The demand for reliable, affordable childcare has surged as the Trump administration mandates all federal employees return to the office full-time, impacting thousands of working families. According to the Center for American Progress, about 51% of people in the United States live in childcare deserts—areas where there is little to no access to childcare assistance—making it even harder for working parents to secure consistent childcare. As childcare costs continue to rise and availability remains limited, the au pair program presents a flexible and cost-effective solution for parents returning to the office.
Au pairs are young international caregivers who come to the U.S. on J-1 Exchange Visitor visas as part of the BridgeUSA program. They provide families with live-in childcare assistance and a meaningful cultural exchange experience. For host families, the cost is per family, not per child, offering a more affordable alternative to traditional childcare. Unlike daycare centers, au pairs live with host families and provide personalized care tailored to the family’s needs. This is particularly beneficial for federal employees with unpredictable schedules and those who require part-time or split-shift childcare options.
Au Pair in America’s Senior Vice President, Jean Quinn, explains that the au pair program has been helping federal workers’ families for decades: “Since 1986, families working for the Federal Government have been welcoming au pairs into their homes to share their cultures and assist with childcare. As more and more of these families are called ‘back to the office,’ Au Pair in America is here to support them in this transition as their childcare needs may change.”
Au Pair in America, established in 1986, is the first legal au pair program in the U.S. designated by the Department of State. It matches host families with vetted au pairs and provides support services throughout the program.
As federal employees return to the office, now is the perfect time to explore the benefits of hosting an au pair with Au Pair in America. The program is offering a special discount to U.S. government workers when they apply to host an au pair between January 30, 2024, and March 1, 2025, and match with an au pair by May 31, 2025.
