Going back to school can be both exciting and chaotic, for kids, au pairs and parents. To help ease the transition, discuss schedules, duties, and routines for the upcoming year.
Review:
- Au pair’s schedule
Have a calendar in the home with information about activities, doctor’s appointments, days off from school and other events, and, your au pair can mark her hours and any important dates for her as well. This way au pairs and families know what to expect and can plan together.
- The children’s schedule, including school and extracurricular activities
This may change week to week, but in general, there should be some consistency for school age kids. Discuss things like what time the kids need to be up and ready by, what the morning routine should be like, and what items kids may need for their extracurricular activities.
- Breakfast routine and types of healthy food to serve
- What to pack for lunch
- What to do when a child is staying home sick or school is cancelled
Discuss what to do in the event school is cancelled or the kids are sick, and how to plan for inclement weather. Make sure au pairs have all of the information they need, like doctor’s phone numbers, how to check for school cancellations and who to call to notify the school in case kids need to stay home.
- What to do when a child is late for school
See our handy printable notes here.
- After school routine (snacks and free time before starting homework)
What are your expectations for homework? Is there anything the kids may need special assistance with?
- Designated spot for school bags, lunch boxes and papers that need parent’s signature
If your au pair drives the children to and from school, make sure to discuss:
- Buckling seat belts or car seats securely
- What the pick up/drop off at school is like
- Making sure children get on/off on the right side of the car
Happy back to school! Learn more about au pair child care on our website, or contact one of our Program Experts at (800) 928-7247 or aupair.info@aifs.com.
