Au Pair & Host Family Household Guide
Family Name: ______Household Guide Contents
! Host Information & Welcome 3 ! Host Children Information 4 ! Host Children Information 5 ! Our Family at A Glance 6 ! Emergency Information 7 ! Safety & Health Instructions 8 ! Childcare Supervision & Safety 9 ! Injury Report 10 ! Au Pair Compensation 11 ! Weekly Stipend Payment Log 12 ! Au Pair Dietary Preferences 13 ! Technology & Household Amenities 14 ! Vehicle & Driving Policy 15 ! Driving Practice 16 ! Driving Practice Log 17 ! Au Pair Duties Guidelines 18 ! Au Pair Duties List 19 ! Daily Childcare Plan 20 ! Meal Planning for Children 21 ! The Au Pair & Host Child Relationship 22 ! Child Behavior & Discipline 23 ! Child Behavior Plan 24 ! Au Pair Scheduling Guidelines 25 ! Au Pair Weekly Schedule 26 ! Vacation & Travel 27 ! Holidays & Sick Days 28 ! Language & Cultural Exchange 29 ! Etiquette, Dress Code, Hygiene 30 ! Guest Policy, Curfew & Dating 31 ! Our Community & Public Transportation 32 ! Weekly Meeting Checklist 33 ! Conflict Resolution 34 ! Problem Solving Sheet 35 ! Education Requirement 36 ! Monthly Meetings 37 ! Certificate of Monthly Meeting Attendance 38 ! Au Pair Online Resources 39 ! ______40 ! ______41
2 Host Information & Welcome
Home Address: ______City, State: ______Zip Code: ______
HOST Name: ______Name: ______Birthday: ______Birthday: ______
WORK Job Title: ______Job Title: ______Employer: ______Employer: ______Work Hours: ______Work Hours: ______Work Phone: ______Work Phone: ______CONTACT Personal Cell: ______Personal Cell: ______Email: Email: ______
ABOUT ______
The French term au pair, means "at par" or "equal to“. Mi casa es su casa, “make yourself at home”. ______
3 Host Children Information
CHILD Name: ______Name: ______Birthday: ______Birthday: ______
MEDICAL ______
BEHAVIOR & ______DISCIPLINE ______
SCHOOL / DAYCARE ______
______ABOUT ______
SPECIAL ______INSTRUCTIONS ______
4 Host Children Information
CHILD Name: ______Name: ______
Birthday: ______Birthday: ______
MEDICAL ______
BEHAVIOR & ______DISCIPLINE ______
SCHOOL / DAYCARE ______
ABOUT ______
SPECIAL ______INSTRUCTIONS ______
5 Our Family at A Glance
______CULTURE & VALUES ______
FAITH & RELIGIOUS PRACTICE ______
GOALS FOR OUR CHILDREN ______
EXPECTATIONS FOR OUR AU PAIR ______
COMMUNITY GROUPS & SOCIAL ______ACTIVITIES ______
FAMILY MEALS ______
COMMUNICATION STYLE ______
EXPRESSING CONCERNS ______
6 Emergency Information
OUR HOME ADDRESS ______
911 EMERGENCY In case of life-threatening emergency, dial 911 ______
POSION CONTROL Call 1-800-222-1222 in case of poisoning Available 24 hours everyday nationwide ______PEDIATRICIAN / DOCTOR ______
NEIGHBORS ______
FAMILY MEMBERS ______
AGENT AU PAIR EMERGENCY If an emergency occurs after business hours NUMBER and you can’t reach your local rep or agency management, call 1-415-376-0202
OFFICE OF PRIVATE SECTOR Always contact Agent Au Pair first. If EXCHANGE additional emergency assistance is required, participants can contact the State Department at any time via the hotline 1-866-283-9090
PRINT THIS PAGE & POST IN HIGHLY VISIBLE AREA
7 Safety & Health Instructions
FIRE SAFETY & EVACUATION SEVERE WEATHER PLAN
Fire Extinguishers: Our Weather Climate:
______
Emergency Exits: Weather Precautions:
______
Family Meeting Place: Sirens / Alarms:
______
HOME SECURITY & STRANGER ILLNESS & INJURY INSTRUCTIONS DANGER
First Aid Kit: Home Security: ______
Children’s Health Insurance: Answering the Door: ______
Children School Absences: Guest Policy: ______
8 Childcare Supervision & Safety
CHILD SUPERVISION HOUSEHOLD SAFETY RULES
Every family has different standards of Every family has different household rules acceptable childcare supervision. Au pairs for their children for safety reasons. Au must follow the hosts’ lead and hosts pairs should be trained on household should have reasonable expectations for the number of children being supervised. safety practices.
