Are you curious about how to get started as an Au Pair in America host family? The time it takes to match with an au pair can vary. Think about it – one of the biggest appeals of hosting an au pair is that it is flexible child care designed to meet your family’s needs. Since every family has its own unique child care situation, it’s impossible to give an exact timeframe that it takes to match with an au pair.
It’s always best to plan ahead if possible so you have time to get to know your au pair and ensure that this is a fantastic cultural exchange experience for everyone.
There are four simple steps to becoming an Au Pair in America host family:
Step 1: Register and Apply
Your first step to becoming a host family is to register and create a free account on the Au Pair in America website. After you create your Au Pair in America account, it should only take you about 15 minutes to complete the host family application.
Once you submit your application, you can expect one of our Placement Coordinators to contact you to discuss your family’s child care needs. You will also hear from your Community Counselor, an Au Pair in America employee who is local to your area, for the first time. They will personally introduce you to the program, answer any questions you may have, and set up a time to meet.
Step 2: Match with Your Au Pair
Creating your free Au Pair in America account allows you to start searching a database of hundreds of au pair candidates online immediately. Your APIA Placement Coordinator is available to help you match with an au pair based on your family’s preferences.
Next, it’s time to interview your favorite candidates! You have the option to contact the au pairs directly via phone, WhatsApp or Skype, or you can use Au Pair in America’s free connection service.
After you select and match with your au pair, you’ll pick an arrival date that’s convenient for your family. Au Pair in America takes care of processing your au pair’s visa paperwork and booking their flight to the United States. Your au pair could arrive at your home in as little as 4 weeks!
Step 3: Prepare for Your Au Pair’s Arrival
Your Community Counselor will help prepare your family for your au pair’s orientation and arrival. You’ll have access to a plethora of resources to help you have a great host family experience. Before your au pair arrives, your Community Counselor conducts a Host Family Interview with you and each adult in your household will need to pass a criminal background check.
Upon arriving in the U.S., your au pair will attend a mandatory orientation programs. Au Pair in America orientations cover child development and customized CPR and child safety training from the Red Cross.
Once your au pair’s arrival is scheduled, you will receive information about making the necessary arrangements for your au pair to travel from the orientation to your home.
Step 4: Welcome Your Au Pair to Your Home
Your Community Counselor will reach out to you within 48 hours of your au pair’s arrival at your home. After two weeks, your Community Counselor will conduct an assessment to see how your au pair is adjusting to life in the States and how your family is adjusting to hosting.
The support doesn’t end there – when you host with Au Pair in America, you’ll also year-round local support and 24/7 emergency assistance throughout the program.
Start the New Year Off Right
Our best advice? Kick off 2023 without stressing over child care. It only takes a few minutes to create your host family account. You’ll be able to explore your au pair options and start viewing profiles right away.
Visit AuPairinAmerica.com and get started today at no cost or obligation.
Phone: (800) 928-7247
Email: [email protected]
Instagram: @theaupairinamerica
Facebook: @aupairinamerica
