Preparation for the Au Pair experience begins as early as the interview meeting. Topics include Au Pair responsibilities, American culture and overall expectations for the year.
Prior to departure, Au Pairs learn about their new home by familiarizing themselves with their Host Family's application and reading information about the community in which the Au Pair will be placed. Each Au Pair receives an Au Pair Program Handbook prior to departure. This is a detailed guide covering topics about child care. American culture, family life, good communication, safety precautions as well as program guidelines.
We make sure that your Au Pair is well prepared for the Au Pair Program year and well prepared to take care of your children. She/he will complete a comprehensive
training program before arriving at your home. The training prepares your Au Pair for safe care of your children and gives her/him the foundation for building a successful relationship with children of any ages. It prepares your Au Pair for a year of learning, growth and care, and gives ideas on new age appropriate activities. The training includes a minimum of 24 hours of basic child development, and a minimum of 8 hours child safety instructions. The program covers such topics as:
Safety instructions:
- CPR.
- Emergency procedures.
- Child safety.
- Safety proofing and preventing accidents.
- Household safety.
- Childhood illnesses.
Child development instructions:
- Child nutrition, mealtime and infant feeding.
- Bath time, naptime/quite time and bedtime.
- Discipline and understanding behavior.
- Mealtime, nutrition and infant feeding.
- Child developmental stages and how to engage children in age appropriate activates.
- Interacting with children and building their self esteem.
- Toilet Training.
- Hygiene.
- Diaper changing, diaper rash, diaper bag list and nursery hygiene.
- Travel with Infants and Young Children.
Within two weeks of your Au Pair's arrival at your home, your Community Counselor will meet with you and your Au Pair in person to reinforce the Au Pair Program information, review U.S. Department of State regulations and answer questions.
Your Au Pair will participate in monthly meetings with your personally assigned Community Counselor. During these meetings various issues and experiences may be discussed. The monthly meeting is an opportunity for your Au Pair to get updated program information, ask questions, discuss selected topics, receive advice and make new friends.