______
NANNY CAMERA DISCLOSURE AU PAIR CELL PHONE USE
Families in the USA may have “nanny cams” Agent Au Pair does not allow personal cell in their home for safety reasons. Cameras phone use during scheduled work hours may be used in the common areas of the for safety reasons. This includes calls, home, but never in the au pair bedroom or texts, reading, videos, etc. Hosts may bathrooms. Location of cameras should be allow or require cell phone use for work related disclosed to au pairs prior to and upon purposes or limited cell phone use when active arrival per state laws. supervision is not required.
______
9 Injury Report When a child or au pair sustains a physical injury, the host or au pair may document the injury using this form. Print copies of this form should be made available to the au pair by the host. Submit in PDF format by email to all parties involved including your Agency Local Representative. Name of
Person Injured: ______
Person Completing Report: ______Agency Local Representative: ______
Date of Incident: ______Report (Today) Date: ______
Location of Incident & Witnesses: ______
Description of Incident: ______
Location & Description of Injury: ______
Use diagrams below to mark areas of injury in detail. Photo documentation of injuries should be submitted along with this form.
First Aid / Medical Care: ______
10 Au Pair Compensation Au pair compensation includes the weekly stipend, room & board and other incidentals. WEEKLY STIPEND Standard au pairs receive a weekly stipend of at least $195.75. The stipend is agreed upon between the host and au pair and is paid by the host weekly. The stipend may not be withheld for any reason, including missed days of work or monies owed.
Weekly Stipend: ______Day of Week Stipend Will Be Paid: ______Method of Payment: ______
ROOM & BOARD Private Bedroom Shared or Private Bathroom window with curtains, door with lock, bed with tub or shower, toilet, sink, towels, running water frame, bedding, lighting, clothes storage ______Meals & Kitchen Access Laundry & Household Amenities 3 meals and snacks daily, included in family meals personal access to wash/dry clothing and linens and groceries for self-serve meals and snacks ______
INCIDENTALS Education Paid Vacation Phone / Wi-Fi Transportation English Activities
Up to $500 for 2-weeks paid Emergency Ground Daily access Potential education vacation time work phone transportation to English access to expenses that per program must be to/from speaking household fulfill the year provided, classes and environment, amenities, program personal monthly language family education phones are meetings is immersion community requirement typically required and cultural memberships provided exchange and activities
11 Weekly Stipend Payment Log The host pays the full weekly stipend to the au pair each week, regardless of hours worked. Use this form to log payments made and vacation / sick days taken.
WEEK OF DATE PAID METHOD VACATION AU PAIR HOST PAYMENT / SICK INITIAL INITIAL DAYS
12 Au Pair Dietary Preferences Room and board are an important part of an au pair’s compensation. Board includes three (3) meals and reasonable snacks each day that meet the au pair’s dietary needs and preferences. This form should be filled in by the au pair and provided to the host to ensure the au pair has a variety of food options available to her in the home at all times.
Special Diet / Allergies: ______
FRUITS VEGETABLES ! ______! ______! ______! ______! ______! ______! ______! ______! ______! ______! ______! ______! ______! ______! ______! ______GRAINS PROTEIN ! ______! ______! ______! ______! ______! ______! ______! ______! ______! ______! ______! ______! ______! ______! ______! ______DAIRY OTHER ! ______! ______! ______! ______! ______! ______! ______! ______! ______! ______! ______! ______! ______! ______
13 Technology & Household Amenities
CELL PHONE WIFI & STREAMING ACCOUNTS
Au pairs must be provided emergency access Household internet and access to family to a phone in the home and work streaming services is available to au pairs. environment. Personal cell phone use is not a Rules regarding usage may apply. Social mandatory part of au pair compensation, but media & household privacy should be is typically provided. Different ringtones may discussed. be used for personal vs work use. Plan Details & Usage Limits: ______
HOUSEHOLD TECHNOLOGY HOUSEHOLD AMENITIES
Every household has different technology. Au Every household has different amenities. As a pairs may or may not have private use of a family member, au pairs have shared access TV, laptop computer, tablet, etc. Security to amenities, but may need to follow systems , thermostats, and other technology household rules regarding usage. should be discussed and instructions provided.
______
14 Vehicle & Driving Policy Au pairs may drive as part of their au pair duties and may or may not have personal use of a vehicle. Driving expectations must be agreed upon before arrival. Au pairs may not be experienced drivers and require additional driving lessons and practice upon arrival.
VEHICLE INFORMATION DRIVER EXPECTATIONS Year: ______Even experienced drivers may require 10+ hours of driving practice and Make / Model: ______30+ days to be ready to drive children in a new Insurance: ______country with many new driving laws, roadways and vehicle types.
