Transition Information for Host Families

Host families and au pairs sometimes don't connect for different reasons and can choose to end their arrangement early and match with a different au pair or host family. When this happens, Au Pair USA has a system in place to make the reassignment as easy as possible on the host family, the au pair and on the host family's children. This allows both parties to continue to participate in the program and get the most out it.

Contact your local coordinator if any issues arise with your au pair. Local coordinators can offer guidance and suggestions and can often resolve minor issues without requiring a transition.

Tips for Host Families in Transition

Allow four to six weeks for reassignment. The host family and au pair are required to stay together for two weeks from the date they are registered in Transition. This is to ensure the family has two weeks to secure back-up childcare, and also so the au pair is not just "kicked out."
Restrictions placed by the family on reassignment can extend the amount of time it takes to locate an appropriate au pair. For example, requests for specific nationalities or arrival months can increase the time required for placement. Also, it normally takes longer to reassign families with children under 2 or with any special needs.
Typically, there are fewer au pairs available for reassignment than families. Thus, it is likely that the au pair will be reassigned before the host family chooses a new au pair. Back-up childcare is crucial.
On average, host families are contacted about a potential au pair the week after they have been registered. Of course, this timing can vary depending upon the family’s needs and the availability of au pairs.
Host families should continue to pay the stipend to their current au pair until he or she moves out or is no longer acting as an au pair.
Host families and au pairs must confirm or reject a proposal within 24 hours. Therefore, it is best to make initial contact with a proposed au pair promptly. If an interview cannot be conducted during your initial call, schedule a mutually convenient time. If the au pair is not home, leave a message that you will try back at a specific time.
Families accepting a reassigned au pair are responsible for any domestic travel costs in excess of $150.
Your local coordinator should be involved in the timing of your reassigned au pair's arrival. Such travel must be discussed between the local coordinator, host family and the au pair in order to arrange a time that is convenient to all parties. Travel arrangements must not be made until all parties are notified and agree to an acceptable move date. The transition department will impose restrictions upon available move dates. Please remember our two-week no-move policy unless both parties are in accordance.
Each au pair may be entitled to a pro-rated amount of vacation and educational stipend. Be sure to discuss this with your local coordinator during the reassignment process.
A host family's program year coincides with their au pair's arrival. Therefore, should you be reassigned to an au pair whose arrival date is greater than your current au pair's, you will be billed for the additional weeks of coverage. If your au pair has fewer months left, a credit will be issued for the number of months not covered.