Au Pairs Celebrate Christmas in Knoxville, TN

AuPairCare, Knoxville, TN in the news

Check out this great article about AuPairCare in the Knoxville News Sentinel!

International Host Family and Au Pair Day in Knoxville, TN

This year's International Host Family and Au Pair Day will be taking place in Knoxville, TN this month. The event is wonderful opportunity for Families and their Au Pairs to come together and celebrate being apart of AuPairCare. This event is a family-friendly cultural event that is open to anyone that might be interested in learning more about AuPairCare.

Here in Knoxville, there are currently 10 international au pairs living with host families, caring for their children and teaching each other about their respective cultures. These au pairs come from countries such as China, Mexico, El Salvador, and Brazil, and will all be engaging with children at our International Host Family and Au Pair Day on Saturday, October 29th from 11:30 AM - 1:30 PM. The event will take place at the New Harvest Park Picnic Pavilion. We will be enjoying tasty hot dogs from Dave's Dogs, the kids will be painting pumpkins, and everyone can participate in a game of corn hole!

I look forward to coming together with all of our Host Families and Au Pairs at this years event.

Knoxville, Au Pairs attend a Tennessee Smokies Baseball game

Last month Au Pairs here in Knoxville attended a Tennessee Smokies Minor League baseball game. Many of the Au Pairs had never attended a baseball game before and enjoyed the new experience. It was a great day for baseball as we enjoyed watching the Tennessee Smokies play the Chattanooga Lookouts. No doubt a highlight of the game was the delicious ballpark food, especially the funnel cakes!

This month we will enjoy Miniature golf and Ice Cream on Saturday, July 16th at 2 PM in West Knoxville.

Summer Savings with AuPairCare

To kick off the summer, AuPairCare is offering an application promotion through the month of June. You can apply online for just $59! All you have to do is enter the promo code SUMMER$59 when you apply in order to receive this huge savings. Apply today and have access to our large database of au pairs who are ready to provide you with excellent childcare!
Apply today, promo ends on June 30th!

As the Area Director I am always happy to speak with families about the benefits of hosting an au pair. Please feel free to contact me at rwatsonapc@gmail.com for more information or check out our website www.aupaircare.com.

Frequently Asked Questions about Au Pairs

Most families who have never heard of AuPairCare have many questions about how the program works. Here are just a few...

How soon after we apply can we expect an au pair to arrive at our home?
The process typically takes 6 to 10 weeks from the time you apply to the program to the time the au pair arrives in your home. Once we receive your au pair application and references, an Au Pair Care representative will schedule an in-home interview with you. You will be able to review au pair applications shortly thereafter. The variable in the timeline is the matching process. If you have very specific criteria that you are looking for, your match and arrival may take a bit longer. On average, however, our families complete the process within the 6 to 10 weeks.

Can we get an au pair anytime?
Yes. Au Pair Care can place an au pair year round. Au pairs are scheduled to arrive to the U.S. approximately every two weeks and more often during the summer months.
Do you offer male au pairs as well as female au pairs?
Yes. Male au pairs make excellent, nurturing caregivers to children. With a male au pair, it’s like having an older brother and role model for your children.

How do we select our au pair?
Using Family Room, Au Pair Care’s unique online matching system, you can view au pair profiles that are compatible with your family’s needs. You are able to select au pairs you are interested in interviewing and review their complete au pair application - all online at anytime! We also offer you the assistance of a Matching Expert to support you in the matching process.

What if I don’t like my au pair once they get here?
Your local Au Pair Care representative will work with you to solve any issues that may arise. We will start by identifying the issue and attempt to solve the problem through mediation and guidance. If this approach is unsuccessful, you have the option of receiving a replacement au pair.


For more information about hosting an au pair please visit www.aupaircare.com.

What are the real benefits of an au pair? in Knoxville, TN

An AuPairCare Host Family shares with ABC news why they have chosen an au pair to meet their childcare needs.

What are the benefits of hosting an Au Pair with AuPairCare versus traditional childcare options in Knoxville, TN?

