A Local Childcare Consultant (LCC) is a dedicated, community-based representative who plays a vital role in supporting Cultural Care host families and au pairs throughout their time in the program. LCCs are independent contractors who can choose to work part-time or full-time and have the flexibility to set their own schedules. They receive comprehensive training, ongoing development, and direct support from the Cultural Care office team.

LCCs help ensure a successful program experience by offering local support and maintaining compliance with both U.S. Department of State and Cultural Care regulations.

Supporting Host Families

To assist host families, LCCs:

• Conduct an in-home interview to assess suitability before a match

• Visit again once the au pair arrives to review program guidelines and ensure a smooth transition

• Check in monthly to confirm the placement is going well

• Introduce the au pair program to new families looking for flexible, culturally focused childcare

Supporting Au Pairs

To support au pairs, LCCs:

• Check in at least once a month to offer guidance and support

• Organize local meet-ups that help au pairs connect with one another, explore their new community, and experience American culture

• Step in during challenging times—such as homesickness or cultural adjustment—to offer reassurance and help them get back on track

Building Community

In addition to their monthly support, LCCs plan and host two local events each year, bringing together host families and au pairs to foster connection, celebrate cultural exchange, and strengthen the community.

While most people use the terms 'au pair' and 'nanny' interchangeably, there are key differences between an au pair and a nanny that set them apart. In the U.S., an au pair refers to a young person from overseas who lives with an American family to care for their children and participate in a cultural exchange. They travel on a legal, one-year visa through a designated au pair agency, and their working hours and conditions are regulated by the U.S. Department of State. Au pairs initially commit to a one-year stay but have the opportunity to extend their time in the U.S. for 6, 9 or 12 months. They are excited to immerse themselves in new culture, improve their English and explore the U.S. The term “nanny”, on the other hand, is a more general term that can be used to describe both professionally trained caregivers and those with less formal experience.

To find out if hosting an au pair will work for your family, you’ll want to confirm that the following statements are all true:

• You are looking for a flexible, reliable and consistent caregiver for your kids

• You are able to provide a private bedroom, at least three meals a day, and a way for your au pair to get to classes and outings

• The parents in your family are U.S. citizens or permanent residents

• All adults living in your household will pass a criminal background check

In addition, it’s important to prepare to welcome your au pair as you would an extended family member. You’ll want to spend time getting to know your au pair, invite them to join you for family dinners and activities and help them when they need support.

The estimated annual au pair program cost starts at $21,424, or about $1,785 per month. The total cost of hosting an au pair is calculated by adding the program fee paid to Cultural Care Au Pair ($11,245) and the minimum weekly stipend paid directly to the au pair ($195.75 per week, totaling $10,179 per year). (If you are a host family in Massachusetts, you must comply with MA state law regarding Domestic Workers.) As a host family, you should also factor in additional costs related to room and board, insurance (if applicable), contributions toward your au pair’s Education Requirement, and any other “extras” that will help make your au pair’s time in the U.S. more enjoyable. Host families typically find the cost of hosting an au pair to be comparable or even less expensive than daycare or nannies, especially in metro areas.

Yes, Cultural Care Au Pair arranges for au pairs to arrive almost every week out of the year.