Agencies Au Pair

hen you hear the term, "au pair," you may, at first, think of the famed Mary Poppins, but an au pair is not some fictional character, they are very real. They live with their host family as an extended member of that family. An au pair will provide childcare for the host family's children and in return, they receive room and board as well as a small stipend.

Au pairs are live in childcare providers and care for their host family's children for as many as 10 hours a day and 45 hours a week. They are typically between 18 and 26 years of age and many see the au pair post as an opportunity to experience life in another country and another culture. While some au pairs remain in their own countries, most travel abroad to accept the position.

Some agencies restrict the daily and weekly hours that an au pair works as a child care provider and some even have restrictions on the length of the placement. Au pair services may include caring for the children, taking them to school and picking them up and helping children with homework, doing light housework that is associated with the children. Au pairs are not housekeepers or maids. They are not responsible for any housework that is not related to the children.

The trade association for authorized au pair agencies and companies, the International Au Pair Association (IAPA), protects the rights of all au pairs as well as host families. It also establishes guidelines for au pair exchange programs that are internationally approved. While the IAPA does not arrange for au pair placements, the members of the IAPA do. The au pair may access a list of member agencies from the organization's website found at http://www.iapa.org. They are encouraged to find an agency that is in the country in which they currently reside. They may then select and request a country for placement from their home country agency.

When an au pair is placed through an agency, they typically undergo a background check. Quite often, they also undergo other checks for credit reports, criminal reports and driving records. These measures ensure that when an au pair is placed with a family, they are trustworthy and drug free. The families are subjected to the same background checks to make certain that all parties are safe and secure. With some less secure agencies, the au pairs are listed, the family selects and then it is up to the family to run whatever checks they feel necessary.

Some au pairs stay with their host family for only a summer while others may remain for a year or so. Au pairs are accepted into their host family as a family member. They are included in family meals, holidays, outings and other family oriented activities. They have many opportunities such as learning a new language and learning a new culture. They have the opportunity to live in another country and live as a native in that country. They can make lifelong friendships and relationships. An au pair position can be a rewarding and fulfilling experience for everyone involved.

Au Pair |