Many child care options are unaffordable to the average U.S. family. In 2009 the average center-based child care fees for an infant were more than the average annual amount that families spent on food, according to a survey done by Child Care Resource and Referral. Parents want high quality child care, but its high cost forces many parents to make sacrifices. But, parents don’t have to sacrifice high quality for affordability. Au pair matching agencies, such as AuPairCare, provide international au pairs for U.S. families at a low cost when compared to other child care options in the country.

The hourly cost of an au pair from AuPairCare is approximately $7.50 per hour, considerably lower than the cost of baby sitters, nannies, day-care centers, and camps. Most baby sitters in the U.S. charge an average of $10 to $15 per hour, and are not required to go through specialized child care training, like AuPairCare’s au pairs. Au pairs provide individual attention to children, whereas a day-care center employee’s attention is divided among many children. The cost of AuPairCare’s au pairs remains the same regardless of how many children a host family has or what hours the au pair is providing child care. This makes it a great child care option for families with multiples or parents who work nontraditional hours, as day-care centers charge per child and increase the cost for child care during nontraditional hours.

Au Pairs in Knoxville, TN go Bowling!

Au Pairs here in Knoxville enjoyed an afternoon of bowling and ice cream for our May event. Every month I enjoy spending time with the au pairs and getting to know them all a little better. These are a wonderful group of young women who are enjoying their year in Knoxville providing excellent childcare for their host families. These monthly events give the au pairs a break from their busy schedules and a chance to spend time together.

Knoxville, TN Host Family with Multiples shares why having an Au Pair is the best option.

At AuPairCare we understand that each family is unique. That is why our programs are customized to fit your childcare needs, lifestyle, and timing. Marshall and Ashley Franklin have triplet 9 month old girls and were in need of dependable, flexible childcare. This is exactly what the Franklin family has found in their au pair, Luana (Luly). Luly is providing the Franklin family with exceptional live in childcare that insures their daughters are safe, happy, and healthy. Hosting an au pair has not only met the Franklin family's childcare needs but has extended their family.

Below are some questions that Ashley has taken the time to answer about why having an au pair with AuPairCare is the best option for their family.

Why did you choose to host an au pair with AuPairCare over other childcare options?

I chose APC versus other childcare options for several reasons -
1) I wanted our children to be taken care of in our home. They were 8 weeks premature, so we were advised against going to a daycare because of risk of illness, and their immune system was weaker than a normal term baby.
2) I wanted someone to care for the girls that would love them as their own and not just think of them as a job.
3) I wanted the girls to have a consistent caregiver that would be dedicated to staying with us for at least one year.
4) Obviously the financial benefits. We could not afford childcare outside of the home for three babies!

What have you enjoyed most about having an au pair?

I love how Luly has allowed Marshall and I to be spontaneous again. With triplets you can imagine that almost everything has to be planned out to the tee, and it is nice that if Luly is helping us we can run and grab coffee together or just go for a walk and talk for a while without having to plan it well in advance. Luly is truly part of our family and I love having someone else in our home to help us care for the girls. Also there is the cultural aspect - I love sitting and talking with Luly about Curitiba (city she is from in Brazil) and how things are different there versus the US. I have learned to appreciate things in the US that I may have taken for granted when I learn that not everyone has the luxuries that we have!

How does having an au pair make your life easier?

Where do I begin!? Right when I wake up in the morning to she is right there to jump in and help us. She is always willing to help with the girls as well as jump in with other light household duties. With triplets there is always a diaper to be changed, and bottles and clothes to be washed. Marshall and I were always outnumbered before Luly joined our family, and she has really given us a chance to relax a little bit instead of being consumed with all the aspects of caring for triplets.


What would you say to a family who is considering an au pair but is unsure about having live in childcare?

You really have to weigh all the aspects of caring for your children versus thinking about having someone live in your home. If I had one child I may feel differently, but with triplets we constantly need an extra set of hands. I have always been a "more the merrier" type person, so having someone live with us was never an issue. I would also ask yourself why you are unsure of live in childcare. It may be a reason that could easily be addressed through the interview process.

Luly has been an absolute joy and blessing in our lives. The girls love her, Marshall and I love her, and it will be a sad day when she leaves! Every night when she goes upstairs to her room we say "nós te amamos," which is "we love you" in Portuguese. I would definitely encourage everyone to at least consider an au pair. It is an adventure and great experience for both your children and yourself!

Please visit www.aupaircare.com for more information about hosting an au pair or contact me at 865-719-8054.

Rising cost of Childcare in Knoxville, TN and across the Country

According to the U.S. Census, the cost of child care increased twice as fast as the median income of families with children in the year 2000, and continues to rise. In addition, a recent survey by Kelton Research indicated that Americans have noticed significant increases in their expenditures on gas, food, utilities, insurance, phone, Internet, and cable bills just in the past three months. The ever increasing cost of living in the U.S. often requires both parents to work outside of the home, making affordable child care a necessity.

Did you know that an AuPairCare au pair costs about $340/week ($7.50 an hour) regardless of the number of children in your family? No other childcare option maintains the original price as the number of children increases.


Check out www.aupaircare.com for a reliable and affordable childcare option.

How Host Families and Au Pairs can be prepared for Severe Weather

In light of the recent severe tornado activity in many areas of the U.S., here is some good advice about what to do when a tornado threatens our area:

Seek shelter immediately! If you are at home, go to a pre-designated shelter area such as a safe room, or basement (lowest building level). If there is no basement, go to the center of an interior room on the lowest level (closet, bathroom, interior hallway) away from windows, doors, and outside walls. Put as many walls as possible between you and the outside. Get under a sturdy table and use your arms to protect your head and neck. Do not open windows. If you are in a vehicle, get out immediately and go to the lowest floor of a sturdy, nearby building or a storm shelter. If you are outside with no shelter, lie flat in a nearby ditch or depression and cover your head with your hands. Be aware of the potential for flooding. Do not get under an overpass or bridge. You are safer in a low, flat location. Never try to outrun a tornado in urban or congested areas in a car or truck. Instead, leave the vehicle immediately for safe shelter.

I know that many au pairs may be unsure what to do in the case of a severe storm. It is important to talk with your Host Family and be prepared!

AuPairCare Knoxville's May Event

This month AuPairCare Knoxville will be hiking in the Smoky Mountains. One of the benefits of living in the city of Knoxville is its proximity to the beautiful Smoky Mountains. On Sunday, March 15th au pairs will be traveling to Cades Cove in order to hike the trail to Abrams Falls. Cades Cove is a broad valley surrounded by mountains and is one of the most popular destinations in the Great Smokies. The 5 mile round trip hike will take us to the beautiful Abrams Falls waterfall. This will be a wonderful event for au pairs here in Knoxville and will highlight the beauty of East Tennesse.

Check back after March 15th to see pictures from our hike!

AuPairCare Knoxville partners with local Businesses!

As the Area Director for Au Pair Care I have been searching across Knoxville to find businesses in the area who are willing to help spread the word about our incredible live in childcare. Families who hear about Au Pair Care through one of these Community Partners are able to apply to our program for FREE! In return for the support of our Community Partners they can earn $200 for each family that signs up for our program and hosts an Au Pair for a year.

I would encourage all of our host families to support our Community Partners! A list of all the Community Partners is located at the bottom of the blog.

If you are interested in becoming a Community Partner or learning more about this initiative, please feel free to contact Rachel Watson at 865-719-8054 or rwatsonapc@gmail.com.

AuPairCare Knoxville goes Ice Skating!

As an au pair with AuPairCare you will enjoy all kinds of unique experiences. Au Pairs here in Knoxville went Ice Skating on Sunday. It was a new experience for some, while others skated like pros! These monthly au pair events are a great way to experience something new but more importantly it gives au pairs a chance to get to know each other better. Here in Knoxville we have Au Pairs from countries all over the world and it is fun to see them come together with the common experience they share of being an au pair with AuPairCare. The Ice Chalet in Knoxville was a wonderful place to enjoy indoor ice skating! Here are a few pictures from our event:

Spring is in the air & AuPairCare is celebrating with a $29 application for New Host Families!

