The Process Involved When Hiring An Au Pair

In the modern day, there are lots of different childcare options available. One option that is becoming more and more popular is an au pair placement. People are choosing to go down this route because it provides them with the most amounts of help – both childcare and house duties. Furthermore, it is a lot cheaper than paying for a nanny or childminder. And finally, a lot of parents like it because it makes it easier for their children. They get used to the individual and do not have to keep going through the process of being dropped off at someone else’s house and alike. It brings them stability.

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If you are considering hiring an au pair for your children, then you need to be aware of the process involved. This is slightly different to normal employment and so it is best to have an idea of what to expect before you embark on the process. First thing is first; you will need to find a credible au pair agency. Make sure you have a look on the internet. Assess the company’s worth. Do they have experience? Are they credible? Do they seem helpful?  Do they vet the au pairs beforehand? If you are comfortable with the agency then your chance of having a successful au pair placement increases dramatically.

You will then speak to the agency about your requirements. You will tell them about your family; the number of children you have, the hours you spend at work, and what you are looking for from an au pair. You may want to tell them about any specific recruitments or your reasons for hiring an au pair. Maybe you have recently had to hire a divorce attorney and you are in the busy of a messy separation so you need help with childcare? Perhaps you’re just too busy with your work life? A good agency will take the time to get to know you because they will want to match you to an au pair who they think you will like and will feel comfortable in your home. They will use their knowledge about you and their knowledge about the au pair to make the perfect match.

Once the agency has decided on an au pair they think would be best for you, you then have the option to speak to the person. The agency will usually set up a phone call or a Skype chat with the person. After all, a lot of the au pairs will still currently be based abroad and so this is the best way to initiate contact. If you are happy then you will draw up what is known as a letter of agreement or contract. In this, you will basically state what you expect of the au pair and they will accept it. This is good because it sets the standards and ensures that you and the au pair are on the same page.

Once you have done this you are ready to begin the au pair placement! Make sure you take the effort to make the au pair feel welcome. You need to remember that this is going to be a difficult transition for her too. And don’t forget to give the au pair time off. She cannot be expected to work every hour under the sun.

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