Blog: AuPairCare of Davis at International Festival Saturday

Most of us are familiar with high school foreign exchange. The life of an au pair is bit different.

Many working families are finding creative solutions to child care by hosting au pairs to live in and care for children in the safety of their own home.

Groups like AuPairCare have been providing options for au pairs through cultural exchange since 1989. They'll have several au pairs or “nannies” who are currently working in this weekend to speak about their experiences.

The starts at noon on Saturday, October 1 at The Veterans Memorial Center. The event will celebrate our diverse community. 

Ciana, a realtor with Coldwell Banker, and Andy, a property manager, are the host family to Saskia Schoenherr of Germany. 

Saskia has been with the Wallace family since October of last year taking care of Evan, Ciara & Kiera ages 6, 4 and 2. She receives a small stipend, plus room and board, and the opportunity to live in the US for up to two years.

Au Pair is pronounced “oh pear,” and translates to a child care provider that is not just an employee, but has a place in the family “on par” with others. A temporary family member, you might say.  

“Area families are wonderful ambassadors for AuPairCare”, said Steven Courtney, Regional Manager.  “They create a wonderful cultural exchange experience for the au pairs, exposing them to life in our area and often times taking them on vacation as a member of the family”.

Ciana Wallace said of her experience:

“We are very happy that we found this service.  Previously, we had babysitters but they would often not show up or their schedules changed too often. We were uncomfortable with having to get new sitters to introduce to the children and the time involved with re-training them.  Having a stable young adult whose only job is to care for your children was ideal for us.  We enjoy the added energy, cultural experience and the stability of one person in our home. We adore our Saskia and consider her a family member.”

The Wallace family has hosted several au pairs now, and finds that each brings something unique and special to their family experience.

“While I find myself to be a creative person, my au pair awes me with the innovative activities she comes up with," said Ciana. “For instance, she made canvas paintings with the children's hand or footprints -- tasteful enough you can hang in any room. She finds fun and creative art projects, sews the children special blankets, and has taken months of beautiful photos of the kids during their daily activities.  I could go on and on!”  

Saskia heard about the opportunity to become an au pair from a friend. She had extensive experience with children beginning at age seven, in her mother’s day care center.

“I knew that kids mean work," she said. "Especially three of them!”

Experiencing life in the US was something she wanted to do, but under safe conditions. “Becoming a member of a family sounded great!” said Saskia, who found those safe contidions through AuPairCare. 

Saskia said the most challenging thing to her as a new au pair in America was getting used to speaking English full-time while adjusting to her family & the children.  One of her most rewarding moments was when one of the children who’d been slow to warm up to her suddenly said “I love you, Saskia”.  

“It's one of the best feelings when kids show and tell you that they love you," she said. "No matter what happened 5 minutes ago.”

An au pair’s duties include caring for the children up to 45 hours per week or a maximum of 10 hours per day. This is especially helpful to parents who don’t fit the 9-5 work mold.  

The Department of State oversees the program and AuPairCare has placed more than 40,000 au pairs since 1989. Part of Saskia’s requirements include completing some college credit hours while in the US. She is taking a photography course using a camera that was a gift from her host family. She also participates in a monthly cultural outing with her Area Director which offers her a chance to connect with other area au pairs.

The price to host an au pair is a considerable savings at $340 per week regardless of how many children are cared for. And the children don’t have to be hustled off each morning to a day care center. The hours are flexible which suits parents whose hours don’t fit with traditional day care centers. Au pairs are highly screened, speak conversational English and come from over 40 countries. AuPairCare also has an Infant Specialized program where the au pairs receive special infant care training including soothing baby massage techniques, and baby signing.

While au pairs use conversational English, families often encourage them to speak their native language in the home and share their culture with the family. Another Davis family is interested in an au pair who speaks Spanish, as their children are enrolled in a Spanish immersion program at school.

Saskia’s time with the Wallace Family will end next spring, and Ciana is wistful, “We wish we could keep her for another 5-6 years. Eventually, we will have another au pair and I know we will gain knowledge of yet another culture and grow to love a new person with other personal strengths.” 

But, they have made a lifelong connection with Saskia that is easy to see. 

AuPairCare will host its annual “International Au Pair & Host Family Day” on October 16^th in Roseville, and is open to current and prospective host families.  For more information on hosting an Au Pair­­, contact Kimberly Shaw, Area Director at 916-670-7353 or visit www.aupaircare.com.