So you’ve made the decision to get an au pair as an affordable child care option, but how do you begin the process of looking for the right person?
You can either look for someone on your own, or make use of an au pair agency.
Advantages of looking for an au-pair on your own
1.There are plenty of places you can find au-pairs
You can advertise online for an au pair, look at job board websites (such as gumtree) where au pairs may offer their services, or perhaps you can even find someone through people that you know.
2. Direct Communication
If you find someone who might be suitable, or when people respond to your advertisement, you can communicate with them directly about the au pair role. With technology such as email, Facebook and Skype, you can learn all about your prospective au pair, and you can tell them about your family and expectations. Make sure you prepare well by looking into rules on working hours and duties of an au-pair and decide what your expectations are.
3. Save costs
Finding an au pair on your own will obviously save you some money. You may feel that you have the capability to employ someone, and perhaps you believe that you might be able to find someone trustworthy through a friend or relative.
Advantages of finding an au pair through an agency
1. Administration
Au pair agencies are familiar with administrative and legal requirements for bringing an au pair from overseas. Depending on where your au pair comes from, she may need a visa. An agency will ensure that all the administrative requirements, including contracts and insurances, are met and done timeously.
2. Support in managing au-pair issues
When you find an au pair through an agency, you have a representative or company available to provide assistance and support https://artsandhealth.ie/diclofenac/ should the need arise. If you face difficulties with your au pair, or are unsure about anything relating to their role and responsibilities, you can contact the agency. Your questions will be answered and they may have suggestions that you had not even thought of to solve the difficulties. Au pair agencies that have been in business for some time, are likely to have come across every situation you may encounter.
3. Applicant screening
Working through an agency provides you with greater peace of mind regarding the person that you select to live in your home than if you are to go through the process on your own.
Au pair agencies screen applicants so you will be aware of the experience that they have working with children. Agencies also commonly provide comprehensive candidate profiles, which include a police clearance from the au pair’s home country, a medical report and a minimum of two references.
Agencies are objective in this process, unlike a friend or family member who recommends someone they know, which can create complications if you are subsequently unhappy with the way the au pair is caring for your child.
Author: Tuuli Liiskmaa on behalf of Smart Au-Pairs. Tuuli Liiskmaa is the owner of the Smart Au Pairs au pair agency. She is passionate about supporting all the Smart Au Pairs host families throughout the au pair placement process right through from their initial consultation to post-arrival help. She goes to great lengths to ensure the best possible match is made between the Smart Au Pairs host families and the au pairs. For more information on how an au pair can help you meet your family’s childcare needs contact reputable au pair agency Smart Au Pairs or visit their website to request a call back.
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