Program rules

Family Commitments

Navigating the Au Pair program involves more than just rules; it’s about building a connection based on mutual understanding and genuine affinity. But how does it all unfold?

Responsibilities of the Host Family

Ensuring the success of the Au Pair program requires the host family to adhere to established rules and program guidelines. However, the relationship with the Au Pair should extend beyond obligations. It’s about treating the Au Pair as a valued family member.

Host families are expected to abide by both the Au Pair program rules and the contract signed with the Au Pair at the program’s commencement.

Au Pair Working Hours

The contract should specify the weekly working hours, the duties assigned to the Au Pair, and the compensation they should receive for their invaluable assistance.

If the host family commits, within the contract, to cover additional expenses such as language courses or transportation, it’s crucial to keep this in mind throughout the program.

Au Pair Allowance

Punctuality and a predetermined amount are key when it comes to providing the Au Pair with their allowance. While suggesting the Au Pair set up a local bank account for electronic transfers is common practice, the absence of strict regulations in the Au Pair program may complicate this process. Remember, the Au Pair receives an allowance, not a salary.

Emphasizing transparency in financial matters fosters a healthy relationship during the program, allowing everyone involved to focus on the cultural exchange experience.

Language Course for Au Pair

Empowering the Au Pair with language learning opportunities is key. The Au Pair’s daily schedule should flex around language classes, allowing them the freedom to focus without distraction. Transportation to and from the school should be provided if necessary.

Au Pair Vacation Time

Defining paid vacation for Au Pairs can be intricate. Typically, an Au Pair is entitled to around 2 or 3 weeks of paid leave annually. However, if the Au Pair spends holidays with the host family, this time might be interpreted as vacation. It’s crucial to discuss this matter before finalizing the contract.

Au Pair Days Off

Granting the Au Pair approximately 2 days off per week is standard in most countries, with at least one Sunday off per month. Additionally, the Au Pair should have the freedom to practice their religion if they so desire.

Au Pair Commitments

The Au Pair program harmonizes work and pleasure, yet the Au Pair is bound by certain responsibilities. While encouraged to feel like a family member, there are guidelines to observe.

Au Pair Responsibilities

Au Pair duties are tailored to the host family’s needs, but they should align with the Au Pair program’s framework, which primarily focuses on cultural exchange. The Au Pair should function as an older sibling to your children, with tasks not exceeding approximately 30 hours per week.

Establishing tasks, duties, and even the work schedule before signing the contract is crucial. The agreement should detail potential contentious issues during the program, including a precise description of tasks the Au Pair undertakes and the number of hours expected.

What Au Pair Should Do?

Au Pairs primarily engage in childcare, including babysitting, such as playing with the children, dropping them off at school, picking them up, preparing simple meals, maintaining their rooms, putting them to bed, assisting with homework, and laundry. Additionally, Au Pairs should participate in household chores, cleaning, and shopping, similar to other family members.

What Au Pair Should Avoid?

The Au Pair should not be treated as a nanny, house help, or cleaner. They are not obligated to attend to adult family members or cook for the entire family. Tasks like washing the car, mowing the lawn, gardening, taking care of pets, or cleaning windows are examples of duties the Au Pair should not be expected to perform. It’s essential to discuss responsibilities with the Au Pair before finalizing the agreement, ensuring a clear understanding of their role in the family. Although Au Pairs typically do not handle pets, it’s advisable to discuss potential responsibilities such as dog walking in advance.

Insurance

Securing insurance for your Au Pair hinges primarily on their nationality. It’s the Au Pair’s responsibility to organize insurance, it’s wise to ensure everything is in order, as the cost of unexpected medical intervention can be exorbitant.

EU citizens are in a relatively comfortable position. If covered in their home country, they can utilize public healthcare facilities abroad, akin to their homeland, with the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). Advisably, Au Pairs from EU countries traveling elsewhere within the EU should apply for EHIC before departure.

For Au Pairs outside EU countries or those seeking more comprehensive medical care, opting for private insurance is recommended. Crucially, this insurance must cover the entire stay, including travel to and from the host country, and should be arranged in the Au Pair’s home country.

Before commencing the program, inquire if the Au Pair has resolved insurance matters and whether they require assistance in this regard.

Program Cost

While the Au Pair program is often hailed as an economical alternative to private childcare facilities or hiring a nanny, the question remains: What are the associated costs of welcoming an Au Pair into your home?

Monthly allowances are customary, covering agreed-upon expenses. Additionally, providing accommodation, utilities (water, electricity), and often internet access are part of hosting an Au Pair. They reside with the family, sharing meals, making food another aspect of the upkeep costs.

Agreeing to cover additional expenses such as language courses, insurance, fuel, or other transportation costs is optional. Comparing the cost of hosting an Au Pair to alternative childcare options is challenging. Placing children in suitable care facilities is notably more expensive, especially for families with more than one child. Public or private childcare facilities don’t match the unique cultural exchange aspect offered by an Au Pair.

Moreover, the Au Pair program extends beyond cost considerations. Children benefit by learning a foreign language and, with a bit of luck, gain an older sibling-like figure. The program can kickstart lifelong friendships and is an excellent way to bring a bit of the world into your family’s home.

Agreement

The agreement delineates the terms of collaboration between the Au Pair and the host family. Sometimes a necessary document for visa applications, it’s still valuable to sign, even when a visa isn’t required.

The contract should outline the details of the collaboration, discussing specifics during a video conference with the Au Pair. Key points to address include:

  • Duration of the Au Pair’s stay – How long will your program last?
  • Start and end dates of the program
  • Pocket money amount
  • Vacation details for the Au Pair
  • Accommodation details for the Au Pair: description of their room, furniture
  • Working hours, and if possible, a schedule of activities
  • Travel cost details – who covers the Au Pair’s travel expenses, or do you share these costs?
  • Au Pair insurance – who will cover the insurance cost?
  • Au Pair’s responsibilities
  • Visa – if needed – and the cost of the Au Pair’s visa
  • Notice period in case of contract termination
  • Terminating the Au Pair program If you find that the Au Pair program isn’t suitable for you, or if your Au Pair doesn’t meet your expectations, you can terminate the program and end the Au Pair’s contract. The notice period should be predetermined (usually around 2 weeks), and both parties should respect it.