Preferences sought, then matched

After receiving your application, Au Pair in America will send you Selections, Guidelines for Choosing Your Au Pair. This comprehensive resource explains the selection process and offers information on how to effectively interview prospective candidates. A member of the placement staff in the Connecticut office will help facilitate the process, as will your Community Counselor.

Here’s how the selection process works:

• The skill and attribute preferences submitted with your application will be “weighted” against the au pair applicants, and those with the best fit will be sent to you for your consideration. Placement staff will assist if you need to modify or reassess your preferences.
  
• Applications for you to consider will be accessible via the World Wide Web or sent to your home, whichever you prefer.
  
• Telephone interview the applicants presented to you and extend an invitation to the candidate of your choice to join your family.
  
• Notify the Connecticut office of your selection and the scheduled agreed upon arrival date. The candidate you choose will apply for the J-1 visa. Au Pair in America will facilitate the visa application process and logistical arrangements for your au pair/companion to come to the United States to attend an orientation program.
  
• Arrivals are scheduled throughout the year for au pairs; EduCare companions arrive in late July/August or early December.

Au pairs arrive in groups through out the year (see schedule). Families are also required to participate in an orientation session. Conducted by your Community Counselor, it provides an opportunity to answer questions, explore cultural adaptation issues, and prepare for living with a young adult and for her arrival.

What if we're not compatible? Rematching with another au pair is a possibility, after consultation with your Community Counselor.