The Au Pair & Host Family Household Guide
Agent Au Pair uses the Au Pair & Host Family Household Guide to manage program expectations between hosts and au pairs. Our fillable pdf template is easy for hosts to fill in and personalize, addresses common placement issues and offers visual icons for English language learners.
Setting You Up for Success
Our Au Pair and Host Family Household Guide is required from our hosts because we care. Personalizing your household guide and having clear expectations sets you and your au pair up for success. Your household guide is your au pair’s job description, training handbook, and go-to resource throughout her program. The household guide was developed by expert members of our management team to prevent common issues based on years of experience. It also outlines State Department regulations so you can have peace of mind that you are always in compliance with program rules.
Host Family Application Process
The household guide is completed by new host families during the host application process and is reviewed by the local representative prior to the in-home interview. The local rep provides feedback and edits to make sure your household guide follows program rules, is well-polished and sets the tone for a successful program. Once your local rep approves your household guide and completes your in-home interview, you will be officially approved to host an au pair and one step closer to au pair arrival!
Au Pair First Impressions & Arrival
Au pairs must receive an electronic copy of the household guide from the host family, during the interview process and prior to arrival. A print copy is then provided to the au pair by the host family upon arrival following any final edits and revisions suggested by the local rep.
The hosts’ presentation of the household guide helps set a standard for the au pair’s performance. Handwritten or incomplete guides typically do not look as professional and may unintentionally set a lower performance standard for au pairs. Download Adobe Reader for free at https://get.adobe.com to customize your guide electronically.
Au Pairs receive a three-ring binder and Au Pair School Workbook from Agent Au Pair. There is a tab in this binder for au pairs to keep the print copy of their host family’s personalized Household Guide.
Additional copies of select pages may be posted in a highly visible location such as the refrigerator or family command center. The hosts may also choose to keep a 2nd print copy for their own use.
Au Pair First Impressions & Arrival
Au pairs must receive an electronic copy of the household guide from the host family, during the interview process and prior to arrival. A print copy is then provided to the au pair by the host family upon arrival following any final edits and revisions suggested by the local rep.
The hosts’ presentation of the household guide helps set a standard for the au pair’s performance. Handwritten or incomplete guides typically do not look as professional and may unintentionally set a lower performance standard for au pairs. Download Adobe Reader for free at https://get.adobe.com to customize your guide electronically.
Au Pairs receive a three-ring binder and Au Pair School Workbook from Agent Au Pair. There is a tab in this binder for au pairs to keep the print copy of their host family’s personalized Household Guide.
Additional copies of select pages may be posted in a highly visible location such as the refrigerator or family command center. The hosts may also choose to keep a 2nd print copy for their own use.
Au Pair Training
The household guide and au pair school workbook are used in conjunction throughout Au Pair Training School. Au pairs should have a print copy of the household guide accessible to them to get the most out of their au pair school experience. They are encouraged to take notes, mark important information and write down questions for their hosts in their household guides.
It is advised that the host and au pair review each section of the guide together in the days leading up to the Orientation with the local rep. The au pair should be given time to study the material, translate unknown words and write down questions for her hosts as a training exercise.
Orientation
The host family, au pair and local rep will all need access to the host’s complete household guide during the orientation. The local rep will engage the hosts and au pair in discussion regarding the topics covered in the household guide to make sure that both parties have the same understanding of the program requirements and household expectations.
Weekly Check In
The Household Guide should be accessible for review each week at the host and au pair weekly check-in meeting. Maintaining open communication and addressing any issues early and often promotes a healthy relationship dynamic. Revisions may be made as necessary to address new or ongoing support needs.
Placement Issues
If a placement issue occurs that requires the neutral, third party support of the agency, the most current version of the household guide will be needed before proceeding with the mediation process so an appropriate support plan can be devised. The most current household guide can be provided to the local rep by the host or the au pair. Hosts may be asked to edit, revise or add to their Household Guide as part of the conflict resolution process.
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