______
GETTING YOUR DRIVERS LICENSE DRIVING SAFETY Au pairs should plan to get their drivers Au pairs must follow driving laws and safety license in their host state within 30-90 rules. Always wear seatbelts and stay days per state laws. Bring your social security focused on the road. Never drink or text number, passport with valid visa, DS-2019 while driving. form and I-94 form to the DMV. MORE INFO: www.agentaupair.com/program- information.html ______PERSONAL USE OF VEHICLE CAR ACCIDENTS & DAMAGES Au pairs may or may not have personal Never drive away from the scene of an use of a vehicle during their free time. accident. Pull over, exchange information, report the accident and take photos. Gas: ______Au pairs must be insured by the host family and are responsible for up to $500 in damages in case of Other Passengers: ______accident as well as any legal fines or tickets.
Car Curfew: ______
15 Driving Lessons & Practice Au pairs receive a 30-day driving practice period provided by the host family. Au pairs should be offered 30 to 60 minutes of driving practice per day or at least 10+ hours over 30 days based on skill level before being required to drive the children or taking the state driving test. If hosts are unable to provide their au pair with driving practice, they are advised to enlist the services of a driving instructor. VEHICLE INTRODUCTION ! Host demonstrates turn signals, windshield wipers, lights, emergency hazards, adjusting mirrors & seats, the horn, buckling seat belts & car seats, gas gauge & tank, pumping gas, heating and air conditioning, windows, locks, trunk. Host provides English vocabulary verbally for each item. ! Host asks au pair to identify/label and demonstrate all of the above items while host observes and provides guidance if needed. DRIVING SAFETY & RULES OF THE ROAD ! Host reviews car seat safety and usage, distracted driving, cell phone use, drunk driving, music, child behavior, what to do in case of accident, etc. ! Host provides au pair with a copy of the rules of the road to study for written test and demonstrates its contents on the road. KEY DESTINATIONS & DIRECTIONS ! Host provides a list of key destinations the au pair will be driving to with written driving directions and map. ! Host helps au pair program addresses into Google Maps or other navigation system and learn common street names and roadway types. DEMONSTRATION DRIVES ! Host drives with au pair as the passenger. Host explains what they are doing as they drive and encourages the au pair to ask questions. 3+ demonstration drives are recommended. 1. Vehicle Introduction Demo Drive: review all parts of the car and how to use them while driving 2. Driving Safety & Rules of the Road Demo Drive: model the safety practices you expect, talk through and explain rules of the road such as traffic lights, signs, changing lanes, etc. 3. Key Destinations & Direction Demo Drive: Turn the volume up on Google Maps or other navigation tool as you drive to key destinations and point out important landmarks as you go. AU PAIR DRIVING PRACTICE ! Au pair drives with host as the passenger. Host instructs au pair what to do and where to go. Practice the same skills and routes that host previously demonstrated. 5+ practice drives are recommended. Au pair should feel comfortable before children join the remaining practice drives. If au pair fails the driving test at the DMV after the 30-day practice period, 10+ hours of driving practice are provided by the host and completion of the Agent Au Pair online Driving Preparedness course, au pair and host may agree to split the cost of additional professional driving lessons 50 /50 and the au pair should be given the opportunity to retake the test before a potential placement change. A letter from the DMV or driving instructor should be provided to Agent Au Pair.
16 Driving Practice Log & Notes
DATE LESSON SKILLS NOTES AU PAIR HOST DURATION PRACTICED INITIAL INITIAL
17 Au Pair Duties Guidelines
APPROPRIATE TASKS INAPPROPRIATE TASKS
ACTIVE CHILDCARE GENERAL HOUSEKEEPING Au pairs can be expected to provide direct Au pairs may not be responsible for routine supervision, personal care / hygiene, housekeeping in common areas of the home planned activities and structured play. such as mopping floors, vacuuming, dusting, Examples of active childcare include cleaning windows, etc. They may not do host language lessons, story time, arts & crafts, parent laundry, clean host parent bedrooms sports, games, tummy time, homework help, or be asked to prepare host parent meals as etc. part of their assigned duties.
