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An excellent place to always look for a professional nanny is on EasyExpat's job listings. You can also look for au pair in EasyExpat's classifieds. You can ask questions and find advice on the forums or directly with our network of expats.

JOYST Youth Exchange International is one of the best options to explore for au pair and cultural exchange possibilities. They facilitate outward cultural exchange and short term work abroad, including au pair, for students. They are affiliated with International Association for the Exchange of Technical Experience (IAESTE) and Au Pair in America that do exchange programmes with many countries.

JOYST Youth Exchange International Ltd.
2-6 Melmac Avenue, Suite 1A, First floor,
Kingston 5, Jamaica
Phone: +1.8769682124
Web: http://www.joystyouthexchangeintl.org

Consider exploring possibilities for working with families through contact with the Jamaica Household Workers Association (JHWA). The group does a blog at http://jhwa1.blogspot.com.

Jamaica Household Worker Association,
4 Ellesmers Road, Kingston 10
Jamaica
Tel: (876) 277-7567 (cell)
Fax: (876) 929-0549

What the au pair must know

Typical requirements are:

• Be conversant in English
• Be in the youth age cohort (15 - 24 years old)
• Obtained secondary school qualifications or higher
• Be able to commit to at least a 6 month placement
• Have at least 6 months child care experience
• Be able to provide 3 references regarding your experience and character
• Be in good physical and mental condition as evidenced by a Physician's Report/ medical certificate
• Agree to a background check

Some families may ask for non-smoking, possession of driver's license, responsible or non-drinkers, females. Experience with tutoring could be an advantage.

In Jamaica, a care giver in a nursery must have obtained certification in child care if they are not supervised by someone with such credential.

What the family has to do

The family has to welcome the au pair in thinking that he/ she is not just an employee, but an important part of the family.

Therefore they will make sure:

• The au pair must have her own bedroom.
• The au pair will work to a maximum of 40 hours per week
• They understand that having an au pair does not mean having a servant. Au pairs may be asked to do some housework as agreed upon in the contract.
• It may be of benefit to register the au pair at the family doctor.
• The family should pay a salary, with the amount written into the contract. This cannot be less than the official minimum wage (USD 1.32/hour) as noted per recent announcement