US Government program rules require the Au Pairs to look after the children up to 45 hours per week and not more than 10 hours per day - including babysitting! 45 hours is a lot, so the participant should check with the Host Family when exactly they are needed to take care of the children so they can plan when they can take a class at the local college. The Host Family should always be their priority though and the schedule will be based on their needs. But remember: the Au Pair’s time off is exactly that - the Au Pair’s time off.

You need to discuss your exact duties with your future host family far enough in advance and then put the exact agreements into the au pair contract. But of course au pairs also need to be flexible enough to accept any changes in the au pair duties.

Childcare responsibilities

• Playing with the children and keeping them safe
• Changing diapers, entertaining and feeding babies
• Teaching the children English or advancing their existing English language skills
• Preparing simple meals and snacks for the children

• Taking & picking up the children to/from school and kindergarten
• Helping school aged children with homework
• Bathing and getting the children dressed
• Entertaining the children and teach them about your culture
• Taking the children on outings to parks, playgroups and other activities
• Traveling with your host family on vacations and providing care for their children
• Discipline the kids to behave acceptably

Household duties

• Keeping the children’s room clean and tidy
• Doing the kids’ laundry and putting it away afterwards
• Keeping your own room neat and tidy
• Do some vacuuming and moping, especially in the area where the kids have eaten their food
• Helping out with grocery shopping once in a while

• Loading and unloading the dishwasher

Au Pair hours and time off

As an au pair, you are only permitted to work a maximum of 45 hours per week and no more than 10 hours per day. You will have time off so that you can meet up with friends, explore your community, take classes, or just relax. Program regulations require that you receive the following time off during your program:

• At least 1 ½ days off per week
• One full weekend off per month