Cost of Hiring an Au Pair in the USA and Key Considerations

The term 'au pair' roughly translates to 'on par' or 'equivalent trade.' Essentially, this arrangement involves a young person living with a family and exchanging childcare or household help for room and board, and often a small allowance. The decision to hire an au pair requires careful thought and planning.

Overview of Au Pair Arrangements

I haven't personally hired an au pair, but my sister did so for about 16 years. She utilized a reputable agency that successfully matched families with au pairs from other countries. The application process is thorough, with both the family and the au pair going through a prescreening stage to ensure a good match. The agency also provided support in terms of immigration issues and helped in arranging additional privileges for the au pair.

Here's what you can expect when hiring an au pair through an agency:

Monthly stipend: The family provides a monthly payment for their au pair. Living arrangements: The family offers a private bedroom to the au pair. Support services: The agency typically covers expenses like obtaining a driver's license and attending college classes if desired. Social activities: The agency facilitates social interactions with other au pairs, promoting a sense of community.

Cost Considerations and Hiring Process

When considering hiring an au pair, the first and most important decision is choosing an agency. They will have detailed pricing information, as well as the necessary regulations and procedures in place to make the process smooth. The costs can vary, but typically include:

Placement fee: This is the fee charged by the agency for matching you with the au pair. Stipend: The monthly allowance provided by the family to the au pair. Living and working conditions: The agency will ensure that the living and working conditions are safe and suitable.

Important points to keep in mind:

Au pairs are not slaves: They are young, often inexperienced in childcare, and should be treated with respect and fairness. Hours: The typical work schedule is around 30 hours per week, which can be flexible depending on the family's needs and arrangements. Responsibilities: The primary responsibility of the au pair is to watch and care for the children. Expectations for housework may vary and should be clearly defined. Social life: Au pairs should have the opportunity to engage in personal activities, such as learning English, attending social functions, and traveling on weekends.

Key Takeaways

To successfully hire and work with an au pair, consider the following:

Choose a reputable agency for placement and support. Understand and respect the legal requirements and regulations. Ensure the au pair's living and working conditions comply with the agency's standards. Communicate openly about expectations, responsibilities, and personal boundaries. Treat the au pair as an equal and part of the family, rather than an employee or slave.

By taking these considerations into account, you can make the most of the au pair program and create a positive and mutually beneficial experience.