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Au pair hours and schedule: Official rules and family guidelines
Creating a clear au pair schedule protects both your family and your au pair while ensuring program compliance. Department of State regulations limit au pairs to 45 hours per week and 10 hours per day; but understanding how to apply these rules in real family life takes planning. Here's your complete guide to au pair scheduling, from official requirements to practical boundary-setting tips.
Department of State hour regulations you must follow
To understand how to create your au pair's schedule, please review the following rules based on the Department of State Regulations. These aren't suggestions—they're legal requirements that protect both au pairs and host families.
Weekly hour limits (45 hours maximum)
Your au pair is allowed to be on duty no more than 45 hours per week. All childcare-related tasks are included in this 45-hour limit, and under no circumstances may au pairs work more than the weekly maximum hours allowed, even for additional pay. Breaking these rules would result in removal from the program.
Daily hour limits (10 hours maximum)
Au pairs can be on duty for a maximum of 10 hours in any 24-hour period. For example, if an au pair is scheduled to be on duty from 8am – 6pm, they cannot be on duty again until the next morning.
The children's sleeping time is counted as work time if your au pair is responsible for the children during that period.
Required time off rules
Your au pair must receive specific time off to ensure their wellbeing and program compliance:
Weekly time off: At least one and a half consecutive days off each week. For example, they should have one full day off plus be off for half a day in the morning and be on duty in the afternoon for a maximum of 5 hours (half of a 10-hour day) the next day.
Monthly time off: One full weekend (Friday evening to Monday morning) off per month.
Holiday discussion: As a host family, it is your responsibility to initiate a discussion about holidays and to mutually determine which holidays your au pair will be off duty, as there are no designated holidays on the federal au pair program.
Understanding on-duty vs off-duty time
One of the biggest challenges host families face is helping everyone understand when the au pair is "working" versus when they're simply part of the family.
Common boundary confusion scenarios
Imagine the following scenario: your entire family is sitting at the dinner table and the children become restless. Your au pair is officially "off duty" this evening but feels responsible for the children. Who should attend to the children?
Please keep in mind that, like you, your au pair has had a long day. For them, however, it is particularly difficult to feel "off-duty" because their duties are performed in the home.
5 tips for clear schedule communication
The following actions can help avoid confusion over on-duty and off-duty time:
Give a clear schedule to your au pair in advance, so they know when they are officially on-duty.
Communicate expectations clearly: Let your au pair know they are always welcome to spend time with the family, but they are not obligated to care for the children at those times.
Set boundaries with children: Talk to your children about respecting your au pair's boundaries like asking permission before going into their room or understanding the au pair may need time alone sometimes.
Take the lead when off-duty: Be proactive in addressing the children's needs when your au pair is present so everyone is clear that you are the go-to person in that moment.
Schedule regular check-ins: Have weekly meetings with your au pair to provide a safe space for healthy communication about any concerns between you and your au pair.
Key distinction: In general, any time an au pair is expected to be responsible for the children, they are considered on duty. When scheduled as off duty, your au pair is not responsible for your children.
Creating your weekly au pair schedule
A weekly schedule, not exceeding 45 hours (with a maximum of 10 hours in any 24-hour period) allows your au pair to know when they are free to make plans.
Schedule planning best practices
Follow these tips for clear communication:
Plan ahead: Lay out the schedule clearly at the beginning of every week.
Be specific: Write a list of specific tasks to avoid confusion about an au pair's duties.
Use available resources: Cultural Care host families have access to a scheduling starter kit to facilitate this process.
Handling schedule changes and special events
If you need your au pair to be on duty at a time outside of their normal work schedule (i.e. a Sunday afternoon while you attend a wedding), give your au pair as much advance notice as possible.
Remember that flexibility works both ways—while you may occasionally need schedule adjustments, your au pair also deserves predictability and respect for their planned time off.
By following these guidelines, you'll create a schedule that works for everyone while staying compliant with program regulations. Clear expectations from the start prevent misunderstandings and help build the trust that makes au pair relationships successful.
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