An Au Pair is an individual who lives abroad with a host family as an extended family member and not as an employee. These individuals provide child care services in exchange for room, board, pocket money, and contributions towards a language course.

An Au Pair is mature, independent, open-minded, flexible, has a passion for children and an overall positive attitude and outlook on life. Most Au Pairs participate in these programs to learn more about their designated country, embrace themselves in the culture, traditions, learn a new language and experience a different way of life.

Many choose to be an Au Pair because it allows them to have a smooth transition between their academic responsibilities and working life. Some simply take a “GAP” year and others become citizens of the world by participating in various Cultural Exchange Programs

Duties of an Au Pair in The USA

• Work 45 hours a week, no more than 10 hours a day
• Drive the children to school and extra-curricular activities.
• General supervision of the children
• Prepare meals for the children and/or family.
• Assist the children with homework/projects.
• Bath time
• Lay the children down for naps/bedtime
• Help dress and prepare the children for the day’s schedule.
• Assist with all child-related household chores
• Assist with household chores, do laundry of the children, keep the play areas and kid’s rooms tidy, keep common areas clean and tidy.
• You will also be asked to keep your own bathroom as well as the bathroom that the kids use clean
• It is your responsibility to keep your own bedroom neat and tidy

It is the responsibility of the Au Pair to also complete the Educational requirement of the program. The Au Pair therefore has to attend classes the obtain their college credits.

Duties that an Au Pair in USA may not do:

• Heavy housework (deep cleaning)
• Gardening, and lawn mowing.
• Caring for the elderly or handicapped adults.
• You will not be expected to run the entire household without another adult present. 
• Heavy grocery shopping.
• Take care of kids overnight.