Can your Au Pair work for me during the day?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:And you all get mad when people call the AP program a version of modern day slavery? This is EXACTLY the type of thing they're talking about.

Longtime host mom here, and I wrote this above. But this is also why, after further thought, I and so many others do not think that this post is real. In fact, maybe you are the one who is writing it? Maybe now you are finally getting your "proof" that there is slavery going on in the au pair program?

I'm not the original poster. I'm someone who has watched several young AP's be taken advantage of. It's really tiresome to continuously hear from the HMs on this board that "a majority of host families treat their Au Pairs well. Abuse isn't that common." If there is just one case of abuse, the entire program needs to be dissected, fixed and reassembled. Day after day, I see families saying that they use their APs over 45 hours per week. They make their APs perform duties far outside the scope of childcare. No matter how hard you try, you cannot justify these practices.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

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Anonymous wrote:Hi OP,

I have an AP that has days free since both my kids are in school. We aren't using our 45 hours a week (only about 17.5) so we could spare her during the day. How much are you offering? I'd like to offset the cost of the AP program somewhat.

Shouldn't you ask her if she wants to do it? Also, are you pocketing the money?

no, I would call it splitting the cost.

You are horrible. My APs tell me stories about bad families, but I sometimes think I'm only hearing half of it.

APs can't be bargained for and sold. Your AP came to this country to be with your family. Not for you to divvy out her 45 hours with internet strangers so you don't have to pay her the full stipend.

I would absolutely report you if you were in our cluster and tried to do this.

Ditto. I really think I have heard it all now. Allowing your AP to make extra money is one thing (and would be very generous to do, because trust me, it can become an issue) but trying to split the cost is above outrageous. Your AP probably chose you because of the 20 hours v. 45 schedule. That is their right to do.

Then they shouldn't get paid for 45 hours.

She is. I think that's the point this poster is trying to make.

The program is set up with the understanding that the family will pay the AP the same stipend every week, regardless of hours worked. There are rules the families have to follow for how to schedule hours (no more than 45 hours per week, no more than 10 hours per day, 1.5 days off per week, 1 full weekend off per month), but other than that, the AP can work whatever crazy schedule the family needs. There are plenty of families who have school age kids with APs. For the school year, the AP usually has a lighter schedule, but they can do certain tasks associated with the children's care during school hours (for example, AP can do kids' laundry). If the family chooses to get an AP but doesn't need the maximum number of hours per week, that's on the family, NOT the AP. And yes, there are APs who look for families who will have light workloads, and that's fine!

It's also set up that AP will work 45 hours, why is it a jackpot for her that this HF only need 17? She should work at LEAST some of the extra hours.

No, you seem to be misinformed. The program is set up so that the AP receives a set stipend for UP TO 45 hours. Very few families use exactly 45 hours every week.

[Anonymous]

So, you want 30 hrs of childcare per week? You can set up a profile for free on CCAP and see which APs are looking for new families, ie - in rematch, and if any of their timelines happen to overlap with what you need, then you're in luck. It's possible, but not probable - no harm in trying though. You'd still be responsible for the full weekly stipend + prorated program fee.