“Au pair” means “on par” or equal. Au pairs and EduCare companions are international visitors who travel to the United States on a J-1 Visitor Exchange Visa to acquire a better understanding and appreciation of American life while living with an American family and caring for their young children. They become full-fledged family members, sharing a cultural exchange experience that often leads to a lasting relationship with the host family.

EduCare companions are au pairs who care exclusively for older children who are in school for a full five days a week. Au pairs on our standard or Extraordinaire programs care for children of all ages– infants from three months of age, pre-school and school age.

Child care is a meaningful way for international visitors seeking insight into American life to help their host families. Their responsibilities may include:

• awaking the children, dressing infants and toddlers, bathing and playing with the children
  
• preparing meals for the children, looking after their belongings, making the children’s beds, doing their laundry and straightening their rooms, cleaning up the kitchen after the children eat or straightening up the playroom once playtime is over
  
• driving children to and from school, appointments or outings as requested by the host family
  
• an au pair on the standard or Extraordinaire programs may be home while children are absent from school due to illness or holidays

The au pair/companion’s responsibilities do not include housework unrelated to the children such as cleaning the home or doing all the laundry. They are not professionally trained child care workers or capable of running an entire household when parents are absent for business or personal travel. Responsibility for the welfare of the children always remains with the parents.

Au pairs and companions make a commitment to participate in the program for 12 months. Those in good standing at the end of 12 months have an option to apply for an extension of duration of stay to continue their participation an additional 6, 9 or 12 months.

If you are eager to learn about another culture by hosting a young woman who, in turn, provides child care, then one of our program options can meet your expectations.