An "Au Pair" is an international student between the ages of 18 - 26 who comes to spend as little as three months up to two years to live with an American family and provide childcare in exchange for the opportunity to live in the U.S. For families with two or more children in daycare, it can be a more flexible, less expensive alternative.
How the program works
Au Pairs are regulated by the U.S. State Department and enter on J1 or "student" visas. There are about a dozen agencies in the U.S. which administer the program on behalf of the State Department. Using one of these agencies is the only legal way to utilize this process.The program is classified as a foreign student exchange program and is intended to be a cultural exchange. Au Pairs should become a member of the family, sharing in family events, meals, and experiences. They have specific work rules, a fixed pay program, and do attend one class per semester while here.
The intent of the program is not cheap or inexpensive childcare, but to enrich the lives of everyone involved. When done right, it is a fantastic program.
How Much Childcare do they Provide?
Au Pairs may work up to 45 hours per week/no more than 10 hours per day. They must have at least 1.5 days off per week and one full weekend (that is end of business Friday until Monday start of business) off per month.
Since they can care for up to four children, families with two or more children in daycare or aftercare are often spending more money on those programs than this option.
What are the advantages?
Au Pairs can be at home with your child if he or she is feverish and cannot attend a daycare or school program. They can even take the child to see the physician. They can also cook for the kids, clean up after the kids, and work flexible hours. Is it a constant challenge for you to get to your daycare before they close? The Au Pair can be scheduled to fit your needs, provided you do not violate the 10 hours per day regulation.
Moreover, Au Pairs become a trusted member of the family to your kids, and not the "babysitter." Need a date night with your spouse? The kids do not mind staying home with this caregiver because he or she is like a big brother or sister to them. Want your kids to learn a foreign language now while they are young? My children sang German school songs and could name colors and numbers in both languages as toddlers.
Ten years later, we are still in touch with all but one of our previous Au Pairs. Having someone live with us turned out to be a godsend in managing and enriching our children's activities and education. It is a childcare solution that works on many levels and one I hope you will consider!
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