Screening is an important key to a successful placement and exchange experience. Au Pair in America utilizes a multi-tiered screening process to ascertain an applicant’s appropriateness for the program.

Applicants are interviewed in person by a trained interviewer whose name is provided on the Interview Report should a host family wish to contact the interviewer directly.

Regionalized training programs and written communications keep interviewers updated on program developments. The interviewers’ performance is monitored, and applicants are asked to complete an evaluation form about the interview.

During the interview, the interviewer assesses the candidate’s suitability for the program. They also verify the quality of spoken English and educational standard of each applicant.

Applicants provide at least three written references, one of which must be a child care reference. An academic reference is required for all EduCare applicants. Three references will be confirmed by telephone. References from relatives are not accepted as primary references.

Interviewers inquire as to whether the applicant has a criminal history and review the applicant’s Certificate of Good Conduct or police record clearance. It should also be noted that, before issuing the J-1 visa, United States embassies in the applicants’ home countries require them to answer questions about whether or not they have a prior criminal history.

Applicants are required to submit a medical report completed in part by a physician. Each medical report is reviewed, and any areas of concern are investigated prior to their arrival in the United States.

The final step in the interview process is a psychometric test administered by the interviewer. Au Pair in America utilizes the California Personality Inventory (CPI) test, which is used by numerous industries. The CPI test is one of the most intensely studied and researched of all personality instruments and is known for high reliability and validity. Although no test can accurately predict how a person will react in all situations, this test translates well across cultures.

The results are considered in conjunction with other documentation about the candidate, allowing us to gain a more well-rounded picture of the candidate and how she might fit into a family environment.

Au Pair in America pays interviewers for all interviews conducted, whether they pass or fail an applicant. Interviewers may charge a fee to an au pair for services, and the amounts are governed by local market standards.

All completed applications are reviewed by the program staff, who may telephone an interviewer or applicant directly to gain additional information or clarification.