If you’re considering hosting an au pair through Au Pair in America, one of the questions at the top of your mind may be, “How will my au pair be trained?” The answer: Au Pair in America’s top of class Au Pair Orientation program.
But what exactly is orientation, and how does it impact au pairs and benefit host families? Read on for more on this crucial step in the au pair experience.
1. What is Orientation?
Orientation is a comprehensive training program provided by Au Pair in America, specifically tailored to equip au pairs with the knowledge and skills they need to feel ready for their role in your family and as a visitor to the US.
2. Where is Au Pair in America’s Orientation Held?
The Au Pair in America Orientation Program uses a blended learning approach, including self-paced pre-departure training, complimented by an engaging in-person Orientation session, presented by Au Pair in America’s expert training team. This exciting learning experience takes place just outside New York City, and includes sessions on child safety, child development, and cultural adaptation. Au Pair in America participants also have the opportunity to enjoy a guided tour of New York City, a favorite for au pairs.
3. Why is Orientation Important?
The importance of the Orientation Program cannot be overstated. It serves several crucial purposes:
→ Child Safety and Development Content
In addition to an au pair’s previous child care experience, the Au Pair in America Orientation program includes eight hours of child safety training and 24 hours of child development training. Safety is paramount, and this training ensures that au pairs are well-versed in child safety practices.
Participants must also complete a two-hour child safety course through the American Red Cross, and they are encouraged to obtain Infant/Child CPR and First Aid certification, with the costs covered by Au Pair in America. These skills are invaluable in emergency situations.
→ Cultural Adaptation
Au Pair in America’s in-person orientation session gives au pairs the opportunity to adjust to their host country, before they make their way to your home. This is a chance to recharge after a long journey and begin to familiarize themselves with this new culture.
→ Bonding with Au Pair in America and Each Other
A final benefit of the Orientation program is the chance to reinforce their commitment to the Au Pair in America, and forge relationships with their fellow au pairs – relationships that often become lifelong friendships.
4. The Impact on Au Pairs and Host Families
The Orientation Program has a huge impact on both au pairs and host families. For au pairs, it instills confidence and competence, ensuring they are well-prepared to provide excellent care for their host children. It equips them with essential skills, enhances their cultural understanding, and boosts their overall readiness for the au pair program.
Au pairs tell us that Au Pair in America’s Orientation program helps them feel prepared for their exchange experience.
Orientation was probably one of the best ways to settle into the US. It really helped me to get some ideas about how to entertain my host children. And also gave me the opportunity to meet some other people from around the world who were also going to be taking part in their own au pair journey… During Orientation, we sat in on meetings that helped us to get a better idea what exactly we were in for upon arriving at our host families’ homes. It also gave me the chance to catch my breath after flying half way around the world. That way, I wasn’t such a zombie for meeting my host family for the first time! – Nicole, a former au pair from New Zealand
For host families, this rigorous training means greater peace of mind. When your au pair arrives, you can trust that they are not only capable but also committed to the safety and well-being of your children.
The Orientation program offered by Au Pair in America is a fundamental step in the au pair journey. It prepares au pairs to be skilled, responsible caregivers, providing host families with the assurance that they are welcoming a well-trained individual into their home.
