An au pair, generally a young, unmarried person of foreign nationality, lives with a host family and is in charge of childcare and sometimes light housework in the household. Au pairs carry out their duties in exchange for housing, a small allowance, or pocket money (generally €350 or more per month,) and interpersonal experience in a foreign country.

Working as an au pair is a great way to be immersed in the Roman community, but the au pair must also be ready to dedicate much of her time to the children. Often, parents expect the au pair to communicate with the children in their mother tongue language; hence, an au pair does not necessarily have to be fluent in Italian.

At the moment, there is a high demand for mother-tongue English speaking au pairs in Rome, especially during the summer months. During the holidays, many Roman families vacation to Tuscany, the seaside, or other surrounding regions and happily bring the au pair along.

Au pairs are not professional nannies and generally should not be responsible for infants or children under two years old. An au pair is usually expected to fulfill a temporary position spanning from a few months, or up to two years.

The ideal au pair has had experience with children, is roughly between the ages of 18 and 27, and has a valid visa, or is a citizen of the European Union.

What the Au Pair must know

Hours, activities and duties:

• Usually up to 30 working hours maximum per week;
• Working hours include evening babysitting and childcare;
• Light housework meaning cleaning up after the children;
• Playing with and stimulating children;
• Act and integrate as a family member, (an au pair is not to be considered a servant;)
• Seize the opportunity for cultural exchange.

Leisure time:

• During a 12 month stay, 2 weeks minimum vacation or leisure time;
• Duration of holidays should be determined and arranged between the au pair and host family prior to the stage.

Room and board:

• Au pair should have own room
• Room should be kept tidy.

What the host family has to do

Role:

• Provide a schedule and detailed expectations;
• Treat the au pair as a family member;
• Provides opportunities for the au pair to be active in Roman and Italian culture;
• Invites au pair on the family trips.

Financial obligations:

• Pay pocket money (usually a minimum of €350 per month);
• Host family should be responsible for providing insurance for the au pair, including payment of health, accident, repatriation and liability insurance during the duration of the exchange.

Other:

• Register the au pair with the appropriate authorities if required;
• In case visa/residence permit is required, host family should pay all expenses required by their home country;
• The au pair should always be able to contact the au pair agency.

Source
European Committee for Au Pair Standards : http://www.ecapsweb.eu

Au Pair Links

If you want to register as an au pair or as a family, you can contact:

• IAPA (International Au Pair Association): http://www.iapa.org
• IAPO (International Au Pair Organisation): http://www.au-pair.org

You can also consult:

• A.R.C.E. (Attiviti Relazioni Culturali con l’Estero): http://www.arceaupair.it
• AuPair Search : http://www.aupairsearch.com
• GreatAuPair : http://greataupair.com
• Au Pair Box : http://au-pair-box.com
• S-Au Pair : http://www.aupair.com

Usually agencies will ask registration fees from the family, the au pair or both.

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