Au Pair

An au pair could be the answer you are searching for in regards to childcare for your child. For various reasons, many parents need some type of dependable childcare for their children. Some choose to hire a nanny, while others would rather use an au pair.

People who are familiar with the term often confuse it with a nanny. There are several differences, however. A nanny is considered an employee of the family. Their services may differ regarding their duties and responsibilities, hours and benefits, but they are still referred to as employees.

An au pair, however, typically is a participant in a program referred to as the United States Information Agency or USIA. There are sponsoring organizations throughout the country which handle the actual assignment and coordination of placing a participant with a host family. People participating in this program become a member of their host family for a specific period of time.

The USIA began the au pair exchange program in 1986. They set up specific guidelines which govern the arrangement between the participating student and the host family. These guidelines include the following:

• Participants provide up to 45 hours of service each week with no more than 10 hours of day at work.
• Participants must be allowed one weekend off per month and two weeks of paid vacation.
• Participants must be under the age of 26.
• Participants must attend classes while in the U.S.
• Participants must leave the U.S. and return to their native country after one year of service.
• Participants must acquire a J1 Visa.
• Participants must be provided a private bedroom, meals, and an allowance.

Parents choose this type of childcare service for a variety of reasons, including the following:

• Exposure to new cultures. The introduction of an au pair into the family is a great learning experience for everyone involved.
• Less paperwork. Nanny taxes and other paperwork associated with the employment of childcare givers will usually not apply.
• Flexibility. The flexibility of having someone reside with the family is one of the main benefits of participating in this program. Participants can work odd hours, travel with their host families, and literally act as a member of the family.

You can find someone to perform this type of childcare in one of several ways, including the following:

• Internet. There are several placement agencies, such as Great Au Pair; Au Pair Care; Au Pair USA; and the International Au Pair Agency.
• Word of mouth. If you know of others who have used or are currently using this type of childcare, ask for recommendations and advice.

There are several pluses associated with this type of childcare. For example:

• An au pair truly becomes a member of your family, affording bonding opportunities for everyone, especially your child or children.
• It eliminates the need for a day care and all of the risks that can go along with that.
• She can provide one-on-one childcare.
• She provides flexibility and dependability in unexpected situations.
• It may be more economical than typical childcare.

Of course, there isn't any childcare situation that is perfect. For example:

• Bad experience. Occasionally, the relationship between the host family and the participating student simply doesn't work out. This may mean that the family has to search for another participant, and the participant may need to look for an alternative situation.
• Limited time. Because the guidelines generally stipulate that she must return to her home country at the end of one year, emotional ties can make the parting hard for everyone involved.
• Differences. The language and cultural differences of using a participant from another country can make the initial communication between everyone difficult to handle.

Finally, once you've agreed to participate in the program either as an au pair or a host family, give it some time before you terminate the relationship.

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