Host family checklist

Host Family Checklist Before You Request an Au Pair Match

A stronger family brief attracts better conversations. Use this checklist to organize the household details an au pair needs before introductions move forward.

Applications require 3–5 photos and no password. The team follows up by email after review. Family photos can show parents or shared spaces; children do not need to appear.

Request a match Submit family application

Use this now

Prepare for your next application or interview.

Use these prompts to compare expectations, record open questions, and prepare for a conversation. Confirm program decisions with your designated sponsor.

Household readiness

Start with facts that affect whether a match can realistically work in your home.

Private room and living setup Describe the bedroom, bathroom access, shared spaces, pets, transportation, and quiet time expectations. Children and care routine List ages, school schedules, allergies, activities, nap routines, screen rules, and any support needs. Adult household context Know which adults live in the home and which details may need to be reviewed by the official sponsor.

Schedule and role clarity

Families convert better when the schedule is specific enough for an au pair to say yes or no quickly.

Normal week Write the most common weekday and weekend pattern, including school pickup, meals, homework, and bedtime coverage. Driving and transportation Clarify whether driving is required, which vehicle is used, local roads, school distance, and parking expectations. Program boundaries Keep household tasks child-related and verify hour limits, time off, and agreement language with the official sponsor.

Interview readiness

The first call should test fit, not force both sides to rebuild the brief from scratch.

Must-haves Choose the few non-negotiables: infant experience, strong driving, language, swimming, pets, rematch timing, or start date. Nice-to-haves Separate preferences from blockers so good candidates are not rejected for small differences. Decision timeline Set interview windows, follow-up expectations, and who in the family needs to join before requesting introductions.

Worksheet

Record answers and questions to follow up.

These prompts are intentionally simple. Fill them before the next profile update, family request, or interview so the conversation starts with real context.

Family routine brief

Children, ages, school or daycare schedule, and normal weekday rhythm Morning, afternoon, evening, and weekend coverage you expect to discuss Driving, meals, homework, activities, pets, and household communication style

Sponsor questions to verify

Program eligibility, screening, agreement, hour limits, and time-off rules Stipend, education contribution, insurance, travel, taxes, and legal questions Rematch process, local coordinator support, and emergency contact expectations

FAQ

Questions to settle before the next step.

Use this as a planning checklist. Confirm sponsor, visa, stipend, education, insurance, tax, legal, and program-rule questions with official sponsor or qualified professional sources.

Is this checklist an official host family approval form?

No. It is a planning worksheet for AuPair Advisers users. Official program eligibility, screening, and host family approval should be confirmed with a Department of State-designated sponsor.

When should a family submit the match request?

Submit it when children details, schedule, room setup, timing, driving needs, and must-have fit points are clear enough for review.

Does AuPair Advisers sponsor J-1 visas?

No. AuPair Advisers is a profile, planning, and introduction workflow. It is not a J-1 visa sponsor, government agency, legal adviser, tax adviser, or insurance adviser.

Next step

Turn this worksheet into a reviewed request.