FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS BY AU PAIRS

1. What do I need to qualify?

  • Minimum 12 months childcare experience with written, contactable references

  • Matric at least or ECD equivalent qualification (studies in Education/Psychology/Childhood Development are a plus)

  • Valid driver’s licence and work visa + own roadworthy car (for transport roles)

  • Clear communication, reliability, and a genuine love for children

2. How do I apply?

  1. Download and complete the Application Form.

  2. Email or WhatsApp to 072 052 1962 / 021 712 8915 or email it to aupairathome@iafrica.com with: CV: an updated comprehensive CV with childcare experience, ID, driver’s licence, recent photo, certificates, and references.

  3. If you meet requirements, we’ll invite you for an in-depth interview.

3. What should I include with my application?

  • An updated comprehensive CV including childcare experience with dates, duties, and child ages you’ve worked with

  • Two+ references (names, roles, numbers, emails)

  • Copies of ID, licence, certificates (first aid/CPR if you have it)

  • Your availability (days/hours), study timetable, suburbs you want to work in.

  • Any special-needs experience or relevant training

4. What happens in the interview/ post interview?

We get to know you—experience, strengths, availability, studies, and the family fit you’ll thrive in. We will chat about expectation: yours, ours and families, so you start confidently.

5. What will my duties be?

Your primary focus is always the children:

  • School runs & safe transport

  • Homework support, projects, exam prep, reading practice

  • Engaging play, age-appropriate activities, outdoor time

  • Meals/snacks for children; next-day prep (bags, uniforms, lunchboxes)

  • Light child-related tasks (tidy play areas, clean up areas after own use and children’s)

Not housekeeping but depending on the family job description.

A woman and a young boy sitting at a desk in a bright room, engaging in a learning activity with various stationery items, a globe, and a window in the background.
Two children drawing on a large sheet of paper with colored markers surrounded by toys, building blocks, and a toy train track on a white surface.

Au pairs, do you have any questions? Reach out to us!

Child playing with colorful plastic building blocks and toys on a lion-patterned rug.
A woman and a young girl sitting at a wooden table playing with colorful wooden toys, engaged in a conversation and making playful facial expressions.

6. Can I study while working?

Yes. Many au pairs are students. We’ll aim to match you with a family whose timetable fits your lectures and exams.

7. What about pay and hours?

Compensation depends on hours, duties, experience expectations. It’s agreed openly with the family and confirmed in writing (schedule, rate, fuel/vehicle rate or negotiate on your behalf, leave, public holidays). We’ll guide you on professional salary discussions.

8. Who will be paying me?

The family/ parents are your employers. Au Pair At Home matches both parties/ sets up and supports the placement.

9. Who is the employer?

  •        The family employs you under SA Labour Law (Domestics) according to BCEA.

  • Au Pair At Home provides an employment contract written according to BCEA.

10. Transport & safety—what do families expect?

Own roadworthy car, valid licence, and safe driving record

  • Proper car-seat use and agreed travel boundaries

  • Proactive planning (traffic, pick-ups, weather contingencies)

  • Clear communication if delays or issues arise

Safeguarding & professionalism (non-negotiables)

  • Verified references; ID/licence checks; first aid/CPR encouraged

  • Respect for house rules (devices, visitors, spaces, photos)

  • Appropriate supervision and boundaries for activities

  • Daily updates to parents as agreed (WhatsApp/notes)

  • Confidentiality and professionalism online/offline

11. Can I become a long-term/professional au pair?

Absolutely. Many start as students and grow into Professional Au Pairs—building skills in child development, special-needs support, literacy habits, and family routines. 

12. Do you place special-needs roles?

Yes—School Facilitators, Home-school Teachers, and Special-Needs Au Pairs/Tutors. Tell us your experience (e.g., ASD/ADHD, sensory needs, executive-function coaching) so we can match you well.

13. What if the placement isn’t a good fit?

Talk to us early. We’ll mediate, guide next steps, and if needed, help with a better-fit rematch. You’re never on your own.

14. Will I get support after I’m placed?

Yes, you do get support, however, you do need to reach out to us as well.