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