* A common question asked by many parents looking for child care alternatives is, "What is an au pair?". To answer this question let's look at the actual definition of 'au pair'. It is pronounced o pair in French, and means "on par" or equal, denoting living on an equal basis in a reciprocal, caring relationship between the host family and the young person. Like an older sibling, the au pair is included in all family activities, unlike an "employee" of a nanny agency who might be excluded from family meals, holiday celebrations, and other activities. In Europe today, tens of thousands of families and au pairs continue this practical and mutually valuable tradition and the custom is spreading around the world.

* She is officially designated as an Exchange Visitor by the United States Department of State and is brought here from other countries to the USA to assist parents in caring for their children.

* Where a nanny or childcare service provider may have many different families and children for which they provide services, an au pair is treated as a family member and becomes a big sister to only your children . Unlike a nanny or childcare service provider who considers her childcare responsibilities a job and leaves at the end of a work day, your au pair lives with you and becomes a regular member of your family, bonding with your children and enriching their lives with their love and the language and culture from which they came.

* An au pair is a "big sister" from an exciting faraway land. Your au pair will live in your home as a family member, and will be available to assist with the care of your children for up to 45 hours per week.

* Although heavy housework is not permitted, au pairs can share in routine family chores and light housework such as making the kids' beds or helping them straighten their rooms.

* Quite simply, au pairs, although not trained professionally, can handle many aspects of childcare - responsibly and efficiently. Whatever care and support you might ask of an older son or daughter, you may ask of an au pair. (However, some Au Pair agencies offer au pair's that are more highly trained.)

* Au Pair's are expected to take accredited courses through a higher learning school in order to learn more about our culture or country.

* An au pair is here to enrich your lives and to experience the life as an American.

* Culture exchanges are a part of everyday living in your home. The au pair will share her knowledge of her country and its customs as well as learn about yours. For example: many au pairs love to cook their traditional meals for you and also to learn new recipes to take home to their country that depict American cuisine.

What an Au Pair is NOT!

* An au pair is not a maid or a servant. They are not here to do your personal cleaning and chores.

* Au Pair's are not your personal chauffeurs or taxi service.