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Nannies and Au Pairs: Considering In-Home Care

© Julie Renaud

You've looked at the child care centers and they seem so institutional. You've visited family child care homes, but just haven't clicked with any of the providers you've met. Well, there is a third option. As you search for child care, don't rule out having someone come into your home. Have you considered a nanny or an au pair?

Both nannies and au pairs are individuals who come into your home to care for your child. A nanny may or may not live with you. To hire a nanny, work with a placement agency or advertise and hire someone on your own. For a fee, an agency will recruit possible candidates for the job and screen them by checking their references and backgrounds. You interview each applicant and work out an agreement with the nanny concerning job duties, pay, etc. Many agencies offer information and assistance in creating a job description and a contract. If you choose to advertise on your own, you will need to conduct your own screening of the applicants and find resources to assist you with contracts and payroll requirements. Depending on your advertising resources, you will probably have a smaller pool of applicants to choose from; many of the agencies recruit nationally.

An au pair is a caregiver from a foreign country. Arrangements are made through an agency and she always lives with you, typically for a period of one year. Au pair agencies function as cultural exchange programs. Again the agency has done the recruiting and screening. You will always have the final say on an individual applicant, but the agency does set most of the terms of the agreement, such as the number of hours worked each week, scope of duties, salary, etc.

Many people automatically assume that they cannot afford a nanny or an au pair. Before you rule it out, consider the value of the individual attention your child will receive and the convenience of having someone come to you. Au pair agency fees include such things as a stipend for the au pair, air fare, insurance and education costs. Nanny agencies charge a placement fee to cover the cost of recruiting and screening and suggest a salary amount for the nanny. Nannies you hire on your own should be paid a fair wage; factor in room and board if appropriate. When determining your total costs, remember to include payroll taxes and benefits such as paid time off and health insurance. If the cost seems out of reach, consider sharing a nanny with another family with similar needs. Families looking for a shared nanny arrangement often advertise or the agency may be able to pair you with another family.