This post is sponsored by Au Pair in America.
Childcare is one of the hardest choices a parent must make. But hosting an au pair with Au Pair in America is so great for so many families! Au pair (French for “on par” or “equal”) is a term for a childcare provider who lives with a host family as part of an international cultural exchange program. Au pairs are young people between the ages of 18-26 who come to the United States on a J-1 visa to help their host family with childcare while exp eriencing American life and taking college courses.
For many families, hosting an au pair can be a life-changing experience. Keep reading to learn why Kansas City area families (in both Missouri and Kansas) love hosting with Au Pair In America.
Care that Feels like Family
An au pair provides one-on-one care for your child. Even better, because your au pair becomes a member of your home, it feels like your children are being taken care of by a member of the family. Kansas City-area host mom Klaudia explains how reassuring it is “having someone care about your child so much… and having your child care about somebody so much”. Klaudia shares that she originally considered hosting an au pair for the affordability and to expose her daughter to her Polish roots, through language and customs. However, the family has found a new lifelong member in au pair Marcelina. Marcelina and Maia, the host child, have developed a strong, close bond – Marcelina supported Maia’s growth and development every step of the way.
Flexibility
Do you need flexibility in your childcare due to an irregular work schedule? Check!
Do you need traditional 9-5 coverage (or help with a not-so-traditional schedule)? No problem!
Do you want to attend PTA meetings the first Thursday night of each month? Done!
Do you want to cross “date night” off of your to-do list? Let Au Pair In America help!
With an au pair living in your home, you can customize a childcare schedule of up to 10 hours per day and 45 hours per week to meet the needs of your family. Morning, evenings, weekends, snow and sick days, an au pair provides the flexibility for whatever your busy life requires!
Amazing Customer Service
Top-notch customer service is the hallmark of America’s first au pair program. Amanda, the Kansas City community counselor for Au Pair in America, is no exception. She is responsible for helping families match with an au pair that fit their needs, assisting in preparation for the au pair’s arrival, and ensuring program guidelines are followed. Local host families (and au pairs!) share that they find Amanda responsive, knowledgeable, professional, and committed to ensuring an amazing, year-long experience for all participants. In fact, one Kansas City host parent had this to say: “Amanda is always amazing! She gives me the support I need, answers my questions and is always willing to help, creates a conducive environment for communication and knows how to take care of our group. I’m happy to have her as part of my exchange program. I feel like she’s someone I can trust!”
Cultural Exchange, Locally (like in your backyard)
Au pairs provide valuable opportunities for U.S. citizens to learn about what life is like in other parts of the world. In addition to enriching the family they become a part of, our au pairs also take on the role of cultural ambassador through volunteer activities and presentations about their home countries in their host communities. In exchange, au pairs learn about American values and culture from their host families and interactions in the community. In this way, ALL participants gain perspective on what makes where they come from special and what they are really proud of, making lifelong memories along the way.
A great, local example of cultural exchange is our very own, Championship Kansas City Chiefs! Watch here to see how the Chiefs found new fans in two of Au Pair In America’s local au pairs.
Competitive Costs
Let’s be honest, we all have a budget. But childcare for multiple children doesn’t have to break the bank. Au pair costs are calculated per family not per child. This means that your cost is the same whether you have one child, two, or a full house (au pairs love multiples!). Program fees are competitive other local child care providers, and you have the peace of mind knowing the au pair provides one-on-one care in the comfort, familiarity, and safety of your own home.
In addition, many families discover that hosting an au pair eliminates the cost of hiring multiple childcare providers. When you host an au pair, your days of searching for daytime care for your toddler, after school care for your eldest, and a date-night babysitter may soon be behind you.
Ready to take the next step towards hosting your own au pair? Head to the Au Pair In America website and fill out an application! There is no obligation or cost; completing an application simply gives you access to the database of au pairs so you can see some of the amazing profiles and talents on offer. You might just find your next family member!
Contact Amanda for more info: [email protected] or 816-237-8675.
