GreatAuPair - Where care providers and families click™. Child Care Jobs & Caregivers: Nanny, Babysitter, Au Pair, Pet Sitter, Housekeeping, Tutor, Personal Assistant and Senior Care.
First-Time Families

Hiring the right aupair for your family can restore balance and peace to the typically hectic lives we’ve come to lead. Finding the right aupair requires thoughtful evaluation of the type of person that best suits your family. To assist you in forming a successful relationship with your chosen aupair, we have provided some general guidelines to give you an idea of what to expect when hiring an aupair for the first time.

  • Click for in-depth information on Au Pair and Nanny Salaries. The aupair’s average weekly salary for 40 to 45 hours of childcare is US$195.75.

  • An aupair’s living expenses, which include room and board, are covered by the family, unless the aupair requires unique dietary items for which she/he should be responsible. Also the aupair is responsible for all personal items such as toiletries, health supplements, hair care items, etc.

  • A private bedroom should be provided for the aupair. Extra amenities in the room such as TV, stereo, phone, computer, are not required. However, the more comfortable an aupair feels in your home, the more successful the arrangement is likely to be. If you put a little energy into creating a warm environment for your aupair, it is more likely that your aupair will feel genuinely welcomed and respond positively to your family.

  • The family can expect the aupair to pay for her/his long distance phone calls.

  • If the aupair is required to drive the kids to and from school and activities, and/or do the grocery shopping, the family pays for gas, oil and maintenance. The family can expect the aupair to pay for gas when she/he uses the car for her/his personal errands. Many car insurance policies cover houseguests driving your vehicle for limited time periods. There is also the option of adding your aupair to your insurance policy for the duration of their stay. Be sure to check with your insurer to make the most informed decision.

  • The aupair is generally responsible for her/his medical insurance/expenses unless the aupair arrives through an agency, in which case insurance is included in the fees paid to the agency by both the family and aupair.

  • Airfare for the aupair is usually negotiable. If the aupair does not come through an agency, families and aupairs often split the cost of a roundtrip ticket. If the aupair doesn’t have the money to pay for her/his half of the ticket up front, families can cover the cost and deduct the balance from wages. If the aupair comes to the U.S. through an agency, only the cost of airfare to New York is typically included in the placement fee paid to the agency by the family. You would then have to get the aupair from New York to your home.

  • We highly recommend that you ask for and check an aupair's references before making a committment to hire. In the event the aupair does not have previous aupair experience, ask for references from previous employers and/or teachers if they are recently out of school.

Tips for a successful relationship with your aupair

  • Keep in mind that there is always an adjustment period when you hire an aupair. Try to be patient and supportive and remember that your aupair is in an unfamiliar environment with all new people. A little bit of love and encouragement goes a long way.

  • Be specific about the aupair’s responsibilities and schedule. An aupair wants to find a family that can be trusted and who won’t take advantage of her/him.

  • Be clear about your expectations and if something is not going as you had hoped, talk to your aupair. Nine times out of ten, most situations can be resolved through open and loving communication.

  • Treat your aupair with the same respect and consideration that you would like to receive from her/him.

  • Try to remember that your aupair wants to feel like a part of the family. Include them in activities even when they’re off duty.
 
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