How much does it really cost to host an au pair?

It’s a common myth that hosting an au pair is only for wealthy families. That is simply not true! Our average weekly cost is just $340—and that’s per family, not per child. And Cultural Care is keeping their prices the same again for 2010—they have not changed since 2008. For an honest look at the financial implications of hosting an au pair, watch my video.

How does the matching process work?

After applying to host an au pair, the next step is the matching process to find the right au pair to meet your needs. Cultural Care offers three ways to match — personalized exclusive matching, consultative matching, or search and select matching. You can choose to use a combination of these options or the one you are most comfortable with. To learn more about matching, watch the video.

What do au pairs learn at the Au Pair Training School?

All Cultural Care Au Pairs attend an intensive training program in child safey and child development when they first arrive in the U.S. at our exclusive Au Pair Training School. To learn more about our rigorous curriculum, watch the video.

What are the unexpected benefits of hosting an au pair?

You may be surprised to learn about some of the many unexpected benefits of hosting an au pair beyond quality, reliable childcare. Watch the video.

Should I consider extending my year with my current au pair?

The extension program is a great opportunity for host families and au pairs to spend another year together. As a host family, there are many benefits to extending your year with your au pair. Most significant, of course, is the chance to secure another 12, 9, or 6 months of uninterrupted childcare coverage from an au pair that you know and trust. It is a relief to know that someone you’ve come to rely on can stay beyond her one-year term. For more details, watch my video.
 

What kind of support can I expect from my local coordinator during my au pair year?

Your Local Childcare Coordinator (or LCC) will be an invaluable resource to both you and your au pair during your year.  Not only does your LCC act as a liaison between you, your au pair and your Program Director, she or he will also provide advice as well as support throughout the year on practical issues. Watch the video for more details.

How much time should I be spending with my au pair?

Families often wonder how much time they should spend with their au pairs. There is no magic formula because every situation is different, but there are some general guidelines.

Because the au pair program is a cultural exchange program, au pairs expect to be part of an American family – meals, holiday, family activities. But your au pair will also want to be with her friends and experience American culture outside of your home. Through understanding and communication, you can find a balance that works for both of you. Watch the video to learn more.

Why should I consider hosting a Chinese au pair?

Au pairs from China tend to be older, more mature, well educated, very willing to take care of multiple children and help around the house and they have lots of experience caring for infants. Take a look at a Chinese au pair’s application the next time you are in the matching process — you may like what you see! Learn more by watching the video.

What’s the best way to handle my au pair’s curfew?

While your au pair’s primary responsibility while she is here is to care for your children, she is also here to make new friends, explore the U.S. and become more independent. So, it can be tricky to determine by what time she needs to be home each night. Watch my video to learn ways to ensure that your au pair’s curfew is fair to both your family and your au pair.

How do I know my au pair is ready to get behind the wheel?

If you are going to have your au pair drive as part of her responsibilities, there are some things you need to consider before she gets behind the wheel. You will want to review the driving information on her application, ask detailed questions during the interview process, and understand that roads, cars and rules of the road are different in the U.S. Once she arrives, review important safety information with her and take her out driving. Make sure you cover car seat use and set expecations about car use. Watch my video for more information.