800.428.7247

Live Call

Frequently Asked Questions about Au Pairs

Q: How soon after we apply can we expect an au pair to arrive at our home?

A: The process typically takes 6 to 10 weeks from the time you apply to the program to the time the au pair arrives in your home. Once we receive your au pair application and references, an AuPairCare representative will schedule an in-home interview with you. You will be able to review au pair applications shortly thereafter. The variable in the timeline is the matching process. If you have very specific criteria that you are looking for, your match and arrival may take a bit longer. On average, however, our families complete the process within the 6 to 10 weeks.

Q: Can we get an au pair anytime?

A: Yes. AuPairCare can place an au pair year round. Au pairs are scheduled to arrive to the U.S. approximately every two weeks and more often during the summer months.

Q: Do you offer male au pairs as well as female au pairs?

A: Yes. Male au pairs make excellent, nurturing caregivers to children. With a male au pair, it's like having an older brother and role model for your children.

Q: How do we select our au pair?

A: Using Family Room, AuPairCare's unique online matching system, you can view au pair profiles that are compatible with your family's needs. You are able to select au pairs you are interested in interviewing and review their complete au pair application - all online at anytime! We also offer you the assistance of a Matching Expert to support you in the matching process.

Q: What if I don't like my au pair once they get here?

A: Your local AuPairCare representative will work with you to solve any issues that may arise. We will start by identifying the issue and attempt to solve the problem through mediation and guidance. If this approach is unsuccessful, you have the option of receiving a replacement au pair.

Q: How do I know the au pair is qualified?

A: We are able to offer the best childcare providers through careful screening and additional childcare training. All of our au pairs have experience working with children. Moreover, we carefully screen all of the au pairs with interviews, reference checks, and background checks to ensure that we accept only the very best au pairs. We also train all au pairs on a variety of childcare subjects including safety, professional hands-on CPR & first aid training utilizing the American Heart Association course curriculum, child development, and American culture. AuPairCare Infant Specialized au pairs receive an additional day of intensive training in infant caregiving and development including feeding, bathing, soothing, transportation and general household safety. Most importantly, you will interview and select the au pairs to ensure that they meet your family's needs.

Q: Can I request the type of au pair that I want (i.e. Swedish, etc.)?

A: AuPairCare has the most diversified selection of au pairs applicants of any au pair agency. Each au pair has unique qualifications, interests and backgrounds. With our online matching system you are able to search by your specific criteria, including country, age, driving experience, etc. While we will do our best to accommodate your request, au pair availability from a particular country, time of year, and other factors may limit our ability to meet your exact specifications. AuPairCare will suggest alternative au pairs that most closely meet your needs if we are unable to meet your specific request. Our Matching Experts are also available to recommend au pairs they believe would be a good match with you based on your family's needs.

Q: What do we do if there is an emergency with our au pair?

A: If you are unable to reach your local AuPairCare representative, we have a 24-hour answering service. In the event of an emergency after hours, you will be connected to an AuPairCare on-call staff member.

Q: Can AuPairCare match me with an au pair that I have pre-selected for my family?

A: Yes, AuPairCare is able to arrange what we call a "pre-match." As long as the au pair meets the program requirements and lives in a country that AuPairCare services, we are able to arrange a pre-match. Pre-matches can take longer to arrange since the au pair must complete the application process. You can review our Pre-match information sheet for details about this process.

Q: Will AuPairCare provide me with a discount for pre-matching?

A: Due to the fact that AuPairCare's costs are the same for pre-matched au pairs, we do not offer a discount for pre-matches.

Q: What makes your program different?

A: All au pair agencies are designated by the U.S. Department of State; therefore, we all operate under the same regulations and guidelines. There are a few ways to differentiate au pair agencies, and AuPairCare is distinct because of three things:

  1. Au Pairs - Our careful screening process chooses au pairs based on strict childcare experience requirements, guaranteeing the highest quality of au pairs. We work with over 40 different countries, and our au pair availability is very diverse, allowing you a variety of au pairs to choose from.
  2. Matching - Our online matching system helps families find au pairs based on their particular needs and unlike other agencies you select the au pairs you want to interview. Our Matching Experts are also available to guide you through this process and help you find the best au pair for your family.
  3. Local representatives - Our local AuPairCare representatives are exceptional, providing you with on-going support throughout your program year. A local Area Director will be your main point of contact once your au pair arrives and will provide continuous support throughout your au pair's stay, including events and activities with other AuPairCare families in your local area.

Very simply, AuPairCare is committed to providing excellent childcare and dedicated support for every family and this sets us apart.

Q: What do AuPairCare's program fees cover?

A: AuPairCare's program fees cover the au pair's transportation from her home country to the U.S., travel and accident insurance, a 4-day orientation and training program in New Jersey and the ongoing support of AuPairCare for the duration of your program.

Q: Can two families share an au pair?

A: No, au pairs are required to reside with one family during their program year.

Q: Can my au pair care for my children when I'm out of town?

A: No, au pairs cannot work more than 10 hours per day, or 45 hours per week. You would need to make additional childcare arrangements to cover any time beyond the au pair's maximum working hours.

Q: I need childcare immediately, can AuPairCare help me?

A: AuPairCare occasionally has au pairs already in the United States and available to begin working right away. In-country au pairs have varying amounts of time left on their 12-month program. In-country au pairs are a great way for your family to have a short-term au pair experience.

Q: Are the fees that I pay tax-deductible?

A: AuPairCare recommends that you consult with your tax professional for any specific questions regarding deductions. Some employers do provide partial childcare expense reimbursement. Consult with your employer if this would be an option for you.

Q: What does Department of State designation mean?

A: The au pair program was established by the U.S. Government in 1986 as an educational and cultural exchange program with a strong child care component. Au pairs may enter the United States for 12 months to care for the children of their American host family. At the same time, au pairs are required to complete an education component of six semester hours of academic credit. At the end of one year, au pairs may extend their stay for another year or return to their home country. As a designated sponsor, AuPairCare operates the program in accordance with all of the program regulations. The government has set working hours, admission criteria, the au pair weekly stipend and other guidelines to ensure a positive experience for all parties.

FAQ's
AuPairCare Spotlight