Au pair versus day care

As parents, it’s important to weigh the pros and cons of all childcare options and choose what will work best for our schedule, budget and lifestyle. Families who choose day care are often discouraged by the toll it takes on their work/life balance and finances.

Disadvantages of day care

• High cost and "per child" rates
• Hassle of transporting children to and from the day care facility
• Inflexible hours and expensive late fees
• High staff turnover and staff inexperience
• High child-to-staff ratio
• Long wait lists
• Lack of coverage when children are sick
• Tendency to expose children to colds and other illnesses

Parents who compare the benefits and limitations of day care to au pair childcare are often surprised. "What you get" compared to "what you pay" makes hosting an au pair a great value for many families.

Value Comparison	Au Pair	Day care
$350 weekly fixed cost (per family, not per child) An affordable fixed cost regardless of the number of children you have.		NO
Flexible scheduling option The ability to create your own childcare schedule week-to-week.		NO
Consistent and rigorous screening procedures Knowledge that your childcare is provided within the context of a carefully government-regulated program.		NO
Low caregiver-to-child ratio Assurance that your children receive 100% of their caregiver’s attention all day long.		NO
Assistance with household duties An extra helping hand with kids’ laundry, meals and room pick-up.		NO
A trained childcare provider Knowledge that your childcare provider has been recently trained in child safety, child development, and age-appropriate activities.		Varies
Year-long, local support The assistance of a local childcare coordinator (LCC) throughout your exchange year.		NO
Opportunity for cultural exchange Exposure to a new culture, language and way of life.		Varies
Live-in caregiver Convenience and peace of mind that come with knowing your caregiver is close by.		NO
24-hour on-call service The ability to reach a staff member around the clock in case of an emergency.		NO

Learn more about how an au pair compares to hiring a nanny.