Training & preparation

We help au pairs and host families get ready for the experience.

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Comprehensive au pair preparation program

My Au Pair Courses

Au pairs complete a set of modules to prepare them for their training school curriculum.

Au Pair Training School

Au pairs attend Cultural Care’s online Training School, a 32-hour orientation program: live instructor-led courses, designed to help them be successful caregivers in the U.S.

Pre-departure workshops

Au pairs participate in readiness workshops in their home countries to better understand the expectations of American families and how they live.

Experienced Training School instructors deliver lessons in live formats

Health and safety at home and in the U.S.

Food and nutrition

Age-appropriate activities

Building self-esteem in children

Behavior management

Communication

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All au pairs complete CPR and First Aid training

They will receive their certification upon successful completion of a hands-on skills assessment and have free access to all course materials.

“The au pair training experience was great.

I loved it. The Training School staff really helped us to put the cultural differences in perspective and understand that things are done differently in the U.S. Also, going over the different development stages of the kids was really useful to figure out age-appropriate games and activities.”

— Emilia, au pair from Germany

Host family preparation program

Au pair program basics

Preparing your children

Welcoming your au pair

Household rules

Communication strategies

Cultural differences

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"The Cultural Care Au Pair program has changed our lives.

My husband and I have four kids 10 and under and live far from family. [With an au pair], as parents we are more fulfilled, and the kids are cared for. It is a perfect fit for our family dynamic."

— Zana, host mom in CA

Au pair training & preparation FAQs

Why do au pairs join the program?

Au pairs join our program for many reasons, but their primary motivation is the desire to connect with an American family and immerse themselves in American culture. They also seek to improve their English, make lifelong friends, explore the USA, and gain invaluable international work experience. Choosing an experienced au pair agency ensures that families find motivated and culturally enriched au pairs who align with their values and childcare needs.

How long is the au pairs’ training?

As soon as au pairs find a host family match, they are invited to join au pair online courses through a Training School cohort in the app. This training must be finished at least 14 days before they depart for the U.S.

In preparation for their in-person Au Pair Training School experience, au pairs also complete a set of self-paced, online modules. Then au pairs spend 4 days in instructor-led classes to support their success on the program.

In total, au pairs complete 32 hours of training to help them prepare for their time with their American host families.

What skills do au pairs gain from the training program?

At the Cultural Care Au Pair Training School, au pairs gain the essential knowledge and skills they need to provide great care for their host children and to make the most of their experience in the U.S.

On the practical side, au pairs complete a CPR and First Aid training from the American Heart Association and learn important safety protocols for both inside and outside the home. They are introduced to basic nutrition, meal and snack preparation, and strategies for keeping children healthy and well-fed. Au pairs also collaborate with peers to develop creative, age-appropriate activities that encourage learning and build confidence in their host children. Topics like behavior management and fostering self-esteem are covered.

Equally important are the soft skills au pairs develop during training. Instructors lead discussions on effective communication, cultural awareness, emotional preparedness, behavioral management, and the dynamics of American family life. These sessions help au pairs feel more prepared to build strong relationships with their host families and successfully adapt to a new culture.

How is your au pair training adapted for different childcare age groups?

While the majority of the Training School topics are relevant for all au pairs, the curriculum is age-specific for the units on age-appropriate activities, childhood nutrition, and behavior management.

During the age-appropriate activities unit, au pairs spend time with peers who will care for kids in the same age group. Together, they discuss the developmental milestones to look out for and encourage, collaborate on age-appropriate games and activities, and exchange ideas.

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