Go Au Pair in Washington DC 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 Washington DC 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 DC area choose an Au Pair that fits their specific family needs.
Local Area Representative in Washington DC
Go Au Pair has a Local Area Representative in Washington DC 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.
Amanda Walter
The areas I serve in Washington DC
My territory spans across three counties in Northern Virginia and Maryland (Loudoun, Fairfax, and Montgomery Counties). It encompasses urban centers like Gaithersburg and Fairfax, suburban neighborhoods in Ashburn, Chantilly, and Vienna, and smaller towns such as Purcellville, Aldie, and Great Falls.
With a solid foundation in Education and Child Development through a bachelor’s degree, complemented by year-round sports coaching and enriched by a multicultural family background, I bring over a decade of comprehensive experience as a local area representative for Go Au Pair. Guiding au pairs in seamlessly adapting to new lifestyles and providing families with assistance in navigating intricate interpersonal dynamics forms the core of my deeply rewarding role, fostering global understanding and facilitating personal growth.
I am passionate about the au pair program because it allows me to immerse myself in diverse cultures, which I find incredibly enriching. I take pleasure in facilitating conflict resolution, building bridges, and fostering understanding while addressing challenges that arise, making each experience uniquely rewarding.
Within my cluster, I oversee a diverse array of families comprising Doctors, IT professionals, stay-at-home moms, restaurant managers, and small business owners. These families are involved in their communities and balance demanding family and work commitments. Similarly, the au pairs in my cluster hail from various Latin, European, African, and Asian countries, and they share common interests such as socializing with friends, engaging in outdoor activities like hiking, and embracing novel experiences.
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 Amanda’s cluster has been up to recently!
Colonial Kids Day in Purcellville offered an exciting blend of education and entertainment. Au pairs engaged in hands-on colonial-era activities, fostering learning and bonding in a lively atmosphere. This event provided au pairs with an active role in experiencing a day in the life of a colonial person, making it a unique and enriching outing.
The Burke Lake Hike provides au pairs with a wonderful opportunity to immerse themselves in nature and stay active. Exploring the scenic trails around Burke Lake can be a refreshing break from daily routines, offering peaceful moments and a chance to bond with each other. It’s an ideal way for au pairs to enjoy quality time outdoors and appreciate the natural beauty of the area.
Cox Farms, especially during its Fall Festival, is a dynamic and festive attraction that au pairs would likely find highly enjoyable. With a vibrant atmosphere, diverse activities, and seasonal delights, au pairs can participate in the fun. From pumpkin picking to corn mazes, the Fall Festival at Cox Farms offers a unique cultural experience that an au pair can cherish.
Hasa Music
The areas I serve in Washington DC
I cover mostly Northern Virginia area, including Arlington, Alexandria, Fairfax, Falls Church and Dumfries. VA is approximately half an hour from DC, divided by Potomac River.
I was an au Pair a decade ago and I enjoyed every second of it. I met people from all over the world and learned a lot about myself.
Working and guiding Au Pairs and Host Families through this process is rewarding to me. I get to share my Au Pair story with them and have a chance to make this journey better for them.
I am happy to be part of their journey and happy to guide them through this process. Working with the kids is rewarding, and they teach us those small things in our lives could be the most rewarding ones.
Au Pair experience is unique and once in a lifetime experience. Not only do they learn about American culture, but we also learn about their culture.
Most Au Pairs are from South America, including Columbia and Peru. They enjoy exploring the unique DMV area and learning about American Culture.
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 Hasa’s cluster has been up to recently!
One of the Host Families hosted an Ice Cream Social. the Au Pairs enjoyed chatting, and getting to know each other more.
The Au Pairs went to see Washington Monument, which was built to honor the first president of the United States, George Washington. The Au Pairs enjoyed learning about the monument which is a 555 foot marble obelisk tower.
The Au Pairs went to watch the Finale Copa America. The match was Colombia vs. Argentina. They were rooting for Colombia and even though Colombia lost they still had fun.
Additional Resources for Families and Au Pairs in Washington DC
As an au pair on a J-1 visa in the DMV area, start by gathering your J-1 visa, Form DS-2019, Social Security Number or a letter of ineligibility, and proof of residency. Study the Virginia Driver’s Manual thoroughly for the written knowledge test. Visit a local Virginia/Maryland DMV office with required documents to apply. Pass the knowledge test and vision screening, and if needed, take a behind-the-wheel test. Upon success, you’ll receive a provisional driver’s license with certain restrictions, and later, you can apply for a full driver’s license after meeting necessary
While many host families offer car access, some au pairs may not have unrestricted use of a vehicle. In such cases, public transit, like buses and trains with route maps and reloadable cards, becomes essential.
Rideshare services such as Uber and Lyft offer door-to-door convenience, while biking and walking are eco-friendly options for shorter journeys. Building connections with fellow au pairs can also provide valuable insights and options with navigating the area.
https://www.loudoun.gov/3393/Bus-Schedules
The most common brick and mortar schools utilized are:
- 1. Montgomery College- A community college offering diverse programs across multiple campuses in Montgomery County, promoting accessible education and career pathways. https://www.montgomerycollege.edu/
- 2. University of Maryland (Shady Grove)- A collaborative campus that provides access to a range of undergraduate and graduate programs from various University of Maryland institutions. https://shadygrove.umd.edu/
- 3.Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA)- A community college with multiple campuses, offering affordable programs and pathways to higher education and workforce readiness. https://www.nvcc.edu/
- 4. George Mason University- A comprehensive research university in Fairfax with a diverse range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs. https://www.gmu.edu/academics/continuing-and-professional-education
- 5. Shenandoah University (Northern Virginia Campus)- Offering programs in fields like health sciences, business, and education, providing hands-on learning experiences. https://www.su.edu/
- 6. Marymount University- providing a blend of academic excellence and urban convenience, offering various programs including health sciences and business. https://marymount.edu/
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 Washington DC 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.
Explore the iconic National Mall in Washington, D.C., home to historic monuments, memorials, and world-renowned museums.
Enjoy the natural beauty of the Potomac River while hiking along scenic trails that lead to impressive waterfalls.
Wander through the cobblestone streets of this historic city, lined with charming boutiques, restaurants, and historic sites.
Experience the maritime charm of Solomons Island with waterfront dining, art galleries, and maritime museums.
Immerse yourself in history at this park known for its Civil War past, offering beaches, hiking, and serene landscapes.
