Au Pairs - Understanding Au Pairs and Child Care

Au pairs are international visitors who travel to the United States to improve their English, to sightsee, and to gain an appreciation of American life while staying with an American family and caring for their children. Au pairs tend to be in their late teens to mid-twenties. Au pairs become family members sharing a cultural exchange experience that often leads to a lasting relationship with the host family.

Although au pairs are not professional child care workers, they are carefully screened and trained by an agency. They are authorized to care for American children by the U.S. Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs. Qualified participants must acquire a J1 visa and must have at least 200 hours of experience in order to care for a child under the age of 2.

Au pairs are required to provide up to 10 hours of child care daily, not exceeding 45 hours in one week. Unlike nannies, au pairs are not required to do household work such as laundry or cooking. Hours worked are strictly for child care. Though they are paid workers, au pairs expect to be treated as extended family members. Families must sign a written agreement to include the au pair in meals, trips, and gatherings.

Hiring an au pair is significantly less expensive than employing a full-time nanny. Families pay an up front cost of approximately $5,000 to $6,000 which covers placement and program fees as well as airfare. In addition, the family pays a weekly stipend of approximately $140, and must contribute up to $500 in educational expenses should the au pair choose to enroll in a college-level course. Even with hidden costs for room and board and transportation, au pairs are a less expensive option than nannies - especially for those with two or more children.

The hitch? Au pairs are only allowed to work for twelve months which means your child will probably become attached to the au pair then it is time to find new child care.

For about one-quarter of the cost, au pairs offer the same personalized, in-home care of a nanny. Their duties include many child-related household responsibilities and they present a cultural and fun experience for the whole family.

Hilary Basile is a writer for MyGuidesUSA.com at myguidesusa.com myguidesusa.com, you will find valuable tips and resources for handling life's major events. Whether you're planning a wedding, buying your first home, anxiously awaiting the birth of a child, contending with a divorce, searching for a new job, or planning for your retirement, you'll find answers to your questions at MyGuidesUSA.com.

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