Au Pair Care Review: Truths and Myths
Since 1989, Au Pair Care has provided affordable, qualified childcare to over 40,000 families across the United States. As a company founded by working parents, Au Pair Care was created on the belief that it is possible to find affordable childcare without sacrificing quality. We espouse this tenet in all that we do, and are disappointed to see online reviews alleging otherwise. Au Pair Care does not hire au pairs irresponsibly while hiding costs within the fine print, as alleged. Instead, we have established a premier au pair program, committed to providing safe, high quality childcare. We are proud of our au pairs’ qualifications and childcare experience, our au pair matching service, and the affordability of our childcare program. We believe wholeheartedly in the value and quality of our service, and therefore see it fit to address allegations levelled against Au Pair Care. On behalf of our current and future au pairs and host families, we are happy to dispel the myths presented in recent reviews.
Myth 1: Au Pair Care is a high-cost au pair program
Truth: Au Pair Care offers an affordable, live-in childcare solution for families who need an extra pair of hands. The average weekly cost for day care centres and nannies easily exceeds $400, according to the National Association of Child Care Resource & Referral Agencies as well as the International Nanny Association. The Au Pair Care program costs about $343 per week and is an economical option in comparison to a nanny or day care. Furthermore, many nanny and day care services charge per child. Au Pair Care offers one flat rate per family.
Myth 2: Au Pair Care charges hidden costs and hidden fees
Truth: Au Pair Care program fees are transparent and flexible. The au pair program costs page on our website displays our fees, transparently detailing the total annual and average weekly costs. It also covers the additional costs not included in the weekly average, such as automobile insurance for driving au pairs, room and board, and the au pair’s annual educational allowance as mandated by the U.S. Department of State. Au Pair Care even offers a Family Friendly Payment Plan to help make program costs financially manageable.
Myth 3: Au Pair Care neglects host families and offers poor customer service
Truth: Au Pair Care provides host families with responsible staff and responsive local area directors. No need to take our word for it – with an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau, Au Pair Care is the leading customer service provider amongst au pair agencies.
Au Pair Care has a staff of nearly 190 local Area Directors who support host families and au pairs nationwide, from first interview through final au pair departure. Our Area Directors are rigorously screened and trained to ensure that they are equipped to deal with any issues that may arise during the program year. Area Directors receive training in Department of State regulations and mediation techniques through online modules, regional staff meetings and one-on-one trainings.
Always within a one hour drive from their host families’ homes, Area Directors maintain regular communication with host families and their au pairs for the duration of the program and are available to answer questions and provide advice. They also organize au pair activities and host an annual event for host families in their community. Additionally, Au Pair Care offers 24/7 emergency assistance.
Myth 4: The poor Au Pair Care selection process accepts all au pairs
Truth: Au Pair Care carefully screens au pairs to provide families with high quality, reliable childcare. The thorough au pair application process ensures only those truly devoted to children are considered seriously. Furthermore, all au pairs must pass a criminal background check, provide two childcare references, speak conversational English, and meet Au Pair Care’s stringent requirements during an in-person interview.
Myth 5: Au Pair Care prioritizes its own interests above those of its host families.
Truth: Founded by working parents to help other working parents find affordable childcare, Au Pair Care’s ultimate goal has always been to provide high quality childcare and responsive customer service. Many of us who work at Au Pair Care are also Au Pair Care host parents, and some of us are on our third and fourth au pairs. We are Au Pair Care customers because we truly believe in the value of the au pair program, and this is why we are committed to providing excellent service for our host families and are consistently making improvements to our program based on customer feedback.
Additionally, we recognize that every family faces different circumstances, which is why we offer a variety of discounts to families with unique needs, such as families with multiples, as well as a convenient monthly payment plan to give families more flexibility in managing childcare expenses.
http://www.flickr.com/people/23341217@N07/?search=aupaircare has experienced, qualified, loving and affordable Au Pairs placed by reputed Au Pair Care agency.
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