Au Pair or Au Pairs

Au pair is a French term, which means “on a par” or “equal to”. An au pair (plural: au pairs) is a foreign-national domestic assistant working for, and living as part of, a host family. Typically, au pairs are young women who take on a share of the family’s responsibility for child care as well as some housework. They receive a small monetary allowance for personal use from the host family. As indicated by the meaning of the term “au pair”, the relationship is to be one of the equals. Rather than a domestic servant, the au pair is intended to become a member of the family, though a temporary one. Culture sharing can enrich lives of both the host family and the domestic assistant.

US regulations require an au pair placement to be a person between 18 to 26 years in age. Domestic assistant is allowed to stay 2 years in the United States and works for 5 days a week (or 45 hours). They get at least two full days off per week and also receive a reasonable allowance and a private room. At the same time, the au pairs are required to complete an educational component of six semester hours of academic credit or its equivalent.

An au pair is to be treated as an equal part of the family (not as a servant) and is not required to wear a uniform. Tasks can include taking children to and from school, taking children to after school activities, cooking, cleaning, ironing, and babysitting. Each placement varies depending on the host family. The au pair is given a monthly allowance and all expenses are paid by the host family.

Wanna-be potential au pairs must have the following :

• Age : 18 to 26

• Professional or practical childcare experience for at least 200 hours (if looking after a child under 2).

• One full year’s stay in the USA commitment and up to 45 hours of childcare a week commitment.

• Completed their secondary school education.

• Proficient in spoken English

• No criminal record

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