resources on finding childcare, be sure to explore our other guides on Winnie.