The American au pair program is a popular option for families that need affordable and flexible childcare.
However, sometimes things don’t work out as planned!
When that happens…
The au pair and host family may need to enter into the rematch process.
Rematch is a term used to describe the process of matching a host family with a new au pair or an au pair with a new host family when their current placement is no longer working out.
Needless to say…
The rematch process can be stressful for both the host family and the au pair!
For host families, it can be tough to find a new au pair who is a good fit for their family and their needs.
Both the au pair and host family need to understand the rematch policies and procedures of their au pair program to ensure a smooth transition.
For au pairs, it can be difficult to adjust to a new family and a new environment.
And on top of that? If things don’t work out…
Rematch policies and procedures vary depending on the au pair program.
Generally, a local coordinator will assess the situation and facilitate a meeting between the host family, the au pair, and the coordinator.
This allows everyone to discuss the problems and come to a common decision about how to proceed.
If a rematch is necessary, the host family will be free to select a new au pair, and the au pair will be free to match with a new family provided that the sponsoring agency agrees.
Reasons for Rematch
Host Family Reasons
There are many reasons why a host family might initiate a rematch with their au pair.
Here are some common ones:
- Communication issues
- Personality differences
- Failure to meet expectations
- Repeated tardiness or failure to complete duties
- Driving issues or accidents
- Not getting along with children or other family members
- Feeling unsafe or uncomfortable with the au pair
Host families may also decide to interview rematch au pairs because they won’t have to wait for visa approval, they need immediate childcare, or have a change in timeline.
Au Pair Reasons
Au pairs may also initiate a rematch for various reasons. Some of these include:
- Feeling overworked or underpaid
- Not getting along with the host family
- Feeling homesick or lonely
- Not liking the location or living situation
- Wanting to be closer to friends or family
- Feeling unsafe or uncomfortable with the host family
Open communication between the host family and the au pair during the au pair placement process will save much time, stress, and expense for everyone in the future.
However…
If rematch is necessary, both the au pair and host family will need to follow the procedures and guidelines set forth by the au pair agency.
Au Pair Agency’s Role in Rematch
When an au pair and host family experience difficulties that can’t be resolved, the au pair agency may have to become involved in a rematch process.
If the au pair coordinator is communicative from the beginning though, they will know about challenges from early on.
Whether involved from the beginning or later…
The agency plays a crucial role in ensuring that the rematch process is fair to everyone and that the transition is as smooth as possible.
With that said…
Let’s discuss some ways in which an au pair agency can help with the rematch process:
Communication with Host Family
The au pair agency will act as a mediator between the host family and the au pair.
The agency will assess the situation and determine whether it is appropriate to initiate the rematch process.
Ideally, the host family will be able to talk things through and navigate the transition with the au pair on their own. But if not…
The agency is there to communicate with the host family to discuss the reasons for the rematch and to ensure that the family is aware of the process and their responsibilities.
And, if the host family wants to find a new au pair, the agency will also work with them to find a suitable replacement.
This may involve reviewing the family’s preferences and requirements and matching them with available au pairs.
Assistance with Finding a New Host Family
If the au pair initiates the rematch process, the agency can work with them to find a new host family.
This may involve reviewing the au pair’s preferences and requirements and matching them with available host families.
The agency will also provide support to the au pair during the transition period.
This may include helping the au pair to find temporary accommodation, providing advice on how to handle the transition, and offering emotional support.
Overall, the au pair agency’s role in the rematch process is to ensure that both the au pair and host family are treated fairly and that the transition is as smooth as possible.
By providing support and guidance, the agency can help to make the rematch process a positive experience for everyone involved.
Au Pair’s Role in Rematch
Preparing for Interviews
When an au pair enters the rematch process, they will need to prepare for interviews with potential host families.
This includes reviewing their experience and identifying areas of strength and weakness.
Au pairs should also be prepared to discuss the reasons for their rematch and how they have learned from their previous experience.
As with any job interview, presenting oneself in a professional and positive light is key.
This means preparing accordingly, writing questions in advance to ask the host family, and being on time for scheduled interviews.
