{"id":147,"date":"2016-09-30T07:00:17","date_gmt":"2016-09-30T07:00:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blogs.aupairinamerica.com\/dcg\/?p=147"},"modified":"2016-10-02T03:32:25","modified_gmt":"2016-10-02T03:32:25","slug":"education-requirements-for-au-pairs","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blogs.aupairinamerica.com\/dcg\/2016\/09\/30\/education-requirements-for-au-pairs\/","title":{"rendered":"Education Requirements for Au Pairs"},"content":{"rendered":"
\"Photo<\/a>

Photo Credit: CollegeDegrees360 (Flickr)<\/p><\/div>\n

By Catherine McEaddy-Holmes<\/p>\n

Required Credits<\/h2>\n

Au pairs are required earn at<\/strong>\u00a0least six academic credits during their year by completing classes\/courses at accredited US post-secondary colleges and universities.\u00a0<\/strong><\/h4>\n

6 academic credits = approximately 8 CEUs = approximately 80 classroom hours\u00a0<\/strong><\/h4>\n

Universities and colleges use several different systems for credits, and au pairs\u00a0use any combination of academic credits, CEUs, or hours as long as they add up to the required number of hours. (The absolute minimum is 72 classroom hours.)<\/p>\n

Accredited Schools<\/h2>\n

For a list of classes approved for your DC-area cluster, click on this link<\/a>.<\/strong><\/p>\n

If you want to take a class from a school not listed on the cluster blog, check with your Community Counselor first to make sure it is accredited. Otherwise, it will not count toward your education requirement.<\/p>\n

Choosing Classes<\/h2>\n

Be flexible. Remember that your childcare responsibilities come first. Class schedules need to be arranged with your host family and around your childcare duties. Your favorite class may not be available when you are. Schools vary in what they offer, but most offer a wide range of choices and offer day, evening, and Saturday classes.<\/p>\n

The APIA Advantage UCLA Course<\/strong> <\/a>is the only State Department approved class with an online component. No other online classes are accepted.<\/p>\n

Tuition<\/h2>\n

Your host family will pay an education allowance of $500 to assist you in completing your education requirement.\u00a0There are a few ways to get your credits for just your education allowance, but choices are limited. Normally au pairs will contribute some of their own money ($200+) towards their education.<\/p>\n

Transportation<\/h2>\n

Your host family\u00a0will provide transportation, including gasoline, parking, or public transportation costs, to and from your classes in your community until you complete your education requirement.<\/p>\n

Travel Classes<\/h2>\n

Au pairs should only take one \u201cweekend\/travel\u201d course for their education requirement. These courses usually meet for one or several weekends and involve travel. They are clearly marked on the Au Pair Education Options<\/a>\u00a0post.\u00a0Using only \u201cweekend\/travel\u201d courses to meet your education requirement could result in the denial of your extension application (should you decide to extend.).<\/p>\n

Education Proof<\/h2>\n

Submit any of the following as proof of your education:<\/p>\n