The US Census estimates that 736,000 children are cared for in their own homes by a non-relative. While nannies make up the bulk of these caregivers, the US State Department administers education/work visas for 28,000 au pairs, or caregivers from foreign countries who work for and live with American host families. Au pairs are between the ages of 18 and 26 and must take six units of accredited college courses in the US. They stay for up to two years and are supposed to be treated as a family member – albeit a family member that takes care of your kids for up to 45 hours a week.
COST: $12,000 to $17,000 per year, including agency fees for background checks, training, a local counselor for you and the au pair, as well as a weekly cash stipend that families pay directly to the au pair.
PROS: Families who use au pairs say schedule flexibility is key – the au pair is available to take care of children at odd hours. Bring on date night! The au pair can drive older children to school, help with homework, and even coach toddlers into becoming bilingual. Families that take the cultural exchange nature of the program seriously can create lifelong global friendships. The agency pre-screens all candidates, and there is an endless supply of applicants that parents can interview by phone or Skype until a fit feels good; the agency charges nothing additional if you fire your au pair and want a new one. Also, price is the same no matter how many children get care.
CONS: You have to provide a private room for the au pair, and he or she will be a full-time resident in your home for a year. You only get to speak by phone or Skype with your au pair before she (or he) arrives at your home, suitcases in hand. Though there are financial incentives to prevent it, an au pair can quit at any time.
