Go Au Pair in Poughkeepsie, NY offers a child care experience through cultural exchange.
Au Pairs provide reliable, live-in child care which meets the specific needs of your family.
And – an Au Pair costs the same no matter how many children you have.
What our Host Families love about the Au Pair program
Au Pairs are pre-screened international young adults with child care experience who provide full time, live-in child care and introduces a memorable cultural experience at an affordable cost. With Au Pair child care, families in Poughkeepsie can enjoy all the benefits of in home child care.
Au Pairs can be responsible for general supervision of the children, driving, laundry, homework help, preparing meals, and providing morning and bedtime help. As an Au Pair agency, Go Au Pair is dedicated to helping families in the Poughkeepsie, NY area choose an Au Pair that fits their specific family needs.
Local Area Representative in Poughkeepsie
Go Au Pair has a Local Area Representative in Poughkeepsie, NY and surrounding areas to help our families during their experience. Our agency’s local representative will assist your family and Au Pair with any questions related to your live in child care needs.
Ella Murguia
The areas I serve in New York
The Hudson Valley runs up along the Hudson River from just outside NYC, stretching through cozy river towns and scenic countryside. You’ve got places like Beacon, Newburgh, and Hudson, all connected by roads like Route 9 and the Taconic Parkway. It’s a mix of artsy spots, cute downtowns, and beautiful nature—easy to explore and full of charm.
My name is Ella Murguia and I’ve been a Local Success Coach with Go Au Pair since April of 2025. I hold a Bachelors in Education from the United States Institute of Language & Clerical Studies in Florida. I taught English as a second language for 5 years and lived in Asia during that time. I have always enjoyed working with students and currently work with college students.
I enjoy working with all the Host Families and Au Pairs, serving as the middle person to make sure everything is running smoothly! The program has a big impact on the Host Parents, children and Au Pairs and it’s great to be apart of that.
Our current Poughkeepsie Au Pairs are from Ecuador and Peru. Our Poughkeepsie Host Families have little babies all the way up to 7 years old. They work in all kind of professions. We currently have Poughkeepsie Host Parents in the hospitality industry, healthcare profession, military, airlines, and a business owner for a tiny house resort.
Au Pair Cultural Activities
Au Pairs are required to attend a number of Cultural Activities with their Local Area Representative and nearby Au Pairs to make sure they experience the local community and culture during their stay. Below are some of the activities Ella’s cluster has been up to recently!
Additional Resources for Families and Au Pairs in Poughkeepsie
Driving with an International License in New York
• Allowed: You can drive in New York State with a valid foreign driver’s license.
• English Translation: If your license is not in English, it’s recommended to carry a certified translation or an International Driving Permit (IDP).
• Time Limit: You may use your foreign license for up to one year from your arrival in the U.S.
• Check out more information here: New York Department of Motor Vehicles
Dutchess County Public Transit
Covers major areas like Poughkeepsie, Beacon, and surrounding towns
Ulster County Area Transit (UCAT)
Serves Kingston, New Paltz, and nearby areas
Columbia County Public Transportation
Limited routes serving Hudson and surrounding towns
Metro-North Railroad (Hudson Line)
Connects towns like Beacon, Cold Spring, and Poughkeepsie to NYC
Newburgh Area Transit (Operated by Leprechaun Lines)
• Service Overview: Provides local bus routes connecting key locations such as Broadway,
Target Plaza, Walmart, Mid-Valley Mall, and Mount Saint Mary College.
• Schedule: Buses operate Monday through Saturday during daytime hours.
• Fares: As of January 2025, all rides are free through December 31, 2025, as part of Orange County’s initiative to ease transportation costs.
Au Pairs need to complete their education requirement as part of their exchange program in the United States. Here are some places in Poughkeepsie they may be able to enroll.
Pace University – Pleasantville, NY
Programs: The English Language Institute offers specialized programs for au pairs, including Academic English Courses, TOEFL preparation, and Career Skills
Development Courses. Classes are available on weekdays, evenings, weekends, and online, providing flexibility to accommodate au pair schedules. Review
course offerings and schedules on their website and register accordingly.
Dutchess Community College (DCC) – Poughkeepsie, NY
Programs: Provides ESL classes through its Office of Workforce Development and Continuing Education, catering to non-native English speakers aiming to
improve their language skills. Reach out to the Office of Workforce Development and Continuing Education for class schedules and registration details.
Columbia-Greene Community College (C-GCC) – Hudson, NY
Programs: Arts and crafts, music/dance, and outdoor activities. They also offer career development & professional skills courses, as well various ESL classes. Interested individuals can register for courses by calling (518) 697-6370 or visiting
Au Pairs and Host Families can learn about tax withholdings and filing specific for the Au Pair program. Always consult a tax advisor to learn how taxes apply.
An Au Pair will need to get a Social Security # before getting a bank account and driver’s license. Go Au Pair will provide a welcome packet with social security information, on the Au Pairs arrival. We advise Au Pairs to wait 10 days after arrival to get their social security number. You can make an appointment at a social security office, closest to your home.
Child-Friendly Activities for Au Pairs and Host Families
Au Pairs will find that Poughkeepsie offers a wide variety of exciting things to do and places to visit. There are many historical museums, art displays, scenic touring, and physical activities. Families can help Au Pairs find activities they are most interested in.
Legoland is a vibrant theme park featuring over 50 rides, shows, and attractions tailored for children aged 2–12. Highlights include the LEGO City Water Playground and the recently added Peppa Pig-themed area. The park is also a Certified Autism Center, ensuring an inclusive experience for all visitors.
Mid-Hudson Discovery Museum is an interactive museum designed for children up to age 12, offering hands-on exhibits in science, literacy, and art. It’s an ideal spot for young minds to explore and learn through play.
Bear Mountain State Park offers a variety of family activities, including hiking trails, a zoo, a merry-go-round, and seasonal ice skating. The scenic views and picnic areas make it a perfect day-trip destination.
Teatown Lake Reservation is a 1,000-acre nature preserve featuring 15 miles of hiking trails, educational programs, and a nature center. Families can enjoy guided walks, wildlife exhibits, and seasonal events like the annual Eagle Fest.
Storm King Art Center is an open-air museum set on 500 acres, showcasing large-scale sculptures amidst rolling hills and woodlands. It’s a unique blend of art and nature, offering a serene environment for families to explore.
