The burgeoning need for dependable, high-quality childcare within American families set the stage for a significant development in 1986. The United States Information Agency (USIA) recognized this demand and granted permission to select U.S. cultural exchange organizations to establish programs that would foster international understanding through cultural exchange. This initiative directly addressed the need for flexible, live-in childcare solutions across the United States. These authorized organizations were tasked with developing and managing au pair programs under the strict guidelines established by the USIA.
1988
For EF Education, a global leader in international education and a strong advocate for cultural exchange and international dialogue, the au pair program was a natural fit. In 1988, EF Education introduced a new division to its diverse portfolio of international programs: EF Au Pair, which would later evolve into Cultural Care Au Pair. The United States Information Agency officially designated EF Au Pair as a sponsoring organization, marking the inception of a program designed to provide both childcare solutions and enriching cultural experiences. This pivotal moment laid the foundation for what would become a leading cultural exchange program.
1989
EF Au Pair commenced its international recruitment efforts in 1989, focusing on Germany, the Netherlands, and Sweden, countries where EF Education already had established roots and strong networks. The program achieved a significant milestone with its first au pair placement: Karl Magnus Johansson, a male au pair from Sweden. The inaugural group of EF au pairs, all from Sweden, embarked on their journey to the U.S., settling in with host families in vibrant cities like Boston, Chicago, and Los Angeles. This first placement marked the beginning of a growing international exchange.
1990
The United States Congress recognized the value and positive impact of the au pair program in 1990. They approved and extended the program’s authorization for another two years under the continued oversight of the United States Information Agency. Congress also directed the USIA to maintain the program under the existing, well-defined guidelines, ensuring continuity and stability for participating families and au pairs. This extension signaled confidence in the program’s framework and its contribution to cultural exchange.
1991
In 1991, EF Au Pair hosted its first global training conference in Berlin, Germany, bringing together staff from around the world. This international meeting was crucial for fostering collaboration among au pair recruitment teams and U.S. program staff. The conference focused on establishing and maintaining high-quality standards, ensuring compliance with evolving regulations, setting realistic expectations for both au pairs and host families, and enhancing communication throughout the organization. This event highlighted EF Au Pair’s commitment to program excellence and global coordination.
1992
EF Au Pair joined forces with other leading U.S. international exchange organizations in 1992 to establish the Alliance for International Educational and Cultural Exchange. This alliance was formed to advocate for and improve the environment for international exchange policies and the vital person-to-person connections they facilitate. The Alliance’s core mission was to promote federal policies that support and advance international exchange in all its forms. EF Au Pair demonstrated its leadership in the field by having staff members actively participate on the Alliance’s board and executive committee.
1993
Recognizing the importance of local support, EF Au Pair held its first national meeting for Local Childcare Coordinators (LCCs) in 1993. This event became an annual tradition, bringing together Cultural Care LCCs from across the United States for a weekend of training and networking. These national meetings were designed to encourage the sharing of best practices among coordinators, to disseminate program developments, and to identify and implement customer service enhancements. This initiative underscored the importance of a strong support network for the program’s success.
1994
As a recognized leader in the au pair industry, EF Au Pair was a founding member of the International Au Pair Association (IAPA) in 1994. IAPA was established to protect the rights and well-being of both au pairs and host families by creating internationally recognized guidelines for au pair exchange programs. IAPA aimed to support the continued growth of the au pair program while developing and enforcing professional standards for au pair organizations globally. Cultural Care staff actively contributed to the direction of the industry by serving on the Executive Board of IAPA for many years.
1995
In 1995, the U.S. Congress authorized the USIA to develop specific regulations to govern the au pair program, replacing the initial guidelines with comprehensive rules published in the Federal Register. These new regulations addressed critical aspects of the program, including au pair and host family selection, screening processes, and placement procedures. They also mandated extensive au pair training. EF Au Pair collaborated closely with The Children’s Foundation to create a robust curriculum for its Au Pair Training School, focusing on child safety and development, ensuring au pairs were well-prepared for their roles.
1996
Landmark legislation in 1996 established a permanent au pair program under the supervision of the United States Information Agency. This legislation removed previous limitations on the number of visas available to au pairs and restrictions on recruitment locations. This significant change enabled EF Au Pair to expand its reach, opening new markets for both host families in the U.S. and prospective au pairs from diverse countries and continents. The permanent program status solidified the au pair program as a recognized and valuable cultural exchange initiative.
1997
EF Au Pair continued its close collaboration with government officials in 1997, providing valuable feedback through discussions and industry meetings. Reflecting these contributions and ongoing program refinement, further regulations were published in the Federal Register. These clarifications focused on au pair screening and training protocols and set limits on the number of hours per day an au pair could provide childcare, ensuring au pair well-being and program integrity. That same year, EF Au Pair moved its offices to EF Center at One Education Street in Cambridge, MA, consolidating its operations.
1998
In 1998, EF Au Pair launched the Continuing Education Program (CEP) in partnership with the National Safe Kids Campaign. This innovative program ensured that au pairs received ongoing training and support throughout their program year through regularly scheduled safety programs. These informal seminars, hosted by Local Childcare Coordinators and featuring local authorities and safety educators, provided au pairs with the most up-to-date information on child safety measures and injury prevention. The CEP demonstrated a commitment to continuous learning and au pair support.
1999
EF Au Pair expanded its global presence significantly in 1999 by opening its first office in Sao Paulo, Brazil. This marked a strategic expansion beyond Europe, tapping into the growing interest in the au pair experience among young people in South America and the increasing demand for Spanish-speaking au pairs among U.S. host families. The program’s development in South America quickly accelerated, establishing a strong new recruitment region.
2000
U.S. Senator Edward M. Kennedy participated in a significant ceremony at the EF office in 2000, dedicating a piece of the Berlin Wall. The ceremony, coordinated by EF Au Pair staff, highlighted the program’s role in breaking down cultural barriers. Senator Kennedy remarked, “Like the people of Eastern Europe who brought down the Wall, each of you has admirably worked to break down the barriers of language, culture and geography that divide the peoples of the world.” This historic piece of the Berlin Wall became a permanent display at the EF office, becoming New England’s only publicly accessible section of the Wall, symbolizing the program’s commitment to global understanding.
2001
Following the tragic attacks of 9/11 in 2001, EF au pairs en route to the Au Pair Training School in New York were rerouted to Gander, Canada. The hospitable citizens of Gander provided care and shelter for these au pairs for four days during the immediate aftermath. In the wake of 9/11, and despite national uncertainty, EF Au Pair observed an increase in demand for au pairs. Families continued to value the cultural exchange aspect of the program, seeking to welcome young people from different cultures into their homes, reinforcing the program’s mission of building bridges across cultures even in times of crisis.
2002
In 2002, EF Au Pair underwent a significant rebranding, becoming Cultural Care Au Pair. This new name was chosen to more accurately reflect the program’s evolving mission and future vision, emphasizing the goal of exposing individuals of all ages and backgrounds to the enriching benefits of cultural exchange. The name “Cultural Care” encapsulated the dual focus on cultural immersion and quality childcare that defined the program.
2003
Cultural Care Au Pair launched its Kids First program in 2003, demonstrating a commitment to making a positive impact on the lives of children both in the U.S. and internationally. The inaugural campaign focused on supporting a Russian orphanage with limited resources. Through fundraising efforts, including the sale of an international cookbook and a children’s song CD, Cultural Care was able to purchase a much-needed bus for the orphanage. The Kids First program expanded to support other initiatives, including a South African daycare center, a Brazilian after-school arts program, and a New Orleans school recovering from Hurricane Katrina. Cultural Care matched 100% of all donations, ensuring all funds directly benefited children in need.
2004
A significant enhancement to the program was introduced in 2004 when the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs within the U.S. Department of State (formerly USIA) launched a pilot Cultural Care Extension Program. This program allowed au pairs to extend their initial stay in the United States for an additional 6, 9, or 12 months. Cultural Care au pairs and host families enthusiastically embraced this opportunity, with over 30% of au pairs choosing to participate in the extension program. This flexibility further enriched the cultural exchange experience and provided families with valuable continuity of care.
2005
Cultural Care continued to innovate and enhance customer service by introducing an online application for host families in 2005. This technological advancement streamlined the application process for busy families, allowing them to save their progress and easily update their information from year to year. The online application also expedited the interviewing and matching process, enabling families to begin reviewing au pair applications more quickly. This digital upgrade improved efficiency and user experience for prospective host families.
2006
The Golden Heart League was established in 2006 to recognize exceptional Local Childcare Coordinators. This prestigious league honored LCCs who consistently provided outstanding service to both host families and au pairs, demonstrated a strong commitment to program regulation compliance, and actively fostered growth within their local communities. Golden Heart League members represented the highest standards of service and served as role models for other local coordinators, promoting excellence across the program.
2007
In 2007, Cultural Care launched InfoSource, a comprehensive online resource designed for Local Childcare Coordinators, host families, and au pairs. InfoSource provided hundreds of pages of information covering all aspects of the au pair program, featuring search and commenting functionalities to enhance user interaction and navigation. The platform also incorporated user-generated content and advice from experienced host families, offering invaluable guidance for both new and current participants. Au pairs, increasingly arriving in large groups at the Au Pair Training School, utilized InfoSource and other technologies to prepare for their year in the United States, leveraging these resources for program success.
2008
Customer feedback has always been central to Cultural Care’s program development. In 2008, Cultural Care implemented an innovative new system to capture program participant feedback through a comprehensive customer satisfaction survey developed in partnership with Discovery Surveys, Inc. Host families readily adopted this new channel to share their opinions, both positive and negative, contributing to ongoing program enhancements. The survey results provided valuable insights into the evolving needs of Cultural Care host families. In a testament to the strong relationships fostered within the program, the Sato family in California nominated their au pair, Linda Falter from Germany, who was subsequently selected as the International Au Pair of the Year by the International Au Pair Association, representing 50,000 au pairs globally.
2009
Embracing the growing popularity of online video, Cultural Care developed a pioneering application in 2009: aupairvideos.com. This website provided a dedicated platform for au pair candidates to upload video introductions. Host families appreciated the opportunity to gain a more personal understanding of potential au pairs beyond written applications and phone interviews. This industry-first service allowed candidates to showcase their personality and motivations more effectively. Families could also upload their own videos to introduce themselves to prospective au pairs, fostering a more personal connection from the outset. The Boyer family of Virginia, deeply moved by the relationship between their au pair and their special needs son, nominated their au pair, Ricardo Silva de Araújo of Brazil, for International Au Pair of the Year. For the second consecutive year, a Cultural Care au pair received this prestigious international honor.