PASSIVE CHILDCARE OTHER CHILDREN Au pairs can be the responsible adult on site Au pairs may not babysit or provide while children play independently, have supervision for children other than the host screen time, do homework, are sleeping, etc. family’s children who are listed on the Any passive childcare provided is included in program application. Another responsible the 45 weekly hours and must be included in adult must be present at playdates. the Au pair’s work schedule. PET CARE CHILDCARE RELATED TASKS Au pairs may not be responsible for pet- Au pairs can perform light housekeeping related tasks as part of their au pair duties. If duties that are directly related to the children. an au pair volunteers to help with pet care, It is best to assign these duties when the au they may opt out of this task at any time and pair is providing passive childcare. Examples cannot be held responsible in case of injury of appropriate tasks include tidying children’s or accident. bedrooms and bathrooms, making their beds, doing their laundry, cleaning up MEDICAL CARE children play areas, preparing meals for the Au pairs may not be responsible to perform children, cleaning up after the children eat, health care related tasks including the supervising children’s chores and providing administration of medical or therapeutic transportation to activities. treatment.
OFFICE WORK Au pairs may not complete office duties or tasks related to the hosts’ business.
Au pairs can be expected to “pitch in” occasionally and voluntarily contribute to shared tasks as a family member. Examples of shared household tasks may include emptying the dishwasher, taking out the garbage, letting the dog out, contributing to family meals (great opportunity for cultural exchange), and cleaning up after family meals together. These duties must be shared with other adults in the family and are not part of the au pair’s duties.
18 Au Pair Duties List
TO-DO LIST SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS
1. ______" ______
2. ______" ______
3. ______" ______
4. ______" ______
5. ______" ______
6. ______" ______
7. ______" ______
8. ______" ______
9. ______" ______
10. ______" ______
11. ______" ______
12. ______" ______
13. ______" ______
14. ______" ______
15. ______" ______
16. ______" ______
17. ______" ______
19 Daily Childcare Plan Au pairs should have a structured daily childcare plan. An ini al plan should be provided by the hosts and future planning may or may not include the au pair. Expecta ons should be made clear so au pairs feel organized and confident.
Routines Times Details
Morning Routine ______
Breakfast ______
Morning Activities ______
Lunch ______
Afternoon Activities ______
Dinner ______
Evening Routine ______
20 Meal Planning for Children Nutrition standards and meal preparation vary across cultures. Au pairs need clear meal planning expectations and training. Hosts may invite au pairs to prepare nutritious foods from their culture or request that they learn to prepare American style meals. Everyone is accustomed to different types of foods and sharing with each other is part of the cultural exchange experience.
BREAKFAST LUNCH
! ______! ______! ______! ______! ______! ______! ______! ______! ______! ______! ______! ______! ______! ______! ______! ______
SNACKS DINNER
! ______! ______! ______! ______! ______! ______! ______! ______! ______! ______! ______! ______! ______! ______! ______! ______
21 The Au Pair & Host Child Relationship
In addition to providing childcare, au pairs are mentors who provide guidance, motivation and emotional support as children grow. Au pairs are expected to be role models who set a positive example for their host children. Au pairs and children are not “friends” or siblings. Au pairs should be seen as respected authority figures in the home.
______
22 Child Behavior & Discipline
Child discipline in the U.S.A. may be different than what au pairs have experienced in their home culture. Au pairs typically require ongoing guidance, training and support from their hosts to manage child behavior and discipline in a new household and culture. Consistency across all adult caregivers is key to successful behavior management. Children often misbehave with those they feel safest with and the au pair should not take it personally if the child displays problem behaviors.
Au pairs are not allowed to physically punish children. This includes spanking, paddling, or slapping. Verbal or physical aggressions towards an au pair are also not allowed and must be addressed immediately. If a child or au pair sustains a physical injury, an Injury Report should be submitted to the agency within 24 hours.
COMMON CHILD DO THIS DON’T DO THIS BEHAVIORS
! ______" ______X ______! ______" ______X______! ______" ______X______! ______" ______X______! ______" ______X______! ______" ______X______! ______" ______X______! ______" ______X______
______
23 Child Behavior Plan This form should be filled out preventatively for existing behavioral issues or when an au pair needs a plan to address new problem behaviors. Au pairs may or may not have input on how to discipline the child and it is the host parents’ responsibility to develop a plan with the au pair that all adult caregivers can implement.
*Additional au pair training and support may be required.
Child Name: ______Date: ______
PROBLEM BEHAVIOR Describe the misbehavior and what is happening when it occurs. ______
MOTIVATION / REASON Is the child trying to meet a basic need? Gain control? Get attention? ______ENCOURAGE APPROPRIATE BEHAVIORS Offer positive reinforcement when the child behaves appropriately. ______PREVENTATIVE STRATEGIES Anticipate triggers, set clear expectations, offer choices, teach coping strategies. ______CATCH & CORRECT BEHAVIORS Redirect, review expectations, choices and consequences. Give a 2nd chance and opportunity to “re-do”. ______CONSEQUENCES Reveal in advance. Reasonable consequences relate to the misbehavior. Always follow through. ______
PARENT FOLLOW THROUGH All adults must communicate, be consistent and work together as a team. ______HOST PARENT SUPPORT What does the au pair need to feel supported? ______
24 Au Pair Scheduling Guidelines
The program regulations determine the maximum hours an au pair may work as well as minimum requirements for time off. It is a violation of the program for an au pair to be asked or to agree to work beyond these limits even if both parties mutually agree and whether or not additional compensation is offered.
