Are the cuts in childcare supplements affecting you? Did you know an au pair in your home could be the perfect solution?
Caroline Joyce is the director of Cara International Au Pair agency, which is a member of the International Au Pair Association. Cara International has been in business since 2001 and knows all too well how valuable an au pair can be. Joyce has used an au pair with her own children and she is finding a definite increase in queries since the Budget announcements.
An au pair is a young person from a foreign country who comes to live in your home so she can improve their English and while doing so help with childcare and light housework. Au Pairs work 35 hours a week including babysitting in the evenings and they can also help with light housework and to help prepare meals, etc. The au pair experience is also really great for children as they can learn about other cultures and even learn a new language. The summer au pair option is a great way to try the programme for two to three months.
The au pair needs a room of her own and she receives a minimum of €100 pocket money per week.
You can register on line for an au pair at www.carainternational.net/aupair You can also view au pairs’ profiles on the site and pick a profile that suits your family.
Looking to au pair abroad?
This year Cara International is also finding a large increase in Irish people looking to be au pairs abroad and is sending au pairs to USA, Australia, New Zealand, and Europe.
For the USA you must have a diving licence and go for minimum of 12 months. The good thing is you do not need to have a foreign language for these programmes as many European families are happy to host English speaking students. This programme would also suit students who do not have a job for the summer. All students registered with Cara International will also have the back up and support of a local agency in the country they are visiting. Contact Caroline at 094 928 9802 or e-mail [email protected] for more details.
