Kirkland resident helps launch new au pair program

Kirkland resident Kathleen McHugh, a former health care consultant and busy mother of two young children, has joined The International Au Pair Exchange (TIAPE) team as a Lo

March 31, 2011 8:59 pm

Kirkland resident Kathleen McHugh, a former health care consultant and busy mother of two young children, has joined The International Au Pair Exchange (TIAPE) team as a Local Exchange Coordinator (LEC). As the only federally designated au pair agency based in Washington, TIAPE places carefully screened au pairs between the ages of 18-26 from foreign countries with qualified host families in select communities within California, Oregon, and Washington.

Au pairs from the U.S. can also be placed with host families abroad as part of the outbound program. LECs provide continuous support to both au pairs and host families in their areas and help them maximize their program experience.

“As a former host mother, I understand how enriching and rewarding the au pair experience can be. The shared connection between the family and au pair go way beyond usual child care arrangements. We even traveled to Australia to attend the wedding of our first au pair!” said McHugh.

Through TIAPE’s au pair program, au pairs provide up to 45 hours of childcare per week while living with a host family for a minimum of 12 months. During this time, au pairs complete six semester hours of academic credit and receive an education stipend. In addition to the education stipend, host families are responsible for paying a weekly stipend and providing room and board. The average weekly cost to participate in the program, including the stipend and most program-related fees, is under $350, which is less expensive than many other childcare options for two or more children.

Families who choose to host an au pair not only benefit from the valuable cultural enrichment opportunities, but also from the ability to have more quality time with their family, more control over their childcare, and more personalized care for their children. Plus, families and au pairs who participate in the au pair program have dedicated, year-round program support from the TIAPE headquarters staff and their LEC.

Upon arrival to the U.S., au pairs participate in a four-day orientation and training, which includes infant and child CPR with first aid, child development and care, and guidance on adjusting to life and customs in the U.S.

To learn more about TIAPE’s au pair cultural exchange program, please visit www.tiape.org.