How does the process work?

How does the process work?

How Does the Process Work?

At Babs Au Pair Agency, we guide you through every step of the process, from your initial application until the end of the entire au pair stay. Personal guidance, careful selection, and creating the right match are at the heart of our service.

Step 1 – Application

Once you have completed and submitted the online application form on our website, you will receive confirmation of your application within a few days.

Submitting an application is completely free of charge and without obligation.

After receiving your application, we will contact you to schedule an introductory meeting at your home. During this visit, we will get to know your family, discuss your wishes and expectations, and inspect the sanitary facilities and the room that will be available for the au pair. This home inspection is part of the legal requirements for recognised au pair agencies in the Netherlands.

Step 2 – Introduction and Intake Interview

During the intake interview, we will discuss:

• Your family composition;
• Your expectations of the au pair;
• The duties the au pair will perform;
• Working hours and free time;
• The au pair programme;
• Programme fees;
• Payment terms;
• The rights and responsibilities of both the host family and the au pair.

Following the intake interview, the host family (client) and Babs Au Pair Agency (service provider) will sign a Placement Agreement. This agreement outlines all arrangements, including the desired candidate profile, preferred start date, placement fees, and programme conditions.

Step 3 – Selecting Suitable Candidates

Based on your wishes and requirements, we begin searching for a suitