General Health & Safety

Exercise, games, crafts and cooking are fun activities for you and the children you care for and are likely child care tasks you perform every day.  Here are some important reminders and tips to keep in mind when you engage in these activities.

• Exercise can be about pushing yourself to the limit but it’s important to participate in exercise activities which match your fitness abilities.  The same is true when exercising with children.  To stay safe, choose exercises appropriate for the age of the child and matching your individual fitness level.  If at any time while exercising you or the children feel unwell, become injured, or just stop having fun – stop immediately.
• Be smart and plan ahead.  Consider weather conditions and bringing supplies like food and water, sunscreen and bug spray.
• Always put safety first!  Getting hurt is the fastest way to end the fun.  Know the risks and potential hazards of the activities you engage in, be aware of your surroundings and environment and remember children at different ages have different safety concerns.
• Supervise activities so there’s no accidental damage to the Host Family’s property.
• Know any food allergies the children may have or any food restrictions your Host Parents might have for their children.  Always get permissions before making an exception.
• There are many kitchen gadgets and household appliances available.  Be sure you know how to properly and safely operate appliances before use.  If you are ever uncertain, ask your Host Parents or check online for instructions.

Keep the children in mind

The safety and well-being of children (minors less than 18 years of age) is a serious and important matter all over the world and especially in America.  Here are some important reminders and tips specifically dealing with children:

• We encourage all Au Pairs to frequent the social sites but remind you to always put your work and the children you care for first.  You are expected to make the children and your child care responsibilities top priority during working hours so resist temptation and save all your social engagements until after work is over.
• Remember, you are adults and the things you read, watch, listen to and say may not be appropriate for the children you care for.  Always take care with your computer, magazines, books, movies, games, music or any other adult material which may not be suitable for kids.
• Remember, your friends are also adults and the things you talk about may not be suitable for kids.  Be mindful of the things you write on social sites, in emails, text message, chat and of verbal conversations you have over the phone, through video conferencing, or in person which may not be suitable for kids.
• Most medias in America include parental discretion rankings and other warnings specifically for children.  Learn more about how these rankings work across various medias and if you are ever unsure, ask your Host Parents
  • Movies = http://www.mpaa.org/ratings/what-each-rating-means
  • Games = http://www.esrb.org/ratings/ratings_guide.jsp
  • TV shows = http://transition.fcc.gov/vchip/
  • Music = http://www.riaa.com/toolsforparents.php?content_selector=parental_advisory
  • Toys = http://www.safekids.org/our-work/research/fact-sheets/toy-safety-fact-sheet.html
• Be especially careful with information, photographs or videos you have which contain your Host Family’s children.  Check with your Host Parents before sharing photos or videos of their kids on social sites to learn if they have any restrictions.  Never take a suggestive or inappropriate photograph or video of a child.

Online privacy and safety for you and your Host Family.

Social sites like Facebook and Twitter are a great way to have conversations, meet people and share memories.  Here are some important reminders and tips when interacting on social sites:

• Be familiar with the privacy settings on each social platform.  It is your responsibility to know who will see the things you write and the pictures you post before you write or post them
• Go Au Pair owned or managed social sites are visible to the public and adhere to the respective privacy settings within each platform.
• Be extremely careful with contact information for you, your Host Family or the children.  Contact information can include home address, emails, phone numbers, Skype or messenger names, etc.  For the safety and privacy of you and your Host Family any contact information posted in a public location on a social site owned or managed by Go Au Pair will be immediately removed.
• Do not share inappropriate personal information about yourself, your Host Family or the children on social platforms.  Inappropriate personal information may include details about children or parent behavior, family or marital issues, details on romantic relationships, etc.  For the safety and privacy of you and your Host Family any inappropriate personal information posted in a public location on a social site owned or managed by Go Au Pair will be immediately removed.
• Although meeting new friends is one of the main reasons to participate on social platforms, be careful who you meet and engage with both online and offline.  Remember, for your safety and as part of obeying the regulations from the U.S. Department of State, Go Au Pair pre-screens both Host Families and Au Pairs participating in the Au Pair program.  Do not work with families or Au Pairs who advertise on social platforms without confirming they have been approved by a regulated Au Pair agency.
• Content available publically on social sites owned or managed by Go Au Pair is considered public information may be used by Go Au Pair on our website and in other marketing materials.  Videos and pictures will not be used by Go Au Pair without written consent.

General Conduct

• Remember who you represent.  Inappropriate, suggestive, illegal, lewd, sexual, prejudice, or derogatory comments, photos, or videos not only make you look bad but negatively represent your family, your friends, your country and all persons involved with the Au Pair program.  Use common sense before you share.
• Any activity on Go Au Pair owned or managed social sites which do not support the mission of the Au Pair Sis may be removed.