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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]Do you state in your listing the exact special needs that your child has?  Are there many candidates with OT or PT training?  My child has physical disabilities.  [/quote]

Absolutely.  It is critical that you be fair and very objective in describing your child.  It may mean your search takes longer or you interview au pairs that may turn you down, but you only need ONE candidate that fits your bill.  She or he is out there.  Trust me.  You just need to fine each other.  And you want one that really is ready emotionally for not only being an au pair (it is not babysitting!) but is ready for the special challenges your child will bring.

FYI - my child does not have physical disabilities aside from the usual low muscle and motor tone, but a slew of other challenges.  Our au pair search has never taken more than about a month and interviewing no more than 4 candidates.  We do not insist on a special needs au pair as we don't want to limit too much.  Like I said above, what's worked for us to consider only candidates that will at least consider a SN placement and that demonstrate maturity through indications of independence and maturity (own their own car?  Have had a full time job at one employer for more than a year?  What's their relationship to their parents?  What do they do at home to earn their keep? I could write a book let me tell you). We've had a great experience thus far (knock on wood) and it's been 6 years with au pairs.  Being honest and direct is critical to the search process.   I highly recommend your child have at least one Skype interaction with any serious candidate.  Even if they cannot or will not talk, at least so the au pair can "see" your child and get a good view.  I've found it very much calms them especially when our application can be sort of "scary" compared to perhaps some other families with only NT kids.  [/quote]

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