All candidates for the program:
- are between the ages of 18 and 26.
- have at least 200 hours of recent, practical childcare experience such as regular babysitting for non-family members or assisting at a local school or youth group. Au pairs who care for children under the age of two will have a minimum of 200 hours of documented experience with children under the age of two.
- speak English to an acceptable standard.
- have earned a secondary school diploma or equivalent. Some may have completed university-level coursework.
- submit a medical report prior to entering the U.S.
- possess a valid driver’s license. In countries where attainable, we request applicants secure an international driver’s license. They may also be required to obtain a license in your state.
- have successfully passed a background investigation, which includes verification of schooling, references, psychometric test and a criminal record check (where available within the scope of the laws of a given country).
Au pairs and companions generally have no formal childcare training. For au pairs with formal training or two years of full-time childcare experience, refer to our Extraordinaire Au Pair program.