Hosting an au pair has been an amazing experience for many American families, but the program is not right for everyone! You should consider hosting an au pair if the following statements are all true:

• You are looking for a reliable, flexible, and consistent caregiver for your kids.

• You are excited about welcoming a young person from abroad into your family, sharing American culture with them, and supporting them throughout their stay in the U.S.

• You are willing and able to provide a private bedroom, at least three meals a day, and other amenities to make their stay more comfortable.

• You are a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, and so is your partner (if applicable).

• All adults living in your household would pass a criminal background check.

Cultural Care au pairs come from 30+ different countries around the world, including Central and South America, Europe, South Africa and Asia.

Each au pair profile provides valuable information to help you find the perfect match for your family.

1. Childcare Experience: Look for relevant experience, especially if you have an infant. Au pairs with at least 200 hours of experience caring for children ages 0-2 years are considered “infant-qualified” and you can filter for them in the app.

2. Driving Experience: If driving is required, review their driving history and experience, including how long they’ve been driving and in what conditions.

3. English Proficiency: All au pairs must demonstrate English proficiency during their interview but there is variability within that range. You can review au pair’s score in their profile and use the interview to further assess their English competency. (Remember, an au pair’s English will improve very quickly during their first few weeks in the U.S.!)

4. Swimming Ability: If strong swimming skills are important to you, check their profile to learn more about their swimming abilities.

While these qualifications are important, remember that personality compatibility is key to a successful au pair experience, too. We recommend looking at an au pair’s NeuroColor personality assessment and using the interview to gauge whether or not they will be a suitable caregiver for your family.

All Cultural Care au pairs must undergo a multi-step screening process and training program before joining their host families. During our screening, au pairs undergo a personal interview, reference check, and criminal background check. They also submit a detailed profile including their childcare experience, family background, and certificate of health.

Before traveling to the U.S., au pairs are required to complete a 32-hour online training and orientation program to review child safety and development. Part of this training includes an online CPR and First Aid course provided by the American Heart Association.

Once your au pair arrives, setting clear safety protocols and expectations is key. Regularly communicating with your au pair helps maintain a secure and positive environment for your children.

The Cultural Care app makes matching with au pairs easy! After signing up and creating your profile, you’ll be able to search for au pairs in the app and use our filters to narrow down your search. You can favorite the candidates you like best and start a chat or video call right through the app. Once you find a great match, you’ll extend an offer to join your family. (Au pairs can initiate a match, too.) And if you have questions or need help along the way, our team of Matching Specialists is available throughout your search.

Establishing clear expectations with your au pair is critically important to a successful time together. To help you get started, we suggest using the "Let's Plan" communication journal that you will receive from us by mail at the beginning of your program term. This booklet has space to share information about each of your children, a weekly schedule, and daily instructions and notes. You can also use a shared calendar or other digital solutions to outline on-duty hours and tasks. Whatever approach you decide to use, this will serve as a foundation for your au pair’s responsibilities and helps to avoid misunderstandings.

Additionally, to help you establish a clear set of rules and limits with regards to your home, Cultural Care provides a customizable "Household Rules" document accessible through our app.
 
It’s equally important to discuss these expectations openly before your au pair arrives. This conversation ensures mutual understanding and gives your au pair the opportunity to ask questions or seek clarifications. Setting this framework early on helps create a positive, productive relationship for both your family and your au pair. 

Fostering open communication with your au pair begins with regular check-ins to discuss daily routines, expectations, and challenges. Creating a respectful and welcoming environment for dialogue helps your au pair feel comfortable sharing their thoughts and feedback. 
 
Encourage your au pair to voice any concerns or ideas they may have, and approach these conversations with patience and understanding. By maintaining open, honest communication, you’ll build trust and strengthen your relationship, ensuring a positive experience for everyone involved. 

A positive cultural exchange begins by embracing your au pair’s background and finding ways to incorporate their culture into your everyday life. Be sure to ask questions about their life back home, and encourage them to share traditional recipes, celebrate their holidays, and teach your family new words in their native language. 
 
At the same time, it’s also important to share your own family’s culture and traditions. Involve your au pair in your holiday celebrations, introduce them to local customs, and make them feel like a valued part of your family. This mutual exchange fosters a deeper connection and creates a rich, rewarding experience for the whole family.