Can your Au Pair work for me during the day?

[Anonymous]

I don't know the rules and regulations for au pairs, but I only need childcare for my infant from April 4 to June 15 from 8:15-1:15 daily. I'm having some trouble finding a nanny share/nanny I like for such a short commitment and thought an Au Pair who is doing the early/late shift for elementary aged kids might be perfect.

I live near Rock Creek Valley Elementary School in Rockville.

Thanks!

[Anonymous]

That is not allowed per the program.
No host family will set you up with that.

[Anonymous]

Thanks for that information--I'll keep looking!

[Anonymous]

You can't just rent an Au pair from a family.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:You can't just rent an Au pair from a family.

NP here. Really, is the snark necessary PP?!

The OP said she genuinely didn't know if it was something that could be done (and why would she if she's not part of the AP program?), asked a polite and honest question (in an obvious quest to solve a tricky childcare issue, and who among us has not been there), and was again polite after being informed that this is not possible.

Geez.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I don't know the rules and regulations for au pairs, but I only need childcare for my infant from April 4 to June 15 from 8:15-1:15 daily. I'm having some trouble finding a nanny share/nanny I like for such a short commitment and thought an Au Pair who is doing the early/late shift for elementary aged kids might be perfect.

I live near Rock Creek Valley Elementary School in Rockville.

Thanks!

You must commit for a year. Otherwise, your daily schedule is fine.

[Anonymous]

AP host mom here. I know APs who do want babysitting gigs on the side, but it's not within the rules of the program. Also, au pairs are not allowed to take care of infants under 3 months old, and can't take care of kids between three months old and two years old unless they are infant qualified. I understand that you're not looking to get an au pair per se but be aware that many if not most will not have experience with really little babies or be taking care of infants for their host families.

You might look into College Nannies in Bethesda and see if they can find you a temp nanny for your baby.

[Anonymous]

Our AP picks up extra babysitting jobs quite frequently and she provides back up care for a neighbor when her child has been sick and she has to make it into work. Yes, outside the rules, but it happens and everyone wins. I frequently have people asking is she can sit and gladly give her number out so she can make extra cash.

With that said, I wouldn't think an AP watching school aged kids would be good for an infant, unless she is an extension AP with infant experience. Also, keep in mind APs are home whrn their kids are sick or school is out on a holiday or snow day, leaving you in a lurch.

I think it is great to use for a day or night here and there, but any sort of commitment longer than that can make problems.

[Anonymous]

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.

[Anonymous]

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?

[Anonymous]

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.

Longtime HM here, and I am very confused by this response. Does the poster mean that she intends to keep the money for the AP's babysitting gig and not the AP? That would be terribly wrong (even more wrong than breaking the rules by allowing her to work for someone else).

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

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.

Longtime HM here, and I am very confused by this response. Does the poster mean that she intends to keep the money for the AP's babysitting gig and not the AP? That would be terribly wrong (even more wrong than breaking the rules by allowing her to work for someone else).

NP but isn't AP already being paid for 45 hours? If PP isn't using 45 hour what is the harm?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

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.

[Anonymous]

I hate when people compare the AP program to slavery, but PP, your idea of "hiring out" your AP to do babysitting and pocketing the money is akin to what slave owners did with slaves. The slaves sometimes got a small portion of the money their labor earned, but their owners decided how muc they got and said owners took a (hefty) chunk for themselves (sometimes keeping the whole thing). This is 100% illegal in so many ways. I really hope your AP would report you if you decided to do this.

APs come to work for their HF only. If the HF needs only 20 hours a week, then that is what the HF needs, and they pay the stipend regardless. Surely you know that....

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

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.