45 HOURS PER WEEK Au pairs may not work more than 45 hours in any week (SUN-SAT). Scheduled work hours must be provided to the au pair 2 weeks in advance, documented in writing and provided the agency upon request. Au pairs may not be asked to assist with active or passive childcare during their off hours. They may not be required to complete assigned au pair tasks during their off hours. Au pairs may pitch in as a family member and choose to participate in family activities during their off hours.
10 HOURS PER DAY Au pairs may not work more than 10 hours in any day / 24 hours period. They may not be responsible for the care of the children or be asked to engage in tasks related to the care of the children during off hours.
SPLIT SHIFTS Au pairs may work a maximum of 2 shifts per day with at least a 2-hour break in between shifts.
1.5 DAYS OFF PER WEEK Au pairs may work up to 5.5 days per week (SUN-SAT) and must receive 1.5 consecutive days off each week. The ½ day off must include no more than 5 hours of scheduled au pair hours.
1 FULL WEEKEND OFF PER MONTH Au pairs may be scheduled to work weekend hours and must receive at least 1 full weekend off each month. The weekend begins Friday at the end of business hours (5-6 PM) and ends Monday morning (5-6 AM).
TIME OFF FOR CLASSES & MONTHLY MEETINGS The education requirement and monthly meetings are critical components to the au pair program and experience. Hosts must take this into consideration and ensure that the au pair does not work during these times. Hosts should help au pairs find classes that work with their schedule and request a copy of the monthly meeting schedule from the local rep 30 days in advance in case alternative childcare needs to be arranged.
25 Au Pair Weekly Schedule
WEEK OF: ______
DAYS TIMES TOTAL IMPORTANT REMINDERS HOURS
SUNDAY Shift 1: ______! ______Shift 2: ______! ______MONDAY Shift 1: ______! ______Shift 2: ______! ______TUESDAY Shift 1: ______! ______Shift 2: ______! ______WEDNESDAY Shift 1: ______! ______Shift 2: ______! ______THURSDAY Shift 1: ______! ______Shift 2: ______! ______FRIDAY Shift 1: ______! ______Shift 2: ______! ______SATURDAY Shift 1: ______! ______Shift 2: ______! ______
TOTAL WEEKLY HOURS: ______
26 Vacation & Travel AU PAIR PAID VACATION Au pairs receive at least 2 weeks of paid vacation every program year to be taken at a mutually agreeable time. The vacation week is a full 7 days which includes the 5.5 work days and 1.5 days off. Days are accrued at approximately 1 day per month or 1 full week by 6 months. ______
FAMILY VACATION If the host family takes a vacation, the au pair may travel with them for up to 30 days at a time. If the au pair provides childcare, the scheduling guidelines apply and she must receive a written work schedule in advance of the trip. If she is the responsible adult present when she and the children are sleeping, or if she assists with childcare during travel times, this counts as work time and should be on the schedule.
If the au pair is invited to join the vacation as a family member, it is not implied that this is her paid vacation time. Au pairs typically need vacation time away from the host family / children to rest, relax and recharge.
If the au pair remains home and does not travel with the family, this does not count as her paid vacation time unless the dates are mutually agreed upon in advance and the au pair is also free to travel or come and go as she pleases without any household responsibilities.
______
INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL Au pairs can travel outside the country only within their first (1st) program year if they have their DS-2019 form signed 30 days before they leave the country. Mail this to: Jodi DiMauro 837 Whalley Ave, New Haven, CT 06515 for signature. Please also include a return envelope. Au pairs should not travel outside the country during their extension year other than to Canada, Mexico, or adjacent islands.
MORE INFO: www.agentaupair.com/program-information.html
______
27 Holidays & Sick Days
HOLIDAYS Au pairs may be scheduled to work on holidays if needed and hosts should make a reasonable effort to give their au pair some preferred holidays if possible. Hosts and au pairs should discuss USA holidays as well as holidays from the au pair’s home country/culture well in advance.
______
SICK DAYS
Au pairs are allowed sick days throughout the program year within reason in case of illness or other medical needs. These do not count towards vacation days and the stipend may not be reduced because of missed work days. Au pairs may also inform their host if they are still able to provide passive childcare and work on light duty while sick. If your au pair is chronically ill or is missing an unreasonable amount of work, please inform your Local Rep.
