General Program Guidelines: 

Up to 40h week including babysitting (Monday – Friday)
Free time Saturday and Sunday (minimum 2 full days).
Up to 1h of light household duties per day (no more than 5h/week).
Pocket money : Min $8 per hour (basic category) $9-$10 ( Au pair Plus and Platinum)

Placement completion BONUS of one week’s pocket money to be paid to all au pairs who have completed their full agreed placement duration (applicable for placements which are 6 months or longer in length).

Expected Suitable and Unsuitable duties of au pairs:

Au pairs in Australia typically engage in a variety of tasks related to childcare and light household duties. However, it’s important to note that the specific duties can vary depending on the family’s needs and the arrangement made between the au pair and the host family.

The expectations should be clearly outlined in the au pair agreement or contract. Here are some examples of suitable and unsuitable tasks for au pairs in Australia:

Suitable Tasks:

Childcare:

• • Supervising and caring for children.
  • Assisting with morning and bedtime routines.
  • Engaging in educational and recreational activities with the children.

Meal Preparation:

• • Preparing simple and healthy meals for the children.
  • Feeding the children and cleaning up after meals.

Light Housekeeping:

• • Keeping the children’s living and play areas tidy.
  • Doing the children’s laundry.
  • Light cleaning, such as sweeping or vacuuming, related to the children’s activities.

Transportation:

• • Driving or accompanying children to school, activities, and appointments.

Language and Cultural Exchange:

• • Sharing the au pair’s language and culture with the host family and children.

Assistance with Homework:

• • Providing support with homework and educational activities.

Unsuitable Tasks:

Heavy Cleaning:

• • Performing extensive or deep cleaning tasks unrelated to the children’s areas.

Errands and Personal Tasks:

• • Running errands or completing personal tasks for the host parents.

Extended Hours or Overtime:

• • Being required to work excessively long hours without proper compensation or time off.

Discipline and Punishment:

• • Implementing disciplinary actions or punishment; this should be the responsibility of the parents.

Pet Care:

• • Taking care of pets if it’s not agreed upon in advance.

Adult or Elderly Care:

• • Providing care for adults or elderly family members; au pairs are typically focused on childcare.

It’s crucial for both the au pair and the host family to communicate openly about expectations, responsibilities, and limitations. This helps ensure a positive and mutually beneficial experience for both parties.

Au Pairs & Driving:

When a driving au pair is requested – our agency specifically selects applicants who have confirmed to be confident/safe drivers in their home countries during their interviews. We are however unable to assess the au pair’s driving ability in practise.

With this in mind, and considering that most au pairs have never driven on the left hand side of the road, initial practise is always needed to allow the au pair to adjust driving in Australia.

It may take from as little as a couple of days to 2-3 weeks for an au pair to fully adjust to driving in Australia.

Insurance: Host families are generally responsible for providing insurance coverage for their vehicles, including coverage for the au pair while driving. It’s important for both the host family and the au pair to understand the terms and conditions of the insurance policy.

Communication with Host Family: Clear communication between the host family and the au pair is crucial. This includes discussing driving expectations, schedules, and any limitations or preferences related to the use of the family vehicle.

Safety First: The safety of both the au pair and the children is of utmost importance. Host families should ensure that the au pair is aware of and follows all safety guidelines, including proper use of car seats and seat belts. Regular vehicle maintenance checks are also essential to guarantee the reliability and safety of the family car.

Driving Schedule and Limitations: Clear communication regarding driving schedules and limitations is crucial for a successful au pair arrangement. Host families should discuss expectations regarding driving hours, frequency, and any restrictions on the use of the vehicle. Similarly, au pairs should communicate their comfort levels, ensuring that driving responsibilities align with their abilities and preferences.

Childcare experience of Au pairs

Au pairs typically bring a range of childcare experiences to their roles, and their backgrounds can vary widely. When families select an au pair, they often look for candidates who have demonstrated an ability to care for children and contribute positively to their well-being. Here are common childcare experiences that au pairs may have:

Babysitting:

• • Many au pairs have prior experience as babysitters, caring for children in their own homes or the homes of others. This experience often involves supervising playtime, preparing meals, and handling bedtime routines.

Teaching or Tutoring:

• • Some au pairs have backgrounds in education or tutoring. They may have worked with children in a formal teaching capacity, providing academic support, helping with homework, or organizing educational activities.

Daycare or Preschool Assistance:

• • Au pairs may have worked in daycare centers, preschools, or other childcare facilities. This experience can include caring for multiple children, organizing activities, and maintaining a safe and stimulating environment.

Sibling Care:

• • Au pairs who have siblings or have cared for younger family members often bring valuable experience to their roles. They may be accustomed to handling the needs of children of different ages.

Camp Counselor:

• • Some au pairs have worked as camp counselors, overseeing groups of children during recreational activities. This experience can demonstrate their ability to engage children in various outdoor and indoor activities.

Special Needs Care:

• • Au pairs may have experience working with children with special needs, either through formal employment or volunteer work. This background can be beneficial in situations where children require additional attention or specific care.

First Aid and CPR Training:

• • Many au pairs undergo training in first aid and CPR to ensure they can respond appropriately in case of emergencies. This is a valuable skill set for anyone responsible for the well-being of children.

Language and Cultural Exchange:

• • Cultural exchange is a fundamental aspect of the au pair program. Au pairs often introduce children to their language and culture, providing a unique and enriching experience beyond traditional childcare.

It’s important for host families to discuss and understand an au pair’s childcare experiences during the selection process. Additionally, open communication about the specific needs and expectations for their children helps ensure a successful and harmonious arrangement. The childcare experience of au pairs contributes to the overall cultural exchange and support they provide within the host family.