US Au Pair Program Requirements for Family
Families are required to meet the following criteria in order to be accepted into the US Au Pair Program and receive an Au Pair on a J-1 visa:
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Family may only require the Au Pair to care for children aged 3 months to 18 years.
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Au pair to provide no more than 45 hours of childcare per week not more than 10 hours per day spread over 5 1/2 days per week. Au pair must have off one complete weekend (Friday night thru Mon morning) each calendar month.
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Au pairs must be provided with their own bedroom, and three meals a day.
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Host families must provide up to $500 towards the education requirement of 6 credit hours at a college or university. There are no specific class requirements, but the au pair must attend an accredited school.
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Families must allow their au pair to participate in activities sponsored by their agency's Local Childcare Coordinator once per month and attend one family day conference annually.
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Families must communicate with sponsoring agency's Local Childcare Coordinator at least once per month.
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Families must provide 2 references (non-family).
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Families must provide 2 weeks paid vacation to the au pair.
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Must pay the au pair a minimum weekly stipend of $195.75 per week, based on the FLSA.
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Understand that the au pair is not a housekeeper. She may perform chores related to the children, (i.e. putting away toys, cleaning rooms/bathrooms, laundry, etc).
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Must make a 12-month commitment.
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Family must live within 1 hour of the sponsoring agency's Local Childcare Coordinator.
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Family must be US citizens or legal permanent residents, fluent in spoken English.
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All adult members of the household must be interviewed by the sponsoring agency's Local Childcare Coordinator.
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Host family must pass background investigations including employment and personal character references.
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Family must have adequate financial resources to undertake hosting obligations.
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Family must include the au pair whenever possible in family meals, outings, holidays and other events.
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Host families and au pairs must sign an agreement detailing the au pair’s child care responsibilities.
See which agency is right for you, visit: Au Pair Premiere Program
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