Getting Started Guide – Questions to Ask Au Pair Agencies

An agency is going to be a  player in your pit crew and make sure they are going to be dependable and not leave you in a rut when a problem arises.

When starting with an agency don’t go for the sales pitch – cut to the chase. Here are questions to ask each person at an agency.

Start with your LCC (Local Care Coordinator) or LC (Local Coordinator):

• Are you an employee with the agency?
  • This is key to ask this question. Some agencies only outsource their staff and this can create a problem when it is late at night or there is a prolonging issue. There is no motivation to solve the problem.
• How long have you worked with the agency?
  • If they say 1 year, I would have a problem. Most LCCs that I work with, have been at least 10 years as an LCC and I like to hear when they have 15 years with the same company.
• Why did you choose to become an LCC?
  • This is also a telling answer. Some just want what they think is an ‘easy job’ which is to say ‘flexible hours’ – in which case is the wrong answer. Others may have a social worker degree or have been an au pair or host parent before taking the position. Some really show true interest in serving the community and the au pairs.
• Did you ever host an au pair?
  • This is also another question I like to ask. It can tell if they truly understand the dynamic that happens in this relationship.
• Would it be possible to meet other families in the area?
  • Some LCCs hide their host families but they are hiding the truth. Meet the host families like they are references to the LCC. Form play dates if possible with other families. Encourage they share their stories.
• How often are your cluster meetings? Do you have a 3 month schedule? This is a key question to understand how the LCC plans or doesn’t plan. I have had a couple of LCCs that would plan at the last minute and then I would have to rework my family plans. It is best to have an LCC that publishes a calendar in advance. 
• How can you help my au pair get adjusted in the community? 
  • This is also a key questions to ask. Some LCCs do the bare minimum and guess what you get stuck doing all this work. If they set up a Facebook group – ok that’s great but what else are doing to help au pairs. Here are some examples of what great means: Setting up monthly check-ins (informal) beyond just the required. Encouraging parents to volunteer and host pool parties during the summer. Encouraging play dates among au pairs. My list can go on … 
• How do you deal with conflicts that may arise?
  • If they say ‘they come right away’ or ‘I don’t have problems.’ Then that is not true. There is always a problem that arises. Understand and ask for examples of what they have done in the past with other host families. Also when a problem arises in off hours.
• How many of your au pairs have left the program prematurely (through flying home or rematch)?
  • Yes I ask this question. If they say often – then you know you have a serious problem with the agency screening. Dig further into this question and ask when the last time this happened and ask why did this happen and what did the LCC learn or do about the situation.
• What is one key learning you would tell new host families?
  • This is also telling how they answer this question. If they don’t have much to say … I would not be too happy. If they can offer advice or tips and tricks that you have not thought of … then they are worth your time.

Area Director (AD) or Program Director (PD) – this is above the LCC and someone that deals with more serious problems and issues.

• Ask the same questions as above.
• One other question to ask – have you contacted my au pair? Does he/she know who you are?
  • A lot of times they don’t make an introduction. Make sure they do! You want support at all levels.
• What services can you offer my family or my au pair?
  • There are a lot services an agency can offer you … You just need to ask. For instance some have education services to help the au pair pick their education credits based on their interest. I never knew about this ..