Finding childcare options that work for your family can be challenging, but the good news is hosting an au pair can help. Did you know? The nation’s first au pair program, Au Pair in America, is based in Connecticut!
What is an au pair?
Au pairs are a popular childcare choice for Connecticut families. Perhaps you’ve met an au pair at the playground or school pickup and wondered about the program.
Au pairs are people aged 18 to 26 from around the world who travel to America on the Exchange Visitor Program for a unique cultural exchange experience. Since 1986, these program participants have been coming to the U.S. to better understand and appreciate life in the U.S. while living with an American host family and caring for their children for up to 45 hours per week.
Sound interesting? Read on! And one important point…when it comes to hosting au pairs, the agency you choose really matters. Recently named “Best Overall Agency” by Verywell Family (for the third year in a row!), Au Pair in America is a great option for Connecticut families.
Here are seven reasons that Connecticut families prefer hosting au pairs with Au Pair in America.
1. Support from the Start
Au Pair in America is committed to helping you find the best match to meet your family’s unique childcare needs. A member of the APIA Placement Team works with you throughout your matching process. They get to know you personally and will provide assistance with your search whenever needed.
2. Number One for Service
Au Pair in America prides itself on providing exceptional local support for au pairs and host families. What does superior support look like? Your APIA local Community Counselor is there to help you welcome your au pair into your home and support you throughout your match.
3. Customizable Schedule
The au pair’s weekly schedule is designed to be flexible to help families deal with changing schedules and evening or weekend hours. With up to ten hours per day and 45 hours per week of child care assistance, an au pair offers peace of mind for handling a busy schedule and “life’s little surprises.” Hosting an au pair takes the stress out of after-school activities, unexpected school closings, and sick days.
One host parent said, “Au Pair in America has given us great flexibility and peace-of-mind that we have a trusted person available to provide continuity of care as well as ’emergencies’ caused by last-minute changes in schedules, school closings, etc.”
4. Cultural Exchange – the Heart of the Program
Sharing traditions, learning a new language, and experiencing another culture are great ways to broaden a child’s knowledge and enrich their own global understanding. Au pairs love sharing food, holidays, and other traditions from their home countries.
5. Availability (and a large pool of candidates!)
Today’s parents face many challenges in securing childcare. Wait lists at daycare centers are longer than ever, and finding an experienced nanny or babysitter is no easier. With Au Pair in America, you’ll have access to the largest pool of candidates available, including au pairs from more than 50 countries around the globe!
6. Extensive Screening and Training
A common question from parents is how is my childcare provider screened and trained.
Every au pair must have at least 200 hours of recent, relevant childcare experience. Before entering the APIA candidate pool, each au pair must pass a comprehensive screening and background check.
Before arriving in the U.S., every au pair in the Au Pair in America program completes a rigorous orientation program featuring child development training, child safety training, and customized American Red Cross training (exclusive to Au Pair in America).
7. The Local Choice
Au Pair in America is proud to call Connecticut home. With corporate offices in Stamford, APIA is committed to helping local families find flexible, affordable childcare with a cultural flair.