From now until March 31, apply for just $29 and have an experienced and pre-screened au pair join your family in as little as six weeks!

Every day, AuPairCare parents share stories with us about how having an au pair has brought more stability and peace of mind to their families.
•A less stressful morning routine - no more daycare drop-off madness!
•One-on-one attention for your child when you're away, and quality time with your child when you're there
•Flexible hours, especially great for parents with unpredictable schedules
•More "Me" time - live-in care allows you to go on an early morning run or have a stress-free date night without having to hire a babysitter
Get started finding an au pair for your family by filling out our 15-minute online application and enter the promotional code SPRING$29 to take advantage of this special offer. Unlike other au pair agencies, we don't charge extra selection or match fees and we connect your international calls with au pairs for free.

Don't wait for these savings to end! Apply online for just $29 or call a Program Advisor at 800-428-7247 and we'll help you complete your application over the phone.

AuPairCare is looking for Community Partners to earn $200 in Knoxville, Sevierville, Alcoa, Maryville, Oak Ridge, Lenior City, Tennessee

AuPair Care and I are looking to partner with local businesses to help spread the word about our incredible live-in childcare program. Would you like to be a part of this initiative? In return for your support you could earn $200 for each friend, family member, or co-worker that signs up for the program and houses an AuPair for a year.

Please encourage those you know to apply for FREE by going to http://www.aupaircare.com/ and use the promotion code- APCFRIEND

**Remember to have them mention where they heard about AuPair Care so we can thank you as our Community Partner!!!**

If you are interested in becoming a Community Partner or learning more about this initiative, please contact Rachel Watson at 865-719-8054 or rwatsonapc@gmail.com.

I would love to partner with you!

March Au Pair Event

Sunday, March 20th at 3:00 PM we will be meeting at the Ice Chalet in Knoxville for ice skating. This should be a great way to say goodbye to Winter as we approach Spring and warmer weather. Admission is $5.50 and Skate rentals are $3.50. You can go here for directions to the Ice Chalet. I look forward to seeing you all there!

The Melting Pot

In February we enjoyed coffee and chocolate in downtown Knoxville at the Melting Pot. I really enjoyed getting to know our new Au Pairs and catching up with all the au pairs who were able to make the event. The chocolate and coffee was delicious!

Knoxville Ice Bears Game

On Saturday all the Au Pairs attended the Knoxville Ice Bears game. This was the first hockey game most of the Au Pairs had ever attended, and we had a great time.
Thanks to the au pairs for being there, and a big thanks to all the host families who made sure they could make it. Every au pair was in attendance!

Also, Thanks to Jessica Sandri for pictures from the event. I've decided to name her our offical au pair photographer!

Knoxville Ice Bears Game

For our January Au Pair Event we will be attending a Knoxville Ice Bears Hockey game this Saturday, January 22nd at 7:30 pm. We will meet at 6:40 outside the main entrance of the Knoxville Civic Coliseum. Click this link for directions: http://knoxvilleicebears.com/tickets/content/directions
Tickets are $14. I hope to see you all there!

NEW FOR 2011

Do your friends a favor. Tell them about AuPairCare.

AuPairCare has DOUBLED the referal bonus. Do you know other families looking for high quality childcare at an affordable price? For ever family that you refer that hosts an au pair, you'll receive $400. Just have them enter your name on the new host family application. It's that easy!

The new Host Family applies FREE using APCFAMILY promo code.

And keep in mind that this applies to Host Families and Au Pairs alike.

Au Pairs, this is a great way to earn some extra money! So be sure to talk to any families you meet about how much you love being an au pair and encourage them to apply for their own.

I am eager to see our region grow in the year 2011. Help me make it happen!