Benefits of an au pair over a childcare centre
There are many benefits why you would
choose to have an au pair over putting your child in a childcare
centre:
Cost Effective
Costs will vary across countries, however generally speaking
having an au pair is considerably cheaper than putting your child
into childcare.
Using Australia as an example, Childcare centres generally
charge between $80 and $120 per day per child! The cost of having
an au pair in Australia is between $150-250 per week plus their
food and accommodation. Having an au pair is more cost effective
for more than one child for (say between) 2 and 3 days a week!
The costs are even more attractive when you consider that the au
pair lives with you and works for up to 35 hours per week.
Flexible working hours and avoid the mad rush
to drop off and pick up
You don't have the mad rush to drop off, or pick up your child
from the childcare centre (many childcare centres charge penalty
rates by the 15 minute block if you are late picking up your
child).
You can leave for work knowing that your child is safe and sound
in your own home being looked after someone that they know, and
they have built a bond with.
Additional job duties
An au pair can also help with light housework, preparing meals,
bath and bed time, getting ready for school (if you also have older
children) and many other tasks. Refer to Au pair job
duties - definitions and guidelines for more information.
Exposure to people from another country
It is fantastic having a person from another country live in
your house. It provides particularly the children with an
understanding of what it is like to living in another country, and
the au pair can explain to the children the differences between
their country and your country.
Many families begin to expose their children to other languages
including those that they are currently studying at school to help
them understand more about the languages that they are interested
in.
If you would like to share additional benefits that you have
found in having an au pair, please Email us, or comment on our Blog.
If you have any comments regarding this page,
please Email us - we value your feedback!