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!