AuPairCare Requirements: Host Family and Au Pair Eligibility

AuPairCare is a U.S. au pair agency that matches American host families with international au pairs for live-in childcare and cultural exchange. To participate, host families must meet program requirements around their home, childcare needs, and application process, while au pairs must qualify, apply, and complete screening and training. Both sides undergo background checks, and the program is Department of State regulated under BridgeUSA.

Host Family Requirements

AuPairCare describes the au pair program as combining live-in childcare with cultural exchange. Host families apply through the agency and are matched with an international au pair who provides flexible childcare while living in the home.

Based on the program overview, host families can expect the following:

• Program requirements: AuPairCare lists a dedicated "Program Requirements" section for host families, covering what a family needs to qualify before hosting.
• Screening: Background checks and screening apply to both host families and au pairs.
• Local support: Host families receive local, dedicated support in their community through AuPairCare's locations and local support network.
• Training for au pairs: Au pairs complete extensive training, including AuPairCare Connect in NYC, which host families benefit from.

The site also offers a direct comparison — "Au Pair vs Nanny vs Daycare" — for families weighing live-in childcare against other options.

How to Start as a Host Family

1. Review the "How It Works" and "Program Requirements" sections on AuPairCare's host family pages.
2. Begin the host family application through the "Become A Host Family" or "Begin Application" link.
3. Search available au pairs or request information to learn more before committing.
4. Complete the screening and matching process with AuPairCare's support.

Au Pair Requirements

For au pairs, AuPairCare frames the experience as living with an American family while caring for their children, improving English, and gaining future career skills. The program begins at AuPairCare Connect in NYC.

Key points for prospective au pairs:

• Qualification: AuPairCare provides an "Am I Qualified?" section outlining eligibility.
• Program details: A "Program Details" page covers what the program involves.
• Screening: Au pairs go through background checks and screening, as do host families.
• Training: Au pairs receive extensive training, starting with AuPairCare Connect in NYC.
• Stipend: AuPairCare states au pairs can earn a higher stipend with AuPairCare.
• Safety: AuPairCare lists an "Au Pair Safety" section for prospective au pairs.

How to Start as an Au Pair

1. Check the "Am I Qualified?" page to confirm eligibility.
2. Review "Program Details" and "Benefits" to understand the commitment.
3. Apply through the "Become An Au Pair" or "Apply" link.
4. Prepare for training, including AuPairCare Connect in NYC, and the matching process.

Shared Requirements: Screening and Regulation

Both host families and au pairs are subject to background checks and screening. AuPairCare states it is Department of State regulated and part of the BridgeUSA program, which sets the framework for the au pair exchange.

Why Families Choose AuPairCare

AuPairCare cites over 37 years of experience and more than 100,000 placements, and states it is recommended by 96% of customers, backed by 2,000+ real reviews. The agency emphasizes local support, screening for both sides, and extensive au pair training as differentiators.

For families deciding between childcare types, AuPairCare's "Au Pair vs Nanny vs Daycare" resource compares live-in au pairs with nannies and daycare. For those ready to proceed, both host families and au pairs can begin an application directly on the site.