What to Consider When Hiring an Au Pair

Every family has different priorities when it comes to childcare. Some parents really love the idea of their child being in group care, while others prefer more individual care. Both are equal; it all depends on what you are looking for!

If you prefer more individualized care for your child, you may have come across the term "au pair." An au pair is a person (typically between 18-26) from overseas who comes to America on a legal visa to provide childcare in a family's home. Au pairs are provided room and board in your home and are paid a weekly or monthly stipend. 

How many hours of childcare can an au pair provide?

Since an au pair is living with you, you might assume they can provide around-the-clock care, but this isn't the case. Au pairs typically provide up to 45 hours of childcare a week, no more than 10 hours per day. Most au pair agencies do not allow au pairs to provide care overnight, so those hours must be during the daytime. 

Part of an au pair's cultural exchange visa is that they need to be taking a certain number of college credits during their stay in the U.S., so they will need time to attend class and study. Au pairs are also coming to experience life in America. They may make friends when they're here and want to explore and sight-see on their time off. 

Au pairs are generally given two weeks of vacation during their stay with a host family and one whole weekend off per month, so it's important to keep that in mind when weighing your options. 

What does it cost to host an au pair?

It costs an average of $20,000 a year to host an au pair in your home. Usually, this winds up being less than other childcare arrangements but certainly comes with its share of added costs. Costs associated with hosting an au pair are:

• You are likely finding your au pair through an au pair agency that background checks and trains au pairs. The agency also may provide travel insurance and airfare for au pairs. Most agencies charge a monthly fee or lump sum up front. 
• You will also need to pay your au pair a weekly stipend. Typically this breaks down to about $180-$200 per month. 
• Your au pair will need a cell phone since they will be out and about with your children. Most host families provide their au pair with a phone and pay for the service.
• Your au pair will need access to a car and would need to be added to your insurance plan. If you live in a major city and rely on public transportation, most host families offer to take care of transit costs. 
• You'll contribute to your au pair's education. Most agencies require host families to pay around $500 toward their au pair's college courses. 
• Host families also pay for their au pair's travel if joining them on vacations and outings. 

Do you have the space in your home to host an au pair?

When thinking about hosting an au pair, you have to consider where they'll live. You'll need at least an extra bedroom in your house, an extra bathroom would also be ideal. 

Even if you have an extra bedroom, think about the total square footage of your space—does it already feel crowded? Would adding an extra adult into the mix work for your current living situation?

Since the au pair would likely be joining you for family meals and celebrations, you will want to be sure there is space available wherever you gather for meals. Au pairs quickly become extended family members and generally integrate into your family's life (and home!)

You'll also need to think about transportation. Can you make a vehicle available for the au pair during the day to take children to and from school or activities?

How can I find an au pair?

Becoming a host family for an au pair doesn't happen overnight. First, you'll need to choose an au pair agency. Then there is some upfront work that needs to happen before your au pair comes to live with you. 

• Application: Most au pair agencies will have a prospective family fill out an application with information about their childcare needs and living situation, etc. 
• Meet with placement coordinator: You'll meet with someone from the agency to go over your application and discuss how the process of hiring an au pair works. 
• Search for the perfect au pair: Next, you'll be given access to your agency's database of au pairs or, your coordinator can search for you. Either way, you'll want to find an au pair that aligns with your family's preferences. 
• Interviews: You will get a chance to speak with prospective au pairs by video chat, to get a sense of whether they will be a good fit to join your family. 
• Plan for their arrival: Once you have found the perfect au pair, you will coordinate when they come to live with you. Usually, this can happen in a minimum of four weeks. 

What is required of a host family?

Each adult in the household will need to submit to a background check. This is usually covered by the agency's fees and shouldn't be an additional cost to you. 

Once your au pair arrives in the United States, they will attend an agency orientation. This covers training such as CPR and First Aid as well as the ins and outs of being an au pair in the U.S. You will need to arrange transportation for your au pair from the orientation site to your home. Your placement coordinator can help you arrange this, but paying for it is usually the family's responsibility. 

You may need to help your au pair meet any federal or state requirements, such as applying for a work-only, temporary social security card or enrolling in college courses. 

You'll also need to help your au pair settle into their new home and adjust to life in the United States. They may be unfamiliar with certain customs or ways of doing things and need help getting acclimated. 

Hosting an au pair can be a rewarding experience for your family. You can set a schedule that works best for your family and your child has the opportunity to learn and grow alongside their new extended family member. You can search for au pairs on Winnie, as well as weigh your other childcare options.