Hi P.,
As the LCC (local childcare coordinator) for Cultural Care Au Pair, I'd be glad to personally answer any questions or concerns about the program. Let me attach a FAQ I prepared that may help with your research. I'll be standing by to assist.
What's an au pair?
Au pairs are foreign exchange students, young women (and men), ages 18-26 primarily from Europe & Latin America (Asia, Africa and Australia available too), that want to spend a year or more with an American family (at least 1 parent is a US citizen or green card holder). We recruit au pairs from more than 35 countries around the world. Some of our largest recruitment countries include Germany, Brazil, Czech Republic/Slovakia, Poland and Sweden. They are fluent in English as well as their native language.
How is an au pair different from a nanny?
In exchange for a private room, board, a $158 weekly stipend and an annual educational allowance of $500 they'll provide up to 45 hours of childcare (and related childcare duties) as a live-in nanny. They are in the USA on legal J-1 visas for up to 2 years but can also travel domestically or abroad with minimal paperwork. They are required to attend monthly au pair meetings, quarterly safety trainings and obtain 6 hours of credit from an accredited school/college annually. They are screened, medically insured and experienced.
I travel overnight and work varied hours. How long can they be on duty?
Au pairs can be scheduled up to 10 hours a day, so overnights are possible. Some families opt for two au pairs if they need round the clock coverage for extended travel or if both parents have 'on-call' careers. Morning/evening split shifts are quite common for school age children so you can schedule coverage during the times you need.
Can they drive? Do we need to provide a car?
Drivers are a frequent request and they're certainly available. However, there is no need to provide a dedicated vehicle. Having access to a car for their duties is convenient for many households that don't have mass transit options nearby. If you're located in an urban area with public transport then a non-driving au pair could work as well.
Doesn't this whole process take ages? I need someone ASAP!
In-country placements are available for more immediate needs or you can be matched with an overseas au pair that will typically arrive in 3-5 weeks.
How picky can I be when I apply? Interviews are essential.
You may list preferences for age range, male/female, non-smokers, drivers, infant qualified (additional certification to care for children ages 3 mos-2 years), swimmers, first aid trained, education level and a language or religious preference from dozens of countries! Just decide what are must-have traits, nice-to-have skills, as well as what you don't want. Once matched, you may interview extensively before accepting a candidate. No program fees are due until flights are booked and they are on their way.
What if the au pair gets homesick or needs to leave?
Although this happens infrequently, in-country extension aupairs or replacments can be matched to fulfill remaining weeks or months of service. The local childcare coordinator (LCC) also serves as a mediator as needed to resolve miscommunications.
Can I use my Flexible Spending account from work for tax breaks?
Statements can certainly be provided to submit claims to tax-free accounts for childcare. Cultural Care also posts its tax ID for dependant care expenses for filing income tax.
OK - sounds good, but whats the bottom line on the cost?
Costs average out to $300 a week over a year and the initial program fees can be charged to a credit card over 4 payments if desired. Expect a $350 application fee, $7095 program fee to CCAP and the weekly $158 stipend and annual $500 educational allowance will go to the au pair/college. Rates are the same regardless of the number, ages of children or special needs accommodations. The stipend can only increase if the US gov't raises minimum wage.
Are there promotions or discounts?
There are ongoing discounts available for qualifies families and seasonal promotions/open enollment may also be available. Visit http://l-lehmberg.local.culturalcare.com/default.asp?mode... for current offers.
To learn more or apply online, visit www.culturalcare.com or feel free to contact me, L. O. via email for an e-brochure or call locally - I'll be glad to assist. ###-###-####.
