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c_squared
Citizen
Username: C_squared
Post Number: 20
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Friday, July 18, 2003 - 12:09 pm: | 
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We are just starting a search for an Au Pair as an option for child care. I would like to know what experiences people have had with this option, how did you go about finding an Au Pair, what resources (online or off) you might suggest.
Thanks in advance. |
shoshannah
Citizen
Username: Shoshannah
Post Number: 172
Registered: 7-2002
| | Posted on Friday, July 18, 2003 - 8:06 pm: |
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We had an au pair about five years ago and were very pleased with the experience. We would have done it the following year, but there was a shortage of au pairs at the time (long story), and we just couldn't seem to get one. Since then, the shortages have been relieved because the au pair agencies have broadened their sources to include Eastern Europe and South/Central America. Anyway, what you have to do is select an "official" an au pair agency (they are regulated by the Federal government). The popular ones are Au Pair in America, Au Pair USA, and EF Au Pair. There are others as well. All have web sites, and you can download the applications. You need about three months lead time. My advice would be to find out which of the agencies is currently most active in Maplewood/South Orange (the popularity of each seems to run in cycles for no particular reason). Good luck! |
pfmfmfaf
Citizen
Username: Pfmfmfaf
Post Number: 28
Registered: 12-2002
| | Posted on Friday, July 18, 2003 - 9:12 pm: |
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We've had au pairs for 10 years now (since my oldest was 8 weeks old), and have been very pleased with the experience. It's not without its negatives, however. The biggest adjustment at first was having a relative stranger in the house, but we've since adapted. Another negative is that the au pair MUST leave after one year. We've still managed to stay in touch with many of our former au pairs, and even still see a couple of au pairs who've returned to marry their American significant others. Most families who've had au pairs have their share of stories to tell, but it seems to be pretty varied. Feel free to private line re: details (cost, agencies, etc.). |
silkcity
Citizen
Username: Silkcity
Post Number: 135
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Saturday, July 19, 2003 - 6:22 am: |
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Hi all, I have wondered about au pairs, too, so I hope people will answer on the board. Specifically, I wonder how much of his/her own space the au pair should expect/should have. Obviously, a bedroom is required, but what about a separate bath, etc? This may seem a small point, but if we can't fit another person with a reasonable amount of space given...well, it wouldn't be fair. Thanks! |
shoshannah
Citizen
Username: Shoshannah
Post Number: 174
Registered: 7-2002
| | Posted on Saturday, July 19, 2003 - 12:19 pm: |
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There are specific requirements regarding space, and the requirements are the same with each agency. I think that's part of the regulations. The au pair has to have her/his (there is a significant supply of male au pairs too!) own bedroom with a door that closes. Also, the regulations specify that that the room cannot be positioned in such a way that others in the family have to walk through it to access other parts of the house. It has to be completely private. It's okay if it's in the basement or the attic. They do not have to have their own bathroom. When the local coordinator does the home visit, you have to show her the room you have available for the au pair. Also, you have to take pictures of the room (as well as your family and house) to include with the dossier that the au pair gets about you. pfm: You say a down side is that they only stay a year -- I tended to think of that as a positive: at least you get a one-year commitment! With a local nanny, you never know when you'll get notice (or when they'll disappear). At least with the au pair system, you can prepare yourself and your children for the departure. Just as they get new teachers every year, they get a new au pair every year. |
pfmfmfaf
Citizen
Username: Pfmfmfaf
Post Number: 29
Registered: 12-2002
| | Posted on Saturday, July 19, 2003 - 9:37 pm: |
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Private bathroom for au pair definitely not required. Bedroom as shoshannah has described it--yes. We've even had to make sure it has a window and is properly furnished (bed, desk, dresser/closet for her/his stuff).
Some other details to consider:
1) Agency fee approx. $4000 per year, but includes au pair's airfare, health insurance (au pair can buy more), agency costs (community coordinator, etc.).
2) Weekly stipend $140 per week including two weeks vacation per year (usually mutually agreed upon times with host family).
3) $500 per year "educational" stipend--to be used for required classes (remember this is an educational/cultural exchange), and au pair must complete certain number of hours/weeks. Usually cannot be used for health club or exercise classes (but some families pay the fees anyway). If the money isn't used, it does not go to the au pair.
4) Au pair's work hours limited to 45 hours/week and/or 10 hours max/day.
5) Host family to provide room & board, car insurance (if applicable).
6) If au pair is to care for a child under 2 years of age, she/he must have certain number of hours childcare experience (I can't remember how many hours).
7) The au pairs must pay a deposit as well, to be returned to them after "successful" completion of the year.
Most families have "house rules," and the rules run the gamut. We have a few rules, and spending time with our new au pair at the beginning of the year, going over routines and rules helps to prevent many potential problems down the line.
Also, au pairs and families may have different agendas--families want reliable, responsible childcare; au pairs want a learning experience (which may mean traveling/partying). I can't say for certain, but it seems that some agencies do a better job of "prepping" the au pair for the duties of the year to come. The screening that the host families do is also critical, so ask many questions when telephoning an au pair candidate! All au pairs must have mandatory training in CPR, cultural adjustments, child development when they first arrive in the US.
All-in-all, we've found the experience wonderful, and can't imagine doing it any other way. |
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