Program Information

Household Guide

• 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 Coordinator prior to the in-home interview. The Local Coordinator 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 Coordinator 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 Impression & 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 Coordinator. 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.

• 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.

• Orientation
  The host family, au pair and Local Coordinator will all need access to the host’s complete household guide during the orientation. The Local Coordinator 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-Ins
  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.