I've really liked au pair care in the two years we have been hosting. And so far I haven't encountered the entitled AP's people talk about.

Anonymous wrote:I'm the OP of this thread and just matched. AP seems wonderful but I'm a bit worried we rushed the process because I was just sick of searching. Also, we were the first family she spoke with and I think that helped a lot, as she was also overwhelmed once she started getting a ton of family requests. I was not happy with the process this year but I'm hopeful it was all worth it.

Oops wrong thread...

I'm the OP of this thread and just matched. AP seems wonderful but I'm a bit worried we rushed the process because I was just sick of searching. Also, we were the first family she spoke with and I think that helped a lot, as she was also overwhelmed once she started getting a ton of family requests. I was not happy with the process this year but I'm hopeful it was all worth it.

awesome agency? oxymoron

There is no initial fee at CCAP or APIA. You register, make a profile, then start looking for APs. If you match, you pay.

Also, a good agency? Hahahaha.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:There are only a little over a dozen, and for every success story with one agency, there are complaints. Also, the connection with the AP is vastly more important than the agency the AP is with.

So! Most HFs sign up with 2-4 agencies and look for their AP, then only pay fees for that one. Others go to aupairmom and find the AP, signing up at their agency for a slightly reduced fee.

Good luck!

I had no idea about signing up with more than one agency simultaneously. Years ago when I looked into the AP program I thought you had to pay the agency fee (more like a deposit) first. That’s a great idea because I agre it’s more about finding the right AP for your family needs. Thank you again!

Be upfront, then butter them up. “I had a bad experience with the AP program years ago, but due to a change in circumstances and seeing how well it works for others, I’d like to see whether you have an AP who would work for me. Can you waive the initial fee for me, please? I’m going to look at several agencies, but yours seems to be ... inky area.” Some people get every initial fee waived, and the switch agencies each year to get the switching discount.

Anonymous wrote:There are only a little over a dozen, and for every success story with one agency, there are complaints. Also, the connection with the AP is vastly more important than the agency the AP is with.

So! Most HFs sign up with 2-4 agencies and look for their AP, then only pay fees for that one. Others go to aupairmom and find the AP, signing up at their agency for a slightly reduced fee.

Good luck!

I had no idea about signing up with more than one agency simultaneously. Years ago when I looked into the AP program I thought you had to pay the agency fee (more like a deposit) first. That’s a great idea because I agre it’s more about finding the right AP for your family needs. Thank you again!

There are only a little over a dozen, and for every success story with one agency, there are complaints. Also, the connection with the AP is vastly more important than the agency the AP is with.

So! Most HFs sign up with 2-4 agencies and look for their AP, then only pay fees for that one. Others go to aupairmom and find the AP, signing up at their agency for a slightly reduced fee.

Good luck!

When my children were much younger I worked with one of the AuPair agencies, but wasn’t happy with them and decided to no longer participate in the program. But, now that my children are in school and I’ve become a single mom I’m Reconsidering hiring an Au Pair. Please recommend your agency if your happy with them. Thanks!