In today’s fast-paced world, balancing career demands with the needs of a growing family can be a formidable challenge. But what if there was a way to bring harmony to this delicate juggling act? Enter the au pair program offered by Au Pair in America, a transformative solution that allows Madison, WI area families to welcome young, enthusiastic individuals from around the world into their homes.
The program provides affordable childcare with a global twist, promotes cross-cultural understanding, and offers families the flexibility they need.
Interview with Amber Young
We recently interviewed Amber Young (the Madison APIA rep) to learn more about the program and all it offers.
Can you provide an overview of Au Pair in America and its mission?
Au Pair in America provides flexible, affordable, live-in child care with a cultural flair, and we’re thrilled to now be serving the Madison area!
For more than 35 years, we have provided the best live-in cultural child care opportunities to host families across the country and au pairs from around the world. There are other au pair agencies, but Au Pair in America is the nation’s first legal au pair program, designated by the U.S. Government in 1986.
What sets Au Pair in America apart from others in the field?
Au Pair in America has unmatched experience supporting our program participants. Since 1986, Au Pair in America has helped over 110,000 host families in the United States welcome au pairs!
Au Pair in America was also recently named the Best Overall Au Pair Agency in 2023 by Verywell Family, a trusted source for family and parenting information — for the third year in a row!
How do you ensure the quality and qualifications of the au pairs you place with families?
Au Pair in America understands the importance of screening when it comes to child care. To ensure a selection of high quality au pair candidates, Au Pair in America has an extensive three-tiered screening process through our overseas and domestic offices. The screening process includes a personal interview, reference checks, medical reports, English-language assessment, personality assessment, and a criminal background check.
Au Pair in America’s Orientation Program provides a mandatory training course to all au pairs, focused on preparing them to take on the important role of providing intercultural child care assistance in the United States. Our learning method combines readings, videos, quizzes, and live training sessions, as well as Red Cross course — all focused on keeping children safe.
What is the process for matching an au pair with a family?
Families can begin the search process by completing our brief application. Families are then assigned a dedicated Placement Coordinator — an expert in matching who’s there to assist you with the au pair search and interview process. Our team will assign au pair applications to review, and families can then interview candidates of interest. Our support staff is there providing guidance every step of the way.
Is the au pair’s weekly schedule flexible?
An au pair’s schedule is absolutely flexible! Families appreciate this, especially with all of life’s little surprises! Because au pairs live in your home and have flexible schedules, they are able to help when children are out of school, but parents aren’t off of work. Au pairs can provide reliable care for your children during snow days, school breaks, staff development days, school delays, early dismissals and sick days.
What is your approach to cultural exchange and fostering a positive experience for both au pairs and host families?
Cultural exchange is the beating heart of the au pair program. We recruit au pairs from nearly 60 countries. Our host families love learning about their au pair’s home country, culture, and family, while also helping their au pair experience America.
What are the biggest benefits of using an au pair?
In addition to flexibility and cultural exchange…
- Peace of Mind: When you host an au pair with Au Pair in America, you gain peace of mind knowing that our au pairs are thoroughly screened and trained. Through our multi-tiered screening process and comprehensive au pair orientation program, we make sure that our host families are matched with the best au pair candidates for their family’s needs.
- The assistance you need: With in-home child care assistance, you no longer need to rush from the office to a daycare center or babysitter – your children are already safe and sound at home with your au pair. Plus, au pairs can help with child-related household tasks such as children’s laundry, meals, tidying toys and more. This means no more rushing to pack school lunches after your day ends. Instead, you can spend quality time with your family!
- Value: Families – especially those with more than one child—may find that they can save on child care costs by hosting an au pair. Unlike most other forms of child care assistance, the cost of an au pair is per family, not per child. Plus, Au Pair in America offers several discounts for new and current host families, including corporate and military discounts.
What local support is provided for families and au pairs?
As the Community Counselor for Madison and surrounding areas, I am here to answer any questions that arise for both the host families and the au pairs during the program. As a local to Madison, a mom, and a former childcare provider, I have a lot of insight on how to foster a successful relationship between the host family and their au pair for a great experience.
Receive a $350 program fee discount for new Au Pair in America host families in the Madison area!
Register to Learn More — with NO obligation and NO application fee.
