APPLICATION PROCESS
How to Become a Host Family
At Au Pair in America, our process to become a host family breaks down into four steps, providing you with the support and information you need to make this important decision. If you are a current Host Family and would like to reapply click here.
REGISTER & APPLY
- Register and create your free account.
- Complete the online application (takes just 15 minutes to complete). To access a hard copy of the application documents, click here.
- Your personal placement coordinator will now contact you to review your family’s needs. Your local Community Counselor will also meet with you for the first time and personally introduce you to the program and help you with expectations and any questions you may have.
CHOOSING YOUR AU PAIR
- Search Au Pairs – Search our database of hundreds of au pair applications online – or have your personal placement coordinator recommend suitable candidates for you based on your family’s preferences.
- Hold and Interview Au Pairs – Place au pairs that you like into your favorites. You have the option to contact them directly via phone, Whatsapp, Skype.
- Select Your Au Pair and Arrival Date – Once you select and match with your au pair, pick an arrival date that works for your family. Your au pair can arrive at your home in as little as 4 weeks! We process your au pair’s visa paperwork and book their flight to the U.S.
PRE-ARRIVAL PREPARATION
- Your local Community Counselor will help you get prepared for your au pair’s arrival and review your au pair’s orientation. You will also receive access to support materials and tips to assist with your experience as a host family.
- Au Pair in America requires a criminal background check for each adult in the household before your new au pair can arrive. This is done upon matching and by a third party company. There is no additional fee associated with this background check.
- Your au pair arrives in the U.S. and attends our mandatory orientation program that features training for child development and adaptation as well as customized CPR, safety and health training from the Red Cross.
- Bringing Your Au Pair to Your Home – Make arrangements for your au pair to travel to your home from orientation. Details regarding travel from orientation options are given to you once you select your au pair.
WELCOMING YOUR AU PAIR
Welcome and Check-In – Your Community Counselor will contact you within 48 hours of your au pair’s arrival as well as take a two-week assessment. This is to see how your au pair is adapting to life in the U.S. and how you are adjusting to becoming a host family. As an Au Pair in America host family, you will now receive year-round support and 24/7 assistance.
Register to Learn More — with NO obligation and NO application fee.
Meet Some of Our Staff
Once you’ve applied and have met all of the au pair host family requirements, our experienced staff will continue to assist you during the application process and beyond. Our support team is always on call to help you throughout the process.
Jean Quinn, Director Au Pair in America
Jean started working in the field because of the way it tied together her career passions of Cultural Exchange and Education.
Read more about Jean >>
Yasmine Osman, Deputy Director
As Deputy Director Yasmine is looking forward to working on the program’s daily operations, compliance and future outlook.
Read more about Yasmine >>
Lorraine Somma-Mates, Placement Manager
Lorraine works closely with families and au pairs and understands their needs and concerns.
Read more about Lorraine >>
Lynn Gilbert, Program Services Manager
Lynn manages a team of staff who monitor the community counselors and handle problem-solving for participants on our program.
Read more about Lynn >>
