An au pair has a lot of duties to complete. These duties may include taking care of children, completing housework, and carrying out CPR/AED/First Aid certification. In addition to these duties, the au pair may also be expected to pay for expenses, such as pocket money.
Child Care
An au pair is a foreign worker who lives with a host family and provides childcare. They typically stay with the family for one year. There are many advantages of being an au pair, including learning a new culture.
Often, they are treated as a part of the family. In addition to providing child care, they can help with light household tasks such as cooking, cleaning, laundry, and ironing.
Au pairs can work for up to 45 hours a week. A stipend is provided. Besides providing care for children, au pairs can assist with homework and may even drive the kids to and from school.
Au pairs are trained by the State Department and are certified. They should have at least 200 hours of recent experience in child care. Before an au pair is placed in a family, the au pair must pass a medical exam and background check.
If an au pair needs to have additional training, there are organizations such as an au pair training school that assist. These organizations are not for profit, but they also guide host families.
The duties an au pair will be expected to perform will depend on the age and needs of the children in the family. Some of the common tasks include driving the children to school, helping with their homework, and cleaning.
However, an au pair will only do a little housework such as gardening or laundry. Many countries restrict the number of hours an au pair works.
Applicants are required to submit a medical report and pass a personality test. Their background check must include references.
Housework
The au pair is a young international visitor who lives with a host family. They take on light housework and childcare, helping the parents keep up with their daily tasks and allowing them to have quality time with their children.
The au pair comes to an unfamiliar country to learn a new language, experience the culture, and gain valuable cross-cultural experience. This experience has many benefits, including long-term career advantages.
Before starting your Au Pair journey, be sure to understand the program well. There are a variety of websites and groups that can help you find a home and meet other au pairs.
You can also ask your agency for tips and advice. If you decide to become an au pair, follow the guidelines set by the government. Make sure to stay within the maximum working hours and be responsible for your hygiene.
It’s a good idea to have your room. You should have two days a week off. Keep your bathroom clean and tidy, as well as your bedroom.
Be sure to learn the basics of cooking. Most of your meals will be with your host family. Some of your responsibilities will include cleaning and washing the dishes, ironing, and doing laundry.
CPR/AED/First Aid Certification
When an au pair moves to the United States, they must attend an orientation program. In addition to the orientation, they must complete Red Cross first aid and CPR training.
American Red Cross instructors teach the program. They teach hands-on skills, incorporating the latest science. This course includes CPR, AED skills, and life-saving techniques for infants and children.
After completing the Red Cross First Aid and CPR training, au pairs will receive a certification valid for two years. Au Pair in America also recommends that participants take an Infant/Child CPR course, which can help them enhance their au pair skills.
Au pairs are encouraged to complete level one and two first aid courses to maximize their benefit and help them fulfill their duties as au pairs. While the first aid course is ideal for anyone looking to improve their skills, the second is especially important for childcare workers.
Regulatory Requirements
It is important to know the regulatory requirements if you are looking for an au pair. These rules ensure that your foreign participant is trained and protected. Au pairs are provided with pocket money tied to the minimum wage. Additionally, they are guaranteed a housing allowance and a full weekend off each month. Au pairs are allowed to work up to 45 hours a week.
Another important part of your au pair experience is your background check. This includes a criminal background check and a family interview. Your local organization representative will need to keep a record of these details. Maintaining a formal education plan and making personal contact with your au pair every month is also mandatory.
The Department of State oversees agencies involved in finding and placing foreign au pairs in the United States. As a result, your local organization representative is obligated to comply with federal regulations.
The Department of State also monitors the activity of all au pair agencies. This allows the agency to be sure it is meeting minimum federal requirements. A good au pair agency can screen and match au pairs with host families.