It is important for all prospective host parents to carefully consider the decision to host an au pair who will be taking care of their children.  If you have very young children, it becomes even more important to choose an agency that has an excellent track record of screening their au pairs and completing background checks, including criminal checks. 

A review of the Do's and Don'ts:

• DO choose an agency from one of the 12 Department of State regulated au pair agencies

• DO interview the agency, their office and the local LCC or counselor before you sign the contract

• DO interview any prospective au pair thoroughly!  Call and speak to her at least 4 times by phone

• DO review the au pair's application carefully and call each reference.  Check and make sure the references include other people besides her family!

• DON'T choose an agency without reading all you can about them.  Go online and check the insiderpages.com and complaintboard.com and read all commentary from parents who have used any agency in the past.

• DON'T allow the agency to pressure you into considering applications where the au pairs cannot drive and have poor English skills!  Get tough with the agency and you tell them what YOUR needs are.  If they cannot or will not meet your family's needs, move on!

If you are in the process of finding an au pair this summer, please read our Top Ten Mistakes to Avoid When Hosting an Au Pair!  We are also reprinting this article for our Featured Article for the month of July.  Summer is a busy month for host parents, as the majority of them are looking for replacement au pairs and new host families sign up during this time.