becoming a hf for the first time- where to start?

[Anonymous]

Hello,

We are new to the area. We have one child, a 4 yr old boy and are considering hosting an au pair. Where do we start? Is there a salary? Or just exchange for room and board? We likely will end up living in Kensington, is this too far out for ap's to consider? Is the hf expected to provide a vehicle/transportation?

Is this even the right forum for this thread?



Thanks.

[Anonymous]

The best place to start is on the website of a few of the companies whom match au pairs with families - au pair in America, go au pair, cultural care. Go browse the faq on those sites and then come back.

Weekly rate is now just about 200. But you need to budget alot more than that - placement fees, education stipend, food, etc.

Kensington is not terrible but unless you live right close to a metro or major bus line you will need to give her vehicle access. I assume you expect her to get your son out to activities? We live two blocks from a metro but our au pair uses the car for pick up, drop off, library, play dates, and then some of her own socializing on weekends or evenings.

[Anonymous]

I'd go to Cultural Care since I believe they're the only ones doing background checks on host families.

[Anonymous]

I started with searches on this site (check the original Nanny forum in the main board and the Gen Parenting one), reading aupairmom.com, interviewing LCCs from a few agencies and asking a lot of questions. Also, try google.

Kensington is hardly 'far out'.

Yes, if you are in the burbs and not close to public trans, you should expect to share your car at least.