Every au pair candidate must complete a rigorous screening process and only the best candidates are selected to travel abroad. All au pairs are between the ages of 18 and 26, proficient in conversational English, carry full medical insurance for their year in the U.S., travel on a J-1 cultural exchange visa and have previous childcare experience. We provide a thorough screening process you can depend upon; however, the final decision is always yours.
- Screening and Orientation Meeting
Each candidate has a personal interview in both English and his or her native language. During the personal interview, we assess English ability as well as a candidate’s personality and motivation for becoming an au pair. Group discussions during the orientation help create realistic expectations and prepare candidates for their year abroad. This meeting often features a presentation by a former au pair who shares his or her experiences and offers advice.
- Detailed Written Application
Au pair candidates complete a comprehensive application with detailed information about their education, family background, interests and goals. Applicants provide specifics about their childcare experience and responsibilities. The candidates also include a personal photo collage of family and friends, a letter to their host family and three non-family references. At least one reference documents childcare experience. All references are carefully verified by Cultural Care Au Pair.
- Background Screening
In addition to checking the candidate’s references, we complete a background screening on each au pair. We require a criminal background check, a current health check-up and a confirmation of graduation from a secondary school program. We also conduct a standardized personality analysis called a Cross Cultural Adaptability Inventory (CCAI) specifically developed for assessing personalities in different cultures and languages.
- Pre-departure Training
Prior to departure, au pairs learn about their new home by familiarizing themselves with their host family’s application and reading supplementary material about their state. Each au pair receives a Cultural Care Au Pair Handbook, which is a detailed guide on American culture, family life, good communication, safety precautions and program guidelines. Au pairs also complete an independent study unit on a range of topics relating to childcare in preparation for their studies at our exclusive Au Pair Training School.
- Au Pair Training School
Prior to your au pair’s arrival at your home, Cultural Care Au Pair’s unique Au Pair Training School provides a comprehensive four-day training program at the Oakdale campus of St. John’s University in Long Island, NY. Cultural Care Au Pair developed both the curriculum and accompanying workbook for this training in cooperation with The Children’s Foundation in Washington, D.C. Au pairs spend class time covering such topics as first aid, household safety, emergency procedures and childhood illnesses. The college campus environment is ideal for orienting your au pair to life in the U.S. Learn more about the Au Pair Training School.
- Continuing Education Program
Our Continuing Education Program (CEP) ensures that au pairs receive ongoing training through safety programs scheduled periodically throughout the year. Developed in partnership with the National Safe Kids Campaign, these informal seminars supply au pairs with the most current information available on safety measures and injury prevention for children. Cultural Care Au Pair’s local childcare coordinators host these CEP safety seminars. Local authorities and safety educators are often invited to facilitate the training. Au pairs also receive a Take Home Safety Guide that provides tips and checklists relating to each safety topic. Au pairs are always encouraged to share these guides with their host families.