Sick Days: ______
Light Duty Days: ______
Informing Us: ______
Household Medication & Remedies: ______
Medical Clinics Near Us: ______
28 Language & Cultural Exchange
LANGUAGE EXCHANGE LANGUAGE BARRIERS
There should be a mutually beneficial Most hosts and au pairs will experience a language barrier. Even a subtle barrier can language exchange between hosts and au cause big misunderstandings, leading to pair. Au pairs need daily opportunities to unnecessary tension and hurt feelings. speak and practice English. In return, hosts Speak clearly in plain language, use visual can expect the au pair to share her language methods of communication, translation apps, with the children. maintain repetition, patience and respect. ______
CULTURAL EXCHANGE CULTURE SHOCK & HOMESICKNESS
Fostering cultural exchange is a key Au pairs are far from the comforts of “home” component of the au pair program. Hosts and and may experience symptoms of culture au pairs have shared accountability to ensure shock including confusion, fatigue, irritability, a mutually beneficial cultural exchange appetite changes, withdrawing from others, experience as representatives of their nation etc. Hosts should check in often and offer and culture. emotional support. ______
29 Dress Code, Hygiene & Etiquette DRESS CODE Au pairs should appear well groomed, friendly and professional. Dress codes vary across cultures and households. In general, clothing should be modest, comfortable and non-restrictive; all of which needs to be defined and discussed. Hosts may require the cleavage, midriff, shoulders, or thighs be covered while in the home. Wearing excessive jewelry might be avoided for safety reasons and footwear may need to be comfortable and flat while working with active children. ______
HYGIENE Personal hygiene is different around the world and across cultures. Natural body odor and breath are often seen as offensive in American culture. Most Americans bathe or shower with soap daily, use an underarm deodorant to prevent body odor, and brush their teeth with toothpaste at least twice a day. Hair might be shampooed daily as well.
______
ETIQUETTE Different cultures define manners and etiquette in very different ways. Etiquette even varies across American households. Most Americans value gratitude, often saying “please” and “thank you”. Eye contact, smiling and personal space are often important. Americans typically eat with their mouths closed and do not burp at the table. Being on time is also customary; there is even a common saying that, “time is money”. ______
30 Guest Policy, Curfew & Dating
HOME GUEST POLICY Every host family has different rules about inviting guests over. Safety, privacy and family values are all considerations. Depending on household rules, au pairs may or may not have friends or family inside the home, overnight guests, or romantic partner(s) visit. ______
CURFEW It is common for au pairs to have a curfew. Hosts may implement a curfew on work nights to ensure the au pair is well rested for work in the morning or to maintain “quiet hours” in their home. Curfews may also apply to vehicle usage. Au pairs may choose to spend their non-work nights (such as their weekend off) somewhere other than the host home if they prefer to stay out past curfew. Au pairs should communicate plans with hosts as a courtesy and for safety reasons. ______
DATING & SAFETY Au pairs may choose to date during their program year without judgement. Hosts may have rules about home guest policy, vehicle and car usage, and safety precautions. Hosts should set clear guidelines and respect the au pair’s privacy outside of the home. Au pairs should discuss best safety practices with their hosts and local rep before meeting individuals off of the internet. ______
31 Our Community & Public Transportation
LOCAL ATTRACTIONS & TOURISM AROUND TOWN
One of the perks of being an au pair is being a Knowing your way around town is a good first tourist and exploring your host city / state. step to feeling more at home. Access to the Here are some suggestions of things to do and local library, post office, coffee shop, faith see during your free time with your host family based organizations, and recreational facilities or on your own. can help you settle in and start making friends right away. ______
PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION VOLUNTEER
Volunteering is a great way to make friends, Train / Bus: practice English and become involved in the ______community. Here are some suggestions of local ______places you might like to volunteer during your free time.
Uber / Lyft / Taxi: MORE INFO: www.agentaupair.com/volunteering.html ______Bike / Walk: ______
32 Weekly Meeting Checklist Hosts and au pairs should have a scheduled weekly meeting to facilitate open communication and prevent potential issues. Hosts should schedule 15-30+ minutes each week either at the start or end of the au pair’s work schedule.
! ACCOMPLISHMENTS & COMPLIMENTS ! What is going well from the host perspective? ! What is going well from the au pair perspective?
! AREAS OF IMPROVEMENT ! Are there things that the au pair can improve on? ! What support does the au pair need from the host? ! Can additional training be helpful? ! Problem solve together.
! REVIEW OF AU PAIR DUTIES ! How is the daily flow of activities and routines going? ! Is the au pair able to complete all duties? ! Is there a better way to manage time or modify duties?
