Interested in learning about what it means to host an au pair? We recently spoke to Au Pair in America Community Counselor and host mom, Natalie from Washington, DC about childcare costs and accessibility. In this brief interview, she explains that due to the affordability and cultural exchange aspect the au pair program offers, choosing Au Pair in America was a no-brainer.
Read on to discover how Natalie’s au pair compares to other childcare options in the DC area.
Robin: Hi everyone, I’m Robin Leon with the team at Au Pair in America and I’m here with Natalie. Natalie is a Community Counselor with Au Pair in America and a host mom in the Washington, DC area. Hi, Natalie.
Natalie: Hi there, Robin.
Robin: Thanks for joining us.
Natalie: Yeah, I’m happy to talk about the program and my experience.
Robin: Let’s start out with a topic that is really top of mind for parents today.
Can you talk a little bit about childcare costs in your area [of Washington, DC]?
Natalie: Yes. Childcare costs in the Washington, DC area are astronomical, and they’ve always been quite high, but they’re only going higher. My friends and neighbors with infants are spending around $3,000 a month for one child for daycare, which is $36,000 a year. So it’s incredibly expensive in the D.C. area for childcare.
Robin: Well, it sounds like costs are high and on the rise. Can you talk a little bit about the accessibility of childcare in the DC metro area?
How available is childcare in your area?
Natalie: I know for daycare, there are often very long waiting lists. There’s still a waiting list even for families who are willing to pay $3,000/month for daycare. And for any sort of subsidized care—through employers, the federal government, or the military childcare development centers—the wait can be incredibly long. So, it’s almost not even an option because it’s not accessible for a lot of families.
Robin: Well, it sounds like you have to get on the waitlist for the privilege of paying these high rates for childcare—so tough for parents.
Why did you choose to host with Au Pair in America?
Natalie: My reasons for choosing to host an au pair are primarily focused on having older children—the activities, the drive time, the conflicting needs. One child needs to be in one area and the other child needs to be in the other area at the same time. I need another member of the team to help cover getting the kids to where they need to be.
Also, what’s really important to me and my family is the cultural exchange piece. I wanted someone who could come to us with their life experience and cultural experience and give that gift to my family. Also, I wanted someone who could be sort of an older sibling—have that dynamic with the kids and be an influence in that way. And hopefully someone that we have a lifelong relationship with. So that’s what brought me to this childcare option.
Robin: I love that you mentioned the cultural exchange component—that, as we say, is the beating heart of the au pair program. And I love that feeling of having an older sibling for your kiddos. It’s a really nice part of the program.
My last question for you is, going back to the cost component… Au Pair in America fees are per family, not per child. How did that impact your decision-making?
Natalie: So, having the cost of an au pair be per family and not per child makes it a much more affordable option for families in the DC area. If you look at daycare costs, it’s per child, and those are astronomical for one child. So having [the Au Pair in America program] be the same cost for one child as for six children is really a selling point when it comes to affordability.
Are you a parent in Washington, DC worried about childcare costs for one or more children? Au Pair in America offers dedicated, live-in options that are sure to change your and your family’s lives for the better!
At Au Pair in America, we know how difficult it is to find affordable, quality childcare. Our team is dedicated to helping families like yours match with an au pair who’s suited to the specific needs of your family. As an Au Pair in America host family, you’ll take comfort in knowing you’ll receive the services of a personalized support team, while still saving money on childcare. Read more about au pair program fees here, or see if you’re eligible for a discount.
