You’ve researched all the child care options out there, and have decided to host an au pair. Your next decision will be an important one: Which agency will you choose to assist you in the au pair process? We know that you and your family have many options for child care — including other cultural exchange programs — so why choose Au Pair in America? A few key factors to consider include experience, support, and training.
Here are 10 benefits of choosing Au Pair in America as your cultural child care provider:
1. Experience
As the nation’s oldest legal au pair program, Au Pair in America was the first agency authorized by the Department of State to serve as sponsor for the au pair program. Since we began (in 1986!), we have helped over 110,000 host families to welcomes au pairs across the US.
2. Program Options to Fit Your Family
Whether your children are infants or school aged, Au Pair in America has the solution for your family. Choose from three unique program options: a standard au pair, an extraordinaire au pair, or an EduCare au pair.
3. APIA “Expert Match”
We will help you find the perfect au pair based on your family’s unique and specific preferences. View profiles online or have our placement experts select profiles for your consideration. Applicants ages range from 18 to 26 and they come from 55 countries across 5 continents, so you will have access year-round to a large selection of candidates and a wide variety of cultural backgrounds to help your family with child care assistance.
4. Screening
To ensure a selection of high-quality candidates, Au Pair in America has an extensive three-tiered screening process through our overseas and domestic offices. Our screening process includes a one-on-one interview, reference checks, medical reports, English-language assessment, personality assessment, and a criminal background check.
5. Training
Since 1986, our exclusive APIA orientation training has been designed specifically for what au pairs need to know most about health and safety while caring for children. Every au pair receives training on child safety and child development, as well as child focused Red Cross training course.
6. Service and Support
Every family is assigned a local, professional community counselor to check in monthly and provide ongoing support to you and your au pair. Au Pair in America community counselors are fully trained, pass a background check and receive professional development opportunities to ensure quality service and program compliance at the highest standard possible.
7. Education and Orientation for Host Families and Au Pairs
In addition to a comprehensive orientation before arriving to the U.S., once in your community, your au pair will have access to over 25 free online webinars developed for au pairs and led by our expert trainers. As a new Host Family, you will take part in an orientation prior to your au pair’s arrival. In addition, you are encouraged to attend our Cross-Cultural Communication Webinars and Host Family Days offered throughout the year.
8. Transition Support Services
While a very high percentage of au pair placements are successful, there are times when the match does not work. If, after the initial 30-day adjustment period is over, it has been determined that a placement needs to end, Au Pair in America works together with both parties to ensure as smooth a transition as possible. This includes online matching, interviewing help, and domestic or international flights for your replacement au pair.
9. Organizational Strength
Au Pair in America is a division of the American Institute For Foreign Study (AIFS), which has provided educational and cultural exchange and care programs for more than 60 years. Our resources and support surpass those of other top au pair agencies and enable reliable visa processing, comprehensive insurance for au pairs and discounts for host families interested in any of AIFS’s renowned programs.
10. Value
Compared to other designated au pair agencies, Au Pair in America offers the most value-added for au pairs and families. Some agencies charge for online courses, mandatory transportation fees and flights for replacement au pairs.