! CHILD DEVELOPMENT & BEHAVIOR ! Review child developmental milestones. ! Are there any problem behaviors? ! Review discipline methods. Is a behavior plan needed?
! REVIEW OF SCHEDULE & STIPEND ! Potential schedule changes (approved in advance) ! Au pair monthly meeting schedule - Is alternative childcare needed? ! Vacation time requests / upcoming vacation days ! Appointments or changes to routine ! Log payment of the weekly stipend
! GOALS FOR UPCOMING WEEK ! Activity planning and childcare plan ! Household tasks ! Cultural exchange & relationship building
! MEAL PLANNING & FAMILY ACTIVITIES ! Meal planning for children ! Family meal plans & activities ! Au pair food preferences & grocery list
! AU PAIR PLANS FOR UPCOMING WEEK ! Education requirement progress ! Social activities & plans ! Vehicle access / transportation needs ! Self care & well-being
33 Conflict Resolution Conflict exists when one person has a need of another and that need is not being met. Conflicts between hosts and au pairs are common and it is best to catch them early by facilita ng open communica on.
STEP 1: COMMUNICATE & EXPRESS YOUR NEEDS ! Review this household guide together. Hosts may add or revise information. ! Confirm your weekly meeting day/time. Write a list of things you want to discuss or refer to the Weekly Meeting Checklist to address common issues. Do you understand each other’s needs and how to meet those needs? How can you better support each other? ! Rule out language barriers and cultural differences. These are common factors that require patience, compassion and attention. ! Use the Problem Solving Sheet. Identify the problem, set a goal, and identify potential solutions together. Share accountability in implementing these solutions and allow time for improvement. ______
STEP 2: CONTACT YOUR LOCAL REPRESENTATIVE FOR HELP ! If you are unable to resolve the issues together in STEP 1, involve your local rep. ! Your local rep will speak briefly with both parties individually followed by a support call/ mediation to implement potential solutions. This dates the beginning of your 30-day mediation period. ! Allow 2 weeks for improvement while implementing the solutions suggested by your local rep. Be prepared for additional training, supervision, check-ins and relationship building during this time. ! Your local rep will follow up in 2 weeks to assess whether the conflict has been resolved or requires management intervention. ______
STEP 3: AGENCY MANAGEMENT INTERVENTION ! If the problem persists, your local rep will escalate your conflict to management. An Agent Au Pair manager will review all documentation provided by the local rep and will initiate a 2nd mediation call. ! Management will take a closer look at the facts to determine the root of the conflict and offer specific solutions to both parties. ! Additional counseling and correction will be provided if one or both parties withdraw, point blame, stop communicating, or become aggressive or defensive. ! Management will follow up again in 2 weeks, after the 30-day mediation period, to determine whether the conflict can be resolved or if a minimum of 2-weeks’ notice will be granted to terminate the placement. Any decision regarding an au pair's replacement is at the sole discretion of Agent Au Pair and is only implemented as a last result.
______
34 Problem Solving Sheet This form should used by the host and au pair to problem solve together when placement concerns occur. Both host and au pair should maintain a pro-active, solution-based approach. Solutions should reflect shared accountability, meaning both host and au pair should do their part to reach the main goal together.
Date: ______
ISSUE / CONCERN ______
HOST NEEDS ______
AU PAIR NEEDS ______
MAIN GOAL ______
SOLUTION 1 ______
SOLUTION 2 ______
SOLUTION 3 ______
35 Education Requirement
EDUCATION REQUIREMENT Au Pairs are required to take at least 6 semester credits or 72 hours at an accredited post- secondary university in the United States. Hosts assist au pairs with identifying school options, facilitating tuition payment, transportation and time off for classes. MORE INFO: www.agentaupair.com/educational-requirement.html
TUITION & TRANSPORTATION Hosts are responsible to pay up to $500 for tuition and course materials towards the educational requirement for each standard program year. Au pairs should be prepared to pay additional costs. Both parties should keep a receipt of education costs paid.
Enrollment & Tuition Instructions: ______Hosts are required to pay for the ground transportation for au pairs to get to their classes, including gas, parking, or public transportation. The transportation cost is in addition to the $500/$1,000 allowance for tuition and related material. Transportation Plans:
______
FINDING A SCHOOL & CLASS SCHEDULE Classes must be taken at a university, college or continuing education program sponsored by a college. Classes can be taken locally with American students or at a program designed specifically for au pairs. The hosts and au pair review options together and mutually agree on an option that works for everyone.
MORE INFO: www.agentaupair.com/educational-requirement.html
Local Colleges: ______
Best Days/Times for Classes:
______
36 Au Pair Monthly Meetings
PURPOSE & BENEFITS Local representa ves and au pairs discuss the topics of s pend, schedule, job du es, host family rela onships, educa onal requirement, and overall wellness each month as required by the U.S. Department of State. A report is completed to confirm compliance for the au pair’s J-1 visa.
