Au Pairs and Nannies
"Au pair" is French for "on par," reminding host families that, although an employee, their international visitor is to be treated as a member of the family. The rules are clear: au pairs are provided a private bedroom, meals, remuneration tied to the minimum wage, one and one-half days off weekly plus a full weekend off each month, two weeks' paid vacation, and the first $500 toward the costs of required course work to be completed at an accredited institution of higher education in order to satisfy the requirements of the educational component of the program. Au pairs are not to work more than 10 hours a day/45 hours a week. They are not to serve as general housekeepers or assume responsibility for household management.
In August 2001 the regulations governing the Au Pair Program were amended to create a sub-category called EduCare. This component is specifically designed for families with school-aged children requiring limited childcare assistance. Au pairs participating in the EduCare component may not be placed with families having preschool aged children unless alternative arrangements are in place for these children. EduCare participants are not to work more than 10 hours a day/30 hours a week. They must complete a minimum of 12 semester hours of academic credit, or its equivalent, during their program. Host families provide the first $1000 to the au pair toward the cost of the educational component. All au pair participants are paid in accordance with the provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act. As a matter of administrative convenience for both the Department-designated sponsors and participating host families, EduCare participants receive 75 percent of the predetermined weekly wage that is required for au pair participants."
If you're looking for an au pair, you must find one through one of the approved U.S. Department of State.
For detailed information and a list of questions and tips refer to the US Department of State website at http://exchanges.state.gov/education/jexchanges/
A nanny is a broader term to refer to anyone a family employs to look after a child or children in the household. Nannies are usually residents of the United States who provide full-time or part-time child care. They can be live-in or live-out and may provide household upkeep services as well.
Au pairs and nannies do not have to be licensed.
*Provided by the US Department of State
- If you're hiring a nanny, you have a range of options. An online database, such as Nannies4Hire.com , word of mouth, nanny agencies, and job boards are all places you can find a nanny.
- Au pairs may speak little English causing a language barrier.