Recently, I came across a great article warning of the many untrustworthy ads for au pairs found on the web. Anyone who has searched for a job or a childcare provider (anything, really!) on the internet recently has come across deceptive or suspicious advertisements. While some of these are blatantly false, others are quite convincing. The prevalence of these types of ads once again underscores just how important it is to use a Department of State designated agency such as AuPairCare to host.The Department of State created the au pair program for just this reason - to protect host families and au pairs. I often hear complaints from participants about the program rules, and some of them are valid. Families who work four 11-hour shifts find themselves wondering why their schedule isn't within the guidelines that set the au pair’s maximum of 10 working hours per day. Au pairs often ask me why volunteer hours don't count towards their educational requirement. The answer comes down to Department of State rules, which are in place not to annoy or make life difficult, but to protect all involved.
When families and au pairs find each other informally on the web and not through and agency, each party is giving up a valuable layer of protection in the screening and background check of each party. Agency and partner abroad work hard to vet families and au pairs to make sure that they will have a suitable placement.
Another very important part of the puzzle is your local Area Director. She is your knowledgeable resource as problems or questions arise. In those rare occasions where, for example, a host family is requiring their au pair to work more than her allotted 45 hours a week, 10 hours a day, the Area Director can step in to counsel the host family on the proper guidelines and, if necessary, remove the au pair from the home if rules are not being followed.
When rules and procedures are followed, there is a greater chance that matches will be smooth and uneventful. Protect yourself by using an agency like AuPairCare, developing a strong relationship with your Area Director, and understanding your participant agreement to know your rights and expectations.
Posted by Erika Clark
Hampton Roads, Tidewater, Virginia, Chesapeake, Virginia Beach, Suffolk, Norfolk, Portsmouth, Hampton, Newport News, Poquoson, Williamsburg, nanny, childcare, babysitter, sitter, live-in, au pair, provider, AuPairCare, nannies, children, child, kids, multiples, twins, triplets