The mee ng is also a opportunity to meet other au pairs in a social se ng / support group. Group discussions are informal and au pairs are encouraged to share their experiences adjus ng to life in the United States, cultural differences, learning English and living with an American host family. In-person mee ngs may include a variety of cultural, recrea onal and volunteer ac vi es. Agent Au Pair helps offset the costs of ac vi es and au pairs are responsible for addi onal costs.
THE ROLE OF THE HOST FAMILY Au pairs are given adequate me off and transporta on for the mandatory monthly mee ngs. Hosts and au pairs should discuss monthly meeting days/times 30 days in advance so time off and transportation (within a one hour drive each way) can be arranged.
Informing Us:
______
Transportation Plans: ______
Alternative Child Care Plans:
______
ATTENDANCE & MAKE-UP POLICY Au pairs may receive one absence per program year and may be granted a up to 2 make-up sessions for legi mate reasons with advance no ce such as a ending classes, travel/ vaca on, a documented illness, funeral / wedding, etc. Being scheduled to work and not having transporta on do not warrant an excused absence or make-up session. Au airs should make arrangements with their hosts in advance.
Au pairs are responsible to keep track of their monthly mee ng a endance and to return the cer ficate of monthly mee ng a endance form to the agency to qualify for their extension year and successful program comple on.
37 Certificate of Monthly Meeting Attendance
Au Pair Name: ______Host Family Name: ______
Program Begin Date (mm/dd/yy): ______Date of Birth (mm/dd/yy): ______
Local Rep Name: ______This form certifies that monthly meeting attendance necessary for successful program completion and/or extension has been met. The local representative must confirm au pair attendance each month and provide this form. This form must be submitted to Agent Au Pair by the au pair or local rep before successful program completion and/or extension.
The au pair monthly meetings are required by the U.S. State Department and are a mandatory requirement for participation in the program. Only one absence is permitted by the State Dept. during the program year.
Meeting No. Date Au Pair Missed Mtgs Education Local Rep Signature Attended to Date on Track Example 1/12/2018 Y / N 0 1 2 3 Y / N
Meeting 1 Y / N 0 1 2 3 Y / N
Meeting 2 Y / N 0 1 2 3 Y / N
Meeting 3 Y / N 0 1 2 3 Y / N
Meeting 4 Y / N 0 1 2 3 Y / N
Meeting 5 Y / N 0 1 2 3 Y / N
Meeting 6 Y / N 0 1 2 3 Y / N
Meeting 7 Y / N 0 1 2 3 Y / N
Meeting 8 Y / N 0 1 2 3 Y / N
Meeting 9 Y / N 0 1 2 3 Y / N
Meeting 10 Y / N 0 1 2 3 Y / N
Meeting 12 Y / N 0 1 2 3 Y / N
Local Representative Signature:______Date: ______
38 Au Pair Online Resources
AU PAIR PORTAL www.agentaupair.com/program-information.html
Find program information and frequently asked questions (FAQ’s) on au pair medical insurance, rematch policy, travel, drivers’ license, education requirement, social security number (SSN), taxes and more.
AGENT AU PAIR ONLINE ACADEMY https://courses.lpilearning.org/bundles/agent-au-pair
Take a variety of online courses to enhance au pair training and skill level. Learn about child behavior, healthy cooking, driving in the USA, ESL for your program year and more! Earn certificates for each course you complete.
AGENT AU PAIR PINTEREST www.pinterest.com/agentaupair/
Get inspired! Check out our boards on a variety of childcare topics and activities, living with a host family, English language learning, travel in the USA, and much more! This is a great resource for hosts and au pairs to review together.
AGENT AU PAIR CONNECTION PRIVATE FACEBOOK GROUP www.facebook.com/groups/AgentAuPairConnection/
Stay connected. Get all of the latest updates and support from Agent Au Pair in a private platform just for au pairs and agency local representatives. Meet other au pairs and share your experiences living with host families and providing childcare across the United States. Find vacation buddies in a different state or find an au pair from your home country.
AGENT AU PAIR YOUTUBE PLAYLISTS www.youtube.com/channel/UCbWgppnjB4uQynLCbrCDNgw/playlists
Watch our favorite YouTube videos on cultural exchange, conflict resolution, culture shock, language exchange and more.
39 ______
______
40 ______
______
! ______
! ______
! ______
! ______
! ______
! ______
! ______
! ______
! ______
! ______
! ______
! ______
! ______
! ______
! ______
! ______
41