Find an au pair in New Jersey 

Before your au pair arrives, it's important to spend some time preparing their room. Creating a warm, welcoming environment can go a long way in helping your au pair feel at ease from day one.

Start by making sure their bedroom is ready. Give the space a good deep clean and set it up with the basics: a bed, dresser or closet, and a desk or table with a chair for studying or relaxing. Small comforts can make a big impact—like cozy bedding and soft lighting.

Many host families like to create a welcome basket with snacks, essentials, and local souvenirs or gear from your hometown or favorite sports team. It’s also a great idea to print out your customized House Rules document (available in your Host Family account) and leave it in their room as a helpful reference on things like guests, internet use, or social media.

One thoughtful extra? Print and frame a few photos of your au pair’s family or friends from their profile to make the room feel even more like home. It’s those small, personal gestures that really help your au pair feel like part of the family right from the start.

Au pairs are able to care for children aged 3 months and older on their own, and they can support parents in caring for newborns under 3 months.

In addition to providing childcare coverage, au pairs can assist with household chores related to the kids, like preparing meals, doing laundry and cleaning their rooms and play spaces. Au pairs can also drive kids to school and other activities and help them with homework.

An au pair’s on-duty hours are carefully regulated by the U.S. Department of State—limited to a maximum of 45 hours per week and no more than 10 hours per day. Within those guidelines, host families have the flexibility to tailor their au pair’s schedule to fit their unique needs. It’s this combination of structure and flexibility that makes the program especially appealing to families in New Jersey.

Nearly all au pairs arrive in the U.S. with their International Driver’s Permit which permits them to drive in New Jersey and other states. However, we strongly recommend that au pairs apply for a New Jersey driver’s license as soon as possible. Here’s why:

1. Insurance: Host families are required to add their au pair to their auto insurance policy if they will be driving their vehicle(s). Obtaining a New Jersey driver’s license simplifies this process and may be a requirement for some insurance providers.

2. Familiarity with state laws: A New Jersey license ensures your au pair is knowledgeable about important state traffic laws, increasing their confidence while driving in your area.

3. Another form of ID: A New Jersey state driver’s license serves as a convenient and widely accepted form of identification for au pairs during their stay in the U.S., making everyday transactions easier.

To obtain their New Jersey driver’s license, your au pair will need to follow the standard licensing procedures, which you can find online. It's a good idea to look into this process as soon as you match with your future au pair.

Cultivating a rich cultural exchange experience starts with open and consistent communication throughout the year, particularly in the initial months. By clearly articulating your expectations, explaining your family's routines, and offering both positive reinforcement and constructive feedback, you'll build a strong foundation for a great relationship with your au pair.

Beyond communication, make an effort to include your au pair in both the meaningful moments and the everyday rhythms of your family life. Invite them to join you for meals, holidays, and local outings. Show genuine interest in their home country and culture, and help them explore your community—whether it’s visiting landmarks, attending events, or celebrating traditions together. These shared experiences enrich the exchange for everyone.

Au pairs are entitled to two full weeks (14 days) of paid vacation during their program year, and while these weeks can be taken simultaneously, it's more common to split them up. We recommend that au pairs take one week within the first six months and the second week during the second half of the year.

Vacation timing should be a decision host families and au pairs make together. It’s never too early to start the conversation—getting vacation dates on the calendar early makes it easier for everyone to plan ahead and avoid last-minute stress.

Au pairs must also receive at least one and a half consecutive days off each week and one full weekend (Friday evening to Monday morning) off per month.

If you welcomed an au pair from overseas, they'l have the opportunity to extend their time in U.S. for 12, 9 or 6 additional months as long as they are in good standing with Cultural Care and have completed their education requirement at least 35 days before the end of their first year (6 credits or 72 hours at an accredited institution). Au pairs can choose to extend with their current host family or match with a new one—some decide to spend their extension term with a new family to experience a different part of the U.S. and build new connections.

When it’s time for your au pair to return home—or if they choose to extend with a different family—saying goodbye can be hard. They’ve likely become an important part of your family, and it’s normal to feel emotional about their departure. While goodbyes are never easy, many families stay in touch and even make plans to reunite in the future. Marking the occasion with a small farewell celebration and a thoughtful token of appreciation is a meaningful way to honor their time with your family.