Its that time of year again… An email from the AuPair agency reminds me to “start my search” for my familiy’s next AuPair. Every year, I reassess the program, and again this year I have decided in favor of an AuPair for my childcare needs. Here are the top 5 reasons that I choose to use an AuPair for childcare:
1. Excellent childcare & flexible-
An AuPair will provide 45 hours per week of in home childcare. The do not do housekeeping. The just have fun with your family, help with homework, go to the park, play barbies and games, and participate as a family member for the year they are with you! They can drive, take to and from school and after school activities…everything most parents need in a childcare provider. In home care means flexibility….that means you can go for a run….outside….at 6 am. Awesome! You can meet a friend after putting the kids to bed. Love it! You get stuck at work …it’s covered. Just keep within the work hour regulations and remember your kids want to see you too!
2. Wonderful cultural exchange –
The wonderful AuPairs that have stayed with my family have all been from Germany. There are AuPairs from everywhere! I choose Germany, because my kids are in a bilingual language magnet program (german, obviously). Our AuPair speaks to the kids in German and helps them with their German homework, and we learn a bit about Germany while she learns about the US. AuPairs must take college classes during their year. They have a great time meeting new people, getting out of the house. It is a great way for a young woman to learn important career skills and become independent!
past and present Au Pairs on vacation with my kids at disney this year
3. Au Pairs are good role models for my children-
Strong, independent young men & women who take initiative to leave their homeland for a year to gain a cultural experience, language skills and polish their college applications? These young men & women are AWESOME! Just what I want my kids to see!
4. Affordable childcare –
There are upfront agency recruitment fees and then a weekly stipend and educational stipend that are very reasonable. The upfront charges vary by agency. The weekly stipend is set by the government at $195.76 as this is an official government sponsored exchange program! Both the program and your AuPair have a tax ID, so you can deduct them and your AuPair can pay taxes.
5. Comprehensive package–
if you use an agency, they provide you with education, program guidelines, recruitment, help with interview, flight to and from US, a program coordinator with monthly meetings for your AuPair and help… even mediation if required. They also provide program materials, including a communication log and if needed, a program to find your AuPair a new home and you a new AuPair if things don’t work out. ( I have not had to do this!) Also, the AuPair is provided with health insurance.
Basically, I love the program and recommend it. I use cultural care AuPair and have been a happy AuPair host mom for the last 4 years! www.culturalcare.com
taken from www.culturalcare.com
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