Finding an au pair that fits your family takes time and effort. It involves reviewing au pair profiles, connecting via email and video interviews, and arranging live video calls with candidates. To help you with your search, start by making a list of your non-negotiables. This will make it easier to narrow down your list of potential matches.
Create Your Profile
Finding an au pair takes time and effort from the family and the au pair. It’s not a process that can be completed in just a few weeks, but a journey worth taking. The matching process includes reviewing profiles, interviewing au pairs via email and video chat, discussing expectations, and scheduling visits. But where to get an au pair?
Start by completing your online application with a profile highlighting your strengths and what you can offer the host family. Host families review several au pair profiles, and your goal is to stand out! Remember to be honest, show your personality and tell a story about yourself. Describe your educational background and any relevant skills you have, such as childcare or language teaching. Be sure to include a photo so host families can see who they are talking with. You also want to clarify that you are interested in working with children of all ages. Choosing an agency that has a solid reputation is also essential. Choosing an agency with local support in the host country is an advantage.
Search for Au Pairs
Many options are available to families looking for an au pair. Most au pairs go through agency programs, which are government-regulated, to protect the au pair’s rights and well-being. The most common agencies are:
If you’re interested in working with an agency, do your homework and research them thoroughly before signing a contract. Check out the agency’s website, speak with someone on the phone or via video chat, and consult with an outside service. This will help you ensure that the agency meets, at a minimum, the federally-required standards for au pair sponsorship. It’s also important to remember that many au pairs come from other cultures and will likely have different values than your family, so be prepared for some cultural differences. A good time to start your search is in May or June since most au pairs will either be done with school or about to finish and are more likely to seek a host family actively.
Schedule Interviews
The key to finding the right au pair is getting to know them. Au pairs live in the family’s home and are household members for a year, so it’s important to take the time to find out what’s important to them. This is why it’s best to interview candidates and ask lots of questions before you make a decision. The best way to do this is through video interviews. It lets you see how the person interacts with you and your children and can help you determine if their personality matches yours. It also helps you avoid potential scams by making it difficult for a fake au pair to hide behind a screen. When you meet with candidates, ask them about their background and why they chose the program. Understanding their seriousness about participating in the cultural exchange is a great way. And don’t be afraid to tell them what you want from them, too. It shows that you’re invested and care about what they can offer your family. Once you’ve found a match, your local coordinator will work with the two of you to complete all the necessary paperwork and schedule au pair orientation. This is where the au pair will learn CPR and first aid, American culture and norms, and child development. It’s important to ensure your au pair has a successful and rewarding placement.
Accept a Match
Most au pairs are matched with families through agency programs. Agencies are government-regulated and follow strict rules and regulations to ensure au pair safety. Agencies also provide ongoing support for both au pairs and hosts. Families can also find au pairs online or through independent agents. Before starting your search, make a list of what you consider to be your non-negotiables. This list is your guide as you navigate the thousands of families looking for au pairs on various websites. Having a clear idea of what you need and want, you’ll have a much easier time finding the right host family for your year abroad.
Remember, it’s not about what a host family can give you but what you can offer them in return. During the interview, ask questions to understand the family’s culture and values. You’ll be living with your host family for six months, so you must choose a family with whom you can work well and enjoy spending time. Caregiver responsibilities can vary depending on the age of the children but include:
- Feeding and bathing them.
- Engaging them in stimulating play.
- Reading with them.
- Putting them down for naptimes and bedtimes.
Au pairs can also drive kids to and from activities, games, and lessons.