Communicating with Potential Host Families
During the interview process, au pairs should be transparent and honest with potential host families.
This means both sides should discuss expectations for the new placement, their strengths and weaknesses, and any concerns they may have.
Au pairs should also be prepared to answer questions from host families about their previous experience, their childcare philosophy, and their ability to handle potential challenges.
Au pairs should be prepared to provide these references promptly and to follow up with potential host families after interviews to express their continued interest in the placement.
Overall, the au pair’s role in the rematch process is to present themselves in a positive light and to communicate effectively with potential host families.
By preparing for interviews and being transparent about their experience and expectations, au pairs can increase their chances of finding a successful rematch placement!
Host Family’s Role in Rematch
Preparing for Interviews With The New Au Pair
When a host family decides to rematch with their current au pair, they should prepare for the interview process.
The interview is an opportunity to ask questions and get to know potential au pairs before making a decision.
Host families should create a list of questions to ask during the interview, focusing on the issues they experienced with their previous au pair.
They should also be clear about their expectations and requirements for the new au pair.
Host families should also prepare their homes for the new au pair.
This includes making sure the au pair has a private room and access to necessary amenities.
Families should also consider creating a welcome package for the new au pair, including information about the local area and the family’s routine.
Communicating with Potential Au Pairs
During the interview process, host families should be clear and honest about their expectations for the new au pair.
This includes discussing the issues that led to the rematch and what the family is looking for in a new au pair. Families should also be open to answering any questions the potential au pair may have about the family or the local area.
Host families need to communicate regularly with potential au pairs during the interview process.
This includes scheduling interviews promptly and keeping the au pair updated on the status of their application.
Host families should also be respectful of the au pair’s time and schedule, as many potential au pairs may be interviewing with multiple families.
Once a host family has chosen a new au pair, they should communicate clearly about the expectations and requirements for the position.
This includes discussing the family’s routine and schedule and any specific duties or responsibilities the au pair will have.
Overall, the host family plays a crucial role in the au pair rematch process.
By preparing for interviews and communicating clearly with potential au pairs, families can ensure a successful match with their new au pair.
Rematch Process Timeline
Going through a rematch process can be a stressful experience for both au pairs and host families.
However, having a clear understanding of the process and timeline can help ease some of the anxiety. Here is a general timeline of the rematch process:
| Step | Timeline |
|---|---|
| Requesting a rematch | As soon as you realize that the current match is not working out |
| Exit meeting | Within the first week after requesting a rematch |
| Finding a new match | 2-4 weeks after the exit meeting |
| Travel arrangements | 1-2 weeks after finding a new match |
| New match arrival | Within 2 weeks after travel arrangements are made |
It is important to note that the timeline may vary depending on the specific circumstances of each rematch.
For example, finding a new match may take longer if there are limited options available in the area or if there are specific requirements that need to be met.
During the rematch process, it is crucial to communicate openly and honestly with the community counselor and the other party involved.
This can help ensure a smoother transition and increase the chances of finding a successful match.
Overall, going through a rematch process can be challenging, but having a clear understanding of the timeline and steps involved can help make the process more manageable.
Wrap Up
Rematching can be a challenging process for both host families and au pairs.
And although it is highly stressful when an au pair match isn’t working out…
That doesn’t mean you can’t take steps to fix the situation.
You can find someone who will be a better fit for you, your family, and your childcare needs.
But regardless of what is happening or how things turn out, one thing you can do is prioritize clear communication and transparency throughout the rematch process.
This includes being upfront about any concerns or issues, as well as actively seeking feedback from the au pair.
Au pairs should also be proactive in addressing any concerns they may have with their host family.
This can include bringing up issues during regular check-ins or requesting a meeting to discuss potential solutions.
When considering a rematch, both host families and au pairs need to take the time to reflect on what they are looking for in a match.
It’s ok, to be honest about expectations!
Ultimately, the rematch process can be an opportunity to find a better fit and to create a positive and fulfilling cultural exchange experience for everyone involved!
