We’re Back In Person!
Effective July 1, 2023, the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs at the State Department ended its policy that permitted temporary modifications of exchange visitor programs in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
All program participants are expected to comply with the regulations and return to predominantly in-person program activities, including in-person classes for the education requirement, monthly meetings, and Au Pair School / Orientation.
Au Pair School
Every au pair attends a comprehensive 3 day Au Pair Training School and Orientation Program at the beginning of their program year as they prepare to join their host family. Starting November 2023, Au Pair School will return to in person in New Haven, Connecticut. Au Pairs will arrive on Tuesday and attend Au Pair School on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday. You can view Au Pair School Dates Here. Au pairs are available to travel from New Haven, CT after 2pm on Friday.
Who pays for transportation from Au Pair School to the Host Family’s house?
Host families are required to arrange and pay for domestic transportation.
Can au pairs attend au pair school virtually?
No, Au Pair School must be attended in person at the beginning of the program for any arrivals after October 24, 2023.
Can my au pair attend Au Pair School at a later date?
No, Au Pair School must be attended at the start of their program. This custom program is designed both to educate au pairs on child development and safety and to ensure they have an understanding of the great responsibility that comes with being an au pair for an American family.
Monthly Meetings
Per DOS regulations, Au pairs must meet with their Local Coordinator (LC) every month as a requirement of their J-1 visa.
Monthly Meetings promote social activities outside of the home in a supportive environment with the LC. This is a special time for au pairs who receive the support of their fellow exchange visitors and child care providers while embracing new experiences in the community.
Do au pairs have to attend monthly meetings?
Yes. The State Department requires au pairs to attend monthly meetings as a program requirement to monitor their health, safety and welfare. The au pair may miss one (1) scheduled meeting in her 12-month program year as regulated by the U.S. Department of State for a valid reason approved by Agent Au Pair and the local coordinator.
Some examples of valid reasons are (1) attending class for the education requirement, (2) au pair chooses to travel with the host family on vacation, (3) au pair is sick and also relieved of her duties due to illness.
What if childcare is needed during the meeting time?
The au pair may not be scheduled to work during the monthly meeting time. The LC will provide 30+ days advance notice of the monthly meeting schedule to both the host and au pair so alternative child care can be arranged by the host.
If 30+ days advance notice is not provided due to unforeseen circumstances, such as the introduction of a new LC, we ask the host and au pair to make a reasonable effort to accommodate the schedule and only request a makeup meeting if absolutely necessary. It is important for au pairs to have access to social opportunities within their peer group and for the LC to monitor their health, safety and welfare.
Who is responsible for providing the au pair’s transportation to the meeting?
The host is responsible to provide the au pair transportation within a one-hour drive radius or up to 60 miles to meet with the LC and other au pairs during the scheduled meeting time. Adequate transportation may include (1) vehicle access +gas and parking costs, (2) cost of public transportation, (3) host parent drop off/pick-up, (4) cost of Uber/Lyft, or (5) reliable carpool arranged between hosts and au pairs. The LC is not responsible for arranging or providing transportation.
How long are monthly meetings?
Community activities may range from 1-4 hours in duration plus transportation time. Please discuss activity details and duration with your LC directly.
Educational Requirement
All au pairs should be strongly encouraged to prioritize in-person classes, as exchange programs are expected to be predominantly in person. The educational program component provides au pairs with a valuable opportunity to interact with American peers in a classroom setting, enhancing their educational and cultural experience.
Can au pairs still take online classes?
Online courses do not meet the educational requirement for au pairs. However, ECA recognizes that there are rare, extenuating circumstances that may be beyond the control of program participants. In such cases, au pairs may take a maximum of one online course per program year only when circumstances justify doing so.
Why are in-person classes important?
All au pairs should be strongly encouraged to prioritize in-person classes, as exchange programs are expected to be predominantly in person. The educational program component provides au pairs with a valuable opportunity to interact with American peers in a classroom setting, enhancing their educational and cultural experience.
Can Agent Au Pair make an exception for me?
Agent Au Pair does not have the authority to change or modify program regulations. We empathize with those of you who may find this adjustment challenging. We encourage all program participants to maintain a positive outlook and embrace the opportunity to be in-person again.
What about hybrid classes?
Au pairs can take in-person classes with virtual components (known as hybrid classes) that predominantly require in-person student attendance. To be considered in-person, remote participation may account for no more than 40% of the course. At least 60% of course participation must be in-person.
What about au pairs who are currently enrolled in online classes?
Au pairs in active status on or before June 30, 2023, may continue hybrid educational programs up to December 31, 2023. New au pairs with a program begin date on July 1, 2023, or thereafter are expected to adhere to this Guidance Directive.