| Many families love the idea of fostering cultural | | | | Au Pairs Are Not Childcare Experts |
| exchange by hosting an au pair in their home. | | | | One of the most important things for parents to |
| However some may wonder if they are eligible for the | | | | remember is that many candidates do not have |
| program if their children have special needs. They will | | | | childcare experience, particularly with special needs |
| be happy to know that numerous candidates have | | | | kids. However, most parents don't start out with any |
| been successfully placed in homes with special needs | | | | experience either! |
| children. | | | | In an au pair relationship, families don't get years of |
| Addressing the Child's Needs | | | | experience, but they do get a compassionate |
| When a family approaches an au pair agency, it is | | | | caregiver who is wants to open her heart to children |
| important that they provide full information on their | | | | and families. With patience and understanding on all |
| child's needs. This allows the agency to find the ideal | | | | sides, most families are very happy with the help their |
| candidate for the situation. | | | | foreign guest can provide. |
| The search for an appropriate applicant may take | | | | The Parents Are the Best Judges |
| longer that for families with typical children. The more | | | | The host family has the final say on the suitability of |
| involved the child's care is going to be, the more time it | | | | any candidate. The parents will be able to review the |
| will take to find someone with the skill and experience | | | | candidate's qualifications and background as well |
| to provide service. | | | | conducting an interview. |
| Parents have to balance the child's needs against | | | | It's a good idea for parents to prepare a |
| what they can reasonably expect from an au pair. For | | | | comprehensive list of questions to ask the candidate. |
| example, if a child communicates with sign language, it | | | | They should review the duties and be sure the |
| may be difficult to find the right person. Although there | | | | applicant understands what will be expected and is not |
| may be applicants who have worked with the deaf | | | | hesitant about providing service. Full communication up |
| and know sign language, they may not know | | | | front means no surprises later. |
| American Sign Language (ASL) as it is used very little | | | | In many ways, placing au pairs with special needs kids |
| outside of North America. | | | | isn't that different from placing them with any other |
| In this situation, parents would need to consider | | | | family. All children have "special needs" of one kind or |
| whether they wanted to wait for a candidate who | | | | another and all families want to find the best caregiver |
| knew ASL or choose someone who is willing to learn. | | | | that they can. |