Requirements for the au pair programme

As an au pair, you are responsible for taking care of the children of your host family during your contractual working hours. During the day, you are often the sole supervisor for the little ones and take care of their safety as well as their physical well-being. However, as an au pair, you are not only supervisor but also playmate. Keep in mind that your host parents entrust you with their most valuable possession. For this reason, it is important that au pairs fulfil certain requirements.

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Do you have any questions about the au pair program? You can also contact us directly via WhatsApp. We look forward to your message! Due to the current situation, it may take us a bit longer to respond. We apologize and thank you for your understanding.

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What you should bring

Love for children is the number one requirement, because your everyday life will hardly revolve around anything else. You will manage different tasks and be a chauffeur, chef, teacher, playmate, reader and entertainer. Experience in childcare is important and strongly desired by the host parents.

Further au pair requirements

au pair voraussetzungen

If you are at least 18 years old, you already fulfill the second prerequisite for au pairs. You should also be unmarried and childless. Since little ones can keep you on your toes, good physical health is also a requirement for an au pair stay. In addition, only non-smokers are accepted into the programmes, because au pairs are not only supervisors, but also role models for their host children.

Driving kids to school, picking them up from after school activities or taking them to playdates with other children: Au pairs often travel by car. Therefore, you should already have a valid driving license. If not - no problem! You can still apply and get your license during the application process.

Do you meet the requirements? - Your checklist

  • you are between the ages of 18 and 30 (18-26 for the USA)

  • you are unmarried and childless

  • you are healthy and a non-smoker

  • you have a valid driving license and driving experience

  • you have a high school diploma (or equivalent)

  • British citizenship or an unlimited residence permit 

  • at least 200 hours of childcare experience, proved by at least two separate references

  • you are flexible and responsible

Your experience in childcare

au pair kinderbetreuung

As an au pair, you will not only travel and discover a new country, but also take care of young children. Your host family trusts you with a lot of responsibility and wants to make sure that you are up to the challenge. Proof of childcare experience is therefore a prerequisite for au pairs. In general, the more experienced you are, the faster you will find a host family. 

There are many ways to gain childcare experience. These do not only include classic babysitting jobs, but also internships in kindergartens or daycare centers, coaching young sports teams or working as a camp counselor or tutor.

You need at least two up-to-date references for your application from people who are not related to you who can confirm your childcare experience. These references should be able to prove at least 200 hours of experience, ideally with children under the age of 10. 

Explore our program offers

Au pair USA
Au pair USA Flag
Experience American life up close: Spend 12 months or more living with a host family in the USA. As an au pair, you’ll care for the children and become part of the family, gaining a deep, authentic insight into everyday American culture.
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Duration
1
Year
Age
from 18
Years
Price
1.090
GBP

You meet all requirements?

Perfect! Start directly with your non-binding and free application! Becoming an au pair is so easy!

Apply now!

You have questions, we have answers:

  • You need two references from non-relatives to confirm your childcare experience, covering at least 200 hours, ideally with children under 10. A four-week full-time placement or regular babysitting can meet this requirement quickly.

    Your experience in childcare is not only an important criterion in choosing the right au pair for host families. It is also very important for you, since it is the only way to assess whether the au pair programme is right for you. You will quickly take your host children into your heart, but it is not always easy to look after them. With good preparation and a lot of experience, you can better assess whether you are up for the challenge.

  • Babysitting in your free time is one of the easiest ways to gain more childcare hours. You’ll build valuable experience and can even earn a little money. 

    You can also do internships in nurseries, kindergartens, or primary schools. Working as a counsellor at summer camps or assisting with children’s sports teams also counts. Private tuition for children up to 12 years old is recognised as relevant experience.

  • You do not need to provide proof of vaccinations to become an au pair. However, it is wise to check that your vaccinations are up to date and seek advice from your doctor. It’s best to wait until you know which region you will be living in, as recommendations can vary.

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