Live-in babysitters are growing in popularity as single parents and two-career couples struggle to find ways to provide care for their children. However, parents are understandably worried about letting a stranger care for their children. In an effort to make childcare more personal, a growing number of families today are choosing au pairs as a way to find pre-screened childcare workers.

Do You Have a Method for Prescreening Your Childcare Provider?

A single father from a Phoenix suburb recently lived through one of a parent's worst nightmares when he came home to find his toddler son had been kidnapped by the 19 year old live-in babysitter he had found on Craigslist.

The boy was recovered unharmed a day later and the woman was taken into custody. However this was not a happy ending as the toddler was turned over to Child Protective Services after police determined that the father's actions in hiring the babysitter were neglectful.

You see, the "19 year old" was actually a 15 year old runaway described by police as a suspected drug user. The father had apparently done no verification of her background or references before allowing her to move into his home and care for his son.

How Can a Parent Find Dependable Childcare?

A growing number of families are facing the problem of finding dependable childcare. Although it's great when you can find the "friend of a friend" babysitter, most people have to look for other options. Many families don't have the resources to do their own background checks and nanny agencies are very expensive.

One option is to host an au pair, a young woman or man from another country who wishes to visit the United States. The program provides flexible in-home childcare at a cost far less than hiring a nanny.

The au pair program is strictly regulated by the US Department of State and most agencies have even more stringent restrictions than are required by law. Agencies check references, perform criminal background investigations, and carry out other evaluations so that host families know they are getting safe and reliable childcare.

Other requirements include English proficiency and good health. Candidates caring for children under the age of 2 must have at least 200 hours of childcare experience.

Au Pairs Bring More than the Average Babysitter

Host families get so much more than just in-home childcare. The families are exposed to a foreign culture, customs and language and have the opportunity to share American culture with someone who is interested. In fact, cultural exchange is the driving force behind the program.

Most agencies offer extensive support to both the au pair and the family that includes orientation meetings, cultural activities, and help with any problems that may arise.

The au pair program is a wonderful way to find a caring and trustworthy person to help care for your children while brining compassion, warmth, and cultural enrichment to your family.