The Au Pair Program: A Flexible & Accessible Option for Military and First Responder Families By Natalie Jordan, Senior Vice President, Cultural Care Au Pair
Families across the country are navigating the day-to-day challenges of securing trusted childcare during what has turned into a national crisis. For military and first responder families, unpredictable work schedules and hours outside of 9-5 compound barriers to accessing affordable care. One solution to this challenge for parents searching for daycare options is to consider the U.S. State Department-regulated au pair program; affordable childcare that comes with the added benefit of cultural enrichment.
Au pairs are young individuals from abroad who join American hosting families on a specialized visa for up to two years, taking part in a unique cultural exchange experience through the federal au pair program. In 2022, there were nearly 22,000 au pairs who arrived to the U.S., with host families welcoming these young people from diverse backgrounds into their homes to provide limited childcare support. In return, au pairs receive a weekly stipend, room and board, funds to support educational endeavors, and vast personal development opportunities.
Reliable childcare is crucial for military and first responder families, who often have unpredictable schedules, on-call hours, and extended periods away from home for one of the parents. With over 1.5 million active-duty military families and more than 1.4 million career first responders in the United States, finding flexible and affordable childcare with irregular schedules and non-traditional hours can be daunting. This program discount offering aims to broaden the reach of this flexible childcare option for families with unique needs, while also offering enriching cultural exchange opportunities.
Recognizing the dedication of these families who keep our communities safe, Cultural Care Au Pair is pleased to share an initiative offering a discount to honor those who serve and protect our country.
Host parents who serve as firefighters, law enforcement, Emergency Medical Services as well as active or veteran military members, will save $1,000 off their program fee when they host with us for the first time. To be eligible for the Cultural Care military and first responder discount, families must provide proof of service or employment, be new to Cultural Care, and must host for a term of at least 26 weeks. Discount cannot be combined with other offers.
If you or someone you know is in the military or a first responder and looking for childcare options, Cultural Care Au Pair could be the solution.
With this initiative, we recognize the significant burden families face when having to make decisions between working and childcare, and the importance of peace of mind for those dedicating their lives to protect our communities. Families looking for a more flexible option with enriching cultural experiences should consider the Cultural Care Au Pair program.
Learn more about Cultural Care discount offerings here:
Natalie Jordan is the senior vice president at Cultural Care Au Pair, a designated sponsor of the State Department-regulated au pair program.
Thank you,
Glenda, Charlie and David Cates
