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Childcare International Style
Is Au Pair Care Right for Your Family?
By Tracy B. McGinnis
Although costs for au pairs vary, the U.S. Department of State mandates certain costs (up to $500). The typical cost for an Au Pair is $12,000 to $15,000 annually. The weekly stipend is determined by the U.S. government, calculating the federal minimum wage less allowance for room and board.
It is important to note that qualifications, job responsibilities and costs vary according to the agency you sign up with, which is why it's equally important to research not only your potential au pair but the organization that is assisting you with placement.
One place to begin your research is with the International Au Pair Association (IAPA). Created in 1994, this organization provides au pairs and host families with information about programs. It also monitors and works to improve the quality of these organizations.
The IAPA's main goal is to protect the rights of all au pairs and host families and at the same time establish international guidelines for au pair exchange programs. It also provides a comprehensive list of 151 programs available in more than 41 countries, including the United States.
The IAPA serves au pairs and families with not only information but a place where they may voice their concerns, participate in conferences and seminars and establish guidelines for the conduct of business between au pairs and host families.
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Is Au Pair Care Right for Your Family? by kj247 on 11/08/2009 04:02PM
I have been a host mom & Local Childcare Coordinator with Cultural Care Au Pair for 5 years and have hosted au pairs from around the world. We have tried daycare & au pairs and would say that the au pair program is the way to go! As full time working parents, not only is it affordable for us, we truly enjoy live-in childcare and the flexibility of the au pair hours, as we set our own hours which include weekend, nights and several date nights a month. Also the cultural experience that my children receive is wonderful%u2026..my children get a %u201Cnew big sister%u201D to play with and they get to learn a language! I don't believe having an au pair is the answer for every family as each family is unique in their needs and desires for childcare and they need to assess their situation. But for our family having an au pair has been the best & rewarding option.
Is Au Pair Care Right for Your Family? by tmaskew on 11/05/2009 01:08PM
We have been with Cultural Care Au Pair through 4 au pairs and absolutely love the program and the benefits that the cultural exchange brings to our kids and the whole family. We do not plan to go back to outside child care.
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Is Au Pair Care Right for Your Family? by Jenn on 11/09/2009 10:57AM
I love the au pair program. We have been with Cultural Care Au Pair for 4 years. They have always found the right match for our family! We have been so lucky to have had such great childcare. My kids love our au pairs.