·        Ability to adapt to new situations

One of the key qualities found in successful Au Pairs is adaptability. Applicants who appear open to new experiences, who appear interested in learning more about American culture, and who appear open to living in a Host Family setting will be of greater interest to Host Families seeking an Aupair.

THE MATCHING PROCESS

A. THE NEW YORK CITY BASED PLACEMENT STAFF

The Placement Coordinators based in Aupair USA's New York City office, are divided into regions of the United States and each Placement Coordinator is responsible for reviewing the Host Family Applications submitted by families residing in his/her region.

Aupair applications are placed in a general pool and any candidate may be considered for placement anywhere in the United States. The Placement Coordinators seek to match the needs of the Host Families with the skills and characteristics presented by the Aupair applicants. The Aupair's availability dates (the first and last dates in which he/she is able to begin his/her year as an Aupair) are a factor in the placement process.

Generally, the Placement Coordinators work to fulfil placement requests in the order in which they are received from the Host Families with every effort made to match repeating Host Families first. While some advanced placements are done (for arrival dates several months out), the process generally calls for matching according to arrival within the next two months.

B. HOW APPLICANTS ARE MATCHED WITH HOST FAMILIES

Once a completed application arrives in Aupair USA's New York office, it is reviewed by an Application Coordinator to verify that all the required documentation is include. If the applicant meets all the program's criteria, it will be accepted, the Application Coordinator will consult with the Placement Coordinators if a portion of the application is missing or if there are questions concerning the applicant. If accepted, the Applications Coordinator will enter information about the applicant's acceptance (or rejection). An acceptance Log will be mailed to the Co-operator within five days of the receipt of the application by the New York office. If the candidate has been rejected, a brief explanation will be provided to the Co-operator.