The Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Right Au Pair Agency for Your Family

Finding the right au pair is a big decision. It involves welcoming someone into your family and home, and you want to ensure both parties are comfortable with the arrangement.

You can read au pairing horror stories all day, but most of these problems can be avoided with clear communication between the host family and au pair. The key is finding a reputable agency that you can trust.

Do Your Research

There are many things to keep in mind when choosing an agency. First, you’ll want to ensure they take the matching process seriously. This means that they will help match au pairs with families based on mutual interest and that the agency has a success rate (and that you won’t have to pay for an unsuccessful placement).

Another thing to keep in mind is how much support the agency will provide once your au pair is placed. Many agencies will offer ongoing support and advice and monthly check-ins with an agency counselor to ensure everything goes smoothly.

You’ll also want to ensure that the agency you choose has a strong safety and security policy, which is vitally important when finding the right au pair for your family. Finally, it’s a good idea to ask plenty of questions during the interviews and to trust your instincts. This will help you find the perfect au pair for your family! Good luck! 

Be Honest

If you choose an au pair agency, you must be honest about your needs and what kind of personality you are looking for. Take your time finding an au pair just because you need someone immediately!

Consider essential things, such as childcare philosophies, household rules, and conflict resolution. It’s helpful to be clear about these things in your interviews to weed out candidates who won’t fit in with your family’s lifestyle.

Also, ask the agency about their background checks and safety policies. This is especially important for families, as it will help you feel confident in your children’s safety. Be sure to find out what training the agency requires from their au pairs. This will give you a good idea of how much they value the safety of their au pairs.

Consider Your Budget

There are many factors to consider when choosing the best au pair agency for your family. You need to consider your budget and how much you want to spend on an au pair. You also need to evaluate the level of support and help you will receive once matched with an au pair.

Some agencies offer different salaries, so you should compare the salary levels. It would be best if you also considered hosting an au pair who speaks the foreign language you are interested in. If you require your au pair to drive, you should choose an agency that matches you with candidates with a driving license.

Lastly, you need to ensure that the agency will provide you with a Local Counselor (LCC) who can help and advise you should any issues arise during your placement. You must also ensure the LCC knows your location and the surrounding area. This is because they can assist in finding an au pair who will be accustomed to your lifestyle and can commute easily to work and other activities.

Be Flexible

Having someone live in your home for a year can be a big adjustment. Before you hire an au pair, ask the agency how they will screen applicants to ensure that the people you interview are a good match for your family. They should provide you with a list of questions to ask and provide information on the applicant’s background and experience.

Also, consider how flexible you are with your au pair’s schedule. Do you allow her to take vacation days or flex her hours when needed? This flexibility is an essential part of the au pair-host family relationship.

Finally, be prepared to pay your au pair’s match processing fee, program fee, and weekly stipend. In addition, you will likely incur other costs such as food, car insurance, and utilities. The agency should provide a list of expected costs to help you budget accordingly. Be sure to talk to the agency about these fees during your interview and ask if there are any other costs you should be aware of.

Be Patient

Finding the perfect au pair isn’t a quick process. There’s much to consider, including family needs, budget, and expectations. When making a significant decision affecting the entire household, it’s essential to take your time and ask lots of questions.

Parents should look for answers demonstrating a proactive and calm approach to problem-solving. For example, if a child misbehaves or falls ill, a good au pair candidate will immediately contact appropriate medical professionals and follow any emergency protocols outlined by the family.

If possible, it’s also a great idea to speak with previous au pairs and families of the agency in question. You can learn a lot about the agency and its staff from these conversations, including whether or not they’re professional, thorough, and patient. You can also check if the agency has an LCC (Local Coordinator) in the country you’re looking to host an au pair in, which may influence the amount of support you receive from the agency throughout the au pair placement process. A good LCC can help keep things on track and in line during the match and integration processes.