There are some key differences between nannies and au pairs. The most significant is their availability. It would help if you also decided what you want the job to entail, including the duties involved and the salary. The best choice for your family will depend on your needs and preferences. Read on to discover the differences, and make a wise decision between nanny or au pair.
Availability
If you’re looking for a childcare provider, an au pair is a good option. While nannies work only part-time and are not required to do household duties, they can be a great option if you don’t have much time to devote to child care. Au pairs can be hired for as little as 10 hours a day or as long as 45 hours per week. The schedule can be flexible to fit your schedule. While they will do some light cleaning, they are generally not expected to do any heavy lifting.
Generally, nannies are 18 years old and have extensive experience caring for infants and children. They can take care of their daily needs, including feeding, changing, and bathing, and they can also accompany you and your children on social outings. These caregivers typically have a college degree or other credentials in early childhood education. Before hiring, you may have to perform background checks on a potential au pair.
Duties
A nanny and au pair both have responsibilities to provide for the needs of children and their families. While au pairs are not required to do heavy housework, they participate in a few general household duties, such as cooking and cleaning. While nannies are required to follow a set schedule, au pairs are often flexible and work part-time. They can also work overtime. Unlike nannies, au pairs are required to live with their host families and receive a small wage.
Both nannies and au pairs are staffed by people between the ages of 18 and 30. While au pairs aren’t professional nannies, they are still expected to follow federal labor laws and receive paid time off. While a nanny works 45 to 60 hours a week, an au pair generally works only 10 to 12 hours per day. Both types of workers are expected to negotiate time off with their employers.
Salary
A nanny and au pair both have different salaries and duties. A nanny usually works about twenty hours a week, while an au pair is paid less, often only ten hours a day. Au pairs are live-in care providers who are often foreign nationals. They provide basic childcare services, such as feeding and bathing children, while also learning the host country’s culture. Often, au pairs work for one family for a year before moving to another.
While both au pairs and nannies provide the same care for children, their job descriptions and compensation are different. Au pairs are temporary family members who live in the family home and receive monthly pocket money. On the other hand, a nanny has professional education and more experience than an au pair.
Working conditions
Nanny and au pair programs last for one year. During that time, au pairs work around 45 hours a week. They take on the role of the second mother to the children in their care, preparing meals and accompanying them during mealtimes. In addition, au pairs dress and feed small children, change nappies and clothes, and entertain children while they play. Often, the au pairs are employed by a family.
An au pair is not a real employee. They are an independent contractor, and their employment is governed by the rules and regulations of the exchange program. In most cases, the au pair is paid the minimum wage and must be paid overtime. Nevertheless, an au pair may be entitled to receive overtime pay, depending on the circumstances. Contact an employment attorney or double-check the contract if you doubt the payment and working conditions.
Cost
When it comes to hiring a nanny or an au pair, there are several costs involved. While a nanny may cost around $40,000 a year, hiring an au pair will cost anywhere from $2,000 to $8,500. This amount will depend on a few factors, including the number of hours worked, certifications, and education. Families also have to pay for childcare expenses, such as food and transportation.
When it comes to wages, an au pair can make as much as $55 per hour, but it’s important to note that most au pairs are not paid the same. Some au pairs earn less than a nanny’s salary, while others are paid much lower. Also, while au pairs aren’t legally required to live in the home of their employers, they must have their bedroom and access to water and electricity. It can be an issue in mid-sized houses, where a live-in nanny may have to share the space with the kids.
