One of the most challenging decisions parents have to make is choosing the right childcare provider because the childcare provider they choose directly impacts the safety and wellbeing of their children. Parents need a caregiver who is trustworthy as well as offers the flexibility and affordability busy parents require.

Busy parents who need childcare have many options, and one affordable and flexible option that is available is hosting a live-in au pair. An au pair is a young person from abroad who comes to America to experience our culture and provide childcare for their host family. Au pairs are interested in experiencing and learning about American culture by taking part in the community, living with a host family, and taking local college classes.

An au pair can be a great childcare solution for many families, particularly families who love to travel and learn about other cultures. If you want to teach your children about the world and other cultures, a cultural exchange through an au pair is a great way to do so. You and your children can experience first hand the culture of another country as well as have reliable childcare.

Hosting an au pair is very safe because au pair programs in the United States are regulated by the U.S. Department of State. This gives parents who choose to host an au pair the peace of mind that their children are in trusted and qualified care. Au pairs live and study in the U.S. for one year on a J-1 cultural exchange visa that requires them to provide childcare for their host family.

The U.S. Department of State also requires that au pairs are between the ages of 18 and 26 and speak proficient English. Au pairs also must complete an application that includes personal references, references related to childcare, a criminal background check, a medical examination, as well as an essay about why they want to join the au pair program.

Hosting an au pair is an affordable option for many families with more than one child who would otherwise have to pay for both children to attend daycare or other childcare program. Hosting an au pair usually costs a few hundred dollars per week. Having an au pair will give your children a caring environment with one on one attention they cannot get from other childcare options.

Au pairs provide flexible and affordable childcare and also teach children about other cultures and the world around them. Hosting an au pair allows you to help a young person experience the American culture, helps your children learn about another culture, and gives you a great childcare solution.