5 Problems with Child Care Right Now — and How Hosting an Au Pair Can Help

Parents across the United States are struggling more than ever to find child care that works for their families. With child care staff shortages and rising costs due to inflation, the current child care crisis is a major issue that is impacting parents, caregivers, and the economy.

These are some of the common problems with child care that parents are facing right now – and how hosting an au pair could solve them. 

1. Availability

Problem: Today’s parents face seemingly never-ending wait lists at many child care centers across the country. For those lucky enough to secure a spot, there’s still the fear of the facility dealing closures due to staff shortage or the rising costs of rent. Finding an experienced babysitter or nanny isn’t any easier; many providers have left the child care industry for higher salaries or are already juggling helping multiple families with child care.

Solution: Every week, families like yours are welcoming au pairs to their homes for a life-changing, live-in child care experience. And with Au Pair in America, you’ll have access to the largest pool of au pairs in the world. You’ll also have support every step of the way. Our placement services team can help you find the best au pair match for your family’s child care needs.

2. Flexibility

Problem: It can be especially difficult to find child care that works well for parents with untraditional work hours. If you work outside of the typical 9-5, or if you or your spouse have a work schedule that varies week to week, you may need to hire multiple child care providers.

Solution: Au pairs and families work together to create a customized child care schedule of up to 45 hours per week and 10 hours per day. Your au pair can also save the day when it comes to life’s little surprises (like snow days, sick days, and school closures). Instead of calling out of work or trying to find a last-minute sitter, you can rest easy knowing that your children are safe at home under the watch of your trusted au pair.

3. Consistency

Problem: One of the problems with child care right now is that providers, whether in-home or live-out, are in very high demand. Parents are having trouble finding consistent care and stability for their children. 

Solution: When you host an au pair, your children benefit from the stability of having reliable and consistent live-in child care assistance. Au pairs typically stay with families for one year, with the option to extend their stay in the United States for an additional year. Many of our host families rely on the au pair program year after year and host multiple au pairs as their children grow up. And as the nation’s first legal au pair program, Au Pair in America has the experience and longevity you can count on.

4. Value and Convenience

Problem: Child care costs across the nation are rising. Some providers may ask for a large deposit upfront, just to secure your spot on the waiting list. And with high staff turnover, those families lucky enough to get off the waiting list might not know who will actually be caring for their children.

Solution: The au pair program offers families amazing value. The cost of hosting an au pair is per family, not per child. Plus, with child care assistance right in your home, you could also save time and gas if you usually commute far for child care. Au Pair in America offers extended payment plans, corporate and military discounts, and you can create an account and start viewing au pair profiles at no cost or obligation. You’ll also have peace of mind knowing that your children are in safe hands. Au Pair in America requires our au pairs to have at least 200 hours of recent child care experience and pass a background check and rigorous screening process.

5. Quality

Problem: With staff shortages and long waitlists, some child care programs can’t guarantee your little one will receive the individualized attention they may need.

Solution: Au pairs are able to provide your child or children their undivided attention. Your children’s education and development benefit from one-on-one interaction with your au pair. Plus, hosting an au pair doesn’t just mean quality child care assistance — au pairs enrich host families through cultural exchange. Your children can benefit greatly from exposure to other cultures and customs, languages and global perspectives.

Is Au Pair in America the solution to your problems with child care? 

Give your children an enriching cultural exchange experience and simplify your family’s life.

Learn more about the benefits of hosting an au pair!