What is an au pair?

An au pair is a young adult from a foreign country who comes to the US to provide live-in childcare to an American family. You probably already knew that.

You might not realize that au pairs are much more than domestic employees. They’re part of a vibrant cultural and educational exchange program (sponsored by the US Department of State). You don’t “hire” an au pair; you become her or his “host family.” In addition to providing up to 45 hours of childcare per week, your au pair becomes part of your extended family, participating in most family meals, events, excursions, and vacations.

The au pair also receives room, board, and a small stipend from the host family in exchange for providing childcare. They can also fill other responsibilities, including:

  • Dropping the children off and picking them up from school or activities
  • Helping children with homework
  • Assisting in keeping the children's rooms clean
  • Preparing snacks for the children

Your children—and your whole family—benefit from this authentic, long-term cultural exchange, gaining insight into the culture, customs, food, and language of your au pair’s home country. And because your au pair stays with your family for at least one year, and up to two years, you’ll enjoy a consistent, long-term relationship that’s not always possible with other childcare options.

Requirements to be an au pair

“Au pair” has a very specific meaning in the United States, defined by the Department of State. Every au pair who comes to the US must be sponsored by a State Department-approved program, like Au Pair USA, and must:

  • Be between the ages of 18 – 26
  • Be able to speak English
  • Commit to at least 12 months with the host family
  • Receive training in child safety & development
  • Have at least 200 hours of documented infant childcare experience, if caring for a child under 2
  • Have an international driver’s license
  • Complete at least 6 hours of academic credit during their time in the US

Au Pair USA screens and interviews all applicants to our program thoroughly to make sure that they can meet these requirements. Equally important, we evaluate their character, disposition, and work experience to make sure that they will provide loving, patient, and quality care for your children.

Learn more about our screening & matching process

Review Au Pair USA’s affordable rates and payment plan

Learn about host family responsibilities

Apply to become a host family