Hosting an Au Pair
LAGUNA BEACH, CA -- Young people who come to the U.S. to live as au pairs are now looking at an increase in their weekly stipend. The stipend is set by the U.S. State Department in compliance with the Fair Labor Standards Act. The increase guarantees that au pairs are paid a fair wage for their responsibilities.
"Even with the small increase in pocket money, hosting an au pair is still a very inexpensive solution to child care. Our families receive first-rate, live-in care for their children for around $313 a week. Many families with more than one child find that an au pair is an excellent alternative to a child care center because the price isn't dependant on the number of children a family has," said Ana Fass of EurAuPair (http://www.euraupair.com/
The increase in the weekly stipend works out to be about $19 a week for American families and many find it to be an insignificant expense for quality, in-home child care. An au pair is capable of handling all child related tasks like taking children to and from school and extra-curricular activities, staying home with a sick child if the parent can't miss a day of work or just lending a hand getting children ready for school on busy mornings.
The small increase allows the au pairs to thoroughly enjoy their free time in America. Au pairs are limited to working 45 hours a week and must receive one and a half days off each week. In addition, they must have one entire weekend off each month and two weeks of vacation each year. These guidelines and the increased pocket money are used to attract a pool of highly qualified au pairs.
"The families realize that the $19 increase a week is a small amount for them, but it can make a big difference in the happiness and livelihood of our au pairs. The young people who come over to the United States are capable, caring child care providers who provide the children with a wonderful, cultural experience that can't be duplicated in a day care center," said Fass.
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