Requirements to becoming a host family

Cultural Care makes becoming a host family simple. The requirements were clearly explained, and we felt supported every step of the way.”

—Caroline, host mom in PA

How to become a host family for an au pair

U.S. citizenship

Host parents are U.S. citizens or legal permanent residents

English in the household

English is the primary language spoken in the home

Criminal background check

All adults pass a criminal background check

As a Cultural Care host family, you’ll provide your au pair with the essentials

Room, board & utilities

Host families are responsible for providing 3 meals a day and a suitable private bedroom for their au pair.

Transportation & insurance

Host families should provide au pairs with access to a car and car insurance as needed for childcare duties as well as a way to get to classes and activities.

Phone & phone plan

For communication during on-duty hours, au pairs will need a phone and American SIM card.

Up to $500 for education

Au pairs must take 6 credits while in the U.S., and families are responsible for paying towards their classes.

Au pair stipend & costs explained

Program fee1

$11,245

Minimum au pair stipend2

$10,179

Potential additional costs

Varies


Estimated yearly total

$21,424

or approximately $1,785/month

Au pair health and emergency support

The health and well-being of our au pairs is of utmost importance, which is why offer au pair personal safety training, emergency travel insurance, and support services.

When you host an au pair with us, we’ll help you prepare for their arrival and support you throughout the entire experience.

Are you ready to embrace the spirit of our program?

Being a host family for an au pair means welcoming them as an extended family member, being patient as they adjust to life in the U.S., and being curious about their culture and background as they learn about yours.

Becoming a host family FAQs

To find out if hosting an au pair will work for your family, you’ll want to confirm that the following statements are all true:

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

• You are able to provide a private bedroom, at least three meals a day, and a way for your au pair to get to classes and outings

• The parents in your family are U.S. citizens or permanent residents

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

In addition, it’s important to be prepared to welcome your au pair as you would an extended family member. You’ll want to spend time getting to know your au pair, invite them to join you for family dinners and activities, and be prepared to help if they need support.

In order to become a host family with Cultural Care, families must:

  1. Be U.S. citizens or permanent residents

  2. Pass a criminal background check

  3. Provide a private bedroom for their au pair

In addition, families must be willing to embrace the spirit of the au pair program, which involves actively participating in a cultural exchange and investing time in building a meaningful relationship with their au pair. Opting for au pair services allows families to enjoy flexible childcare while fostering a unique bond and gaining a deeper appreciation for cultural diversity.

In addition to the meeting the requirements and following the rules set forth by both the U.S. Department of State and Cultural Care Au Pair, you should be prepared to embrace the cultural exchange spirit of the au pair program. This means welcoming your au pair as you would an extended family member and helping them adjust once they arrive. You may need to explain household rules and routines more than once as customs can vary between cultures. Asking how their day was, being thoughtful on holidays and their birthday, and including them in family meals will go a long way to help them feel welcome in your family. While the needs of your children are of the utmost importance, it is also important that au pairs receive the benefits of an exchange experience and your full support as their American family.

All Cultural Care au pairs have emergency travel insurance coverage provided by Erika Insurance Ltd. (Erika)*. If they need medical services or intervention, they should use in-network providers when possible. As the American healthcare system may be very different from what an au pair is used to, we ask that host families help their au pair navigate medical situations when they arise. Erika is partnered with Aetna Student Health who can assist in identifying in-network healthcare options. 

In an emergency situation, please first call 911. The Cultural Care emergency service can be reached thereafter by calling 1-800-333-6056.

Regardless of the severity of au pairs illness, its important to give them time to rest and recover so they feel prepared to return to their on-duty responsibilities. For this reason, its a good idea to have back-up short-term childcare options in mind. 

lts also important to note that an au pairs weekly stipend cannot be withheld for any reason, so for the duration of their illness or injury, au pairs still need to be paid the minimum weekly stipend of $195.75. (For families living in MA, please review weekly stipend amount on our Massachusetts pricing page.)

What our customers are saying

1Au pairs pay a smaller program fee to the foreign company that screens them, but no portion of that fee is used to pay for the costs of their international airfare or domestic U.S. transportation. Au pairs may be charged additional fees in the event of special travel requests.

2The U.S. Department of State has determined that au pairs are required to receive from their host families at least $195.75 per week. Host families and au pairs are free to discuss and agree to compensation higher than the required stipend minimum; however, this cannot be in exchange for the au pair exceeding the regulatory limits on working hours (10 hours per day; 45 hours per week) or performing duties beyond childcare-related tasks. The State Department formula is based on the federal minimum wage and applicable room and board credits. Any change in the federal minimum wage or the applicable credits will result in an increase in this minimum stipend amount. Please note, should a family extend beyond the first year, they would be responsible for the stipend for each week of the extension term.

3This contribution towards an au pair’s education requirement is determined by the U.S. Department of State, and families agree to comply with any increase that is issued.