Au Pair in America Host Families, live-in child care and cultural exchange
Orienting an Au Pair to Your Home
 

The first three days an au pair is in your home is time for her to get settled and start to learn about your family, your home and your community. Here is a list of reminders to make those first few days smooth and productive.

Does the au pair have what she needs in her room?

  • Adequate storage space for her clothes and personal items
  • Adequate light to read and work by
  • An alarm clock so that she will be on time for work
  • Privacy
  • A way to personalize the room

Make time to review the child care questionnaire with your au pair.

  • Tell the au pair about favorite toys, food and activities
  • Describe your expectations of the care the children will receive
  • Write down the daily routine and au pair’s schedule
  • Explain your preferred method of discipline
Lay the groundwork for mutual respect and clear communication
Take time to get to know your au pair and ask her about her country
Discuss family customs, traditions and unwritten rules
Remember that you are a role model for how she relates to and supervises the children
Give the au pair emergency contact information and a signed emergency medical authorization
Review important safety measures
Give the au pair a thorough tour of the house with instructions on how to use all appliances
Provide a clear description of what you expect in terms of child-related household chores
Show the au pair around the neighborhood
Establish a day that you will pay her and times when you can sit down and talk
Take the au pair out for a test drive and point out local traffic control signage
Discuss your expectations regarding long distance calling and computer use
Express support for the au pair’s participation in Au Pair in America events and activities
Discuss convenient times for the au pair to attend classes
Establish your expectations regarding visitors and overnight guests to your home

 

 

 

 
 
Au Pair in America matches carefully screened young women and nannies from
around the world who provide live-in child care during a year-long cultural exchange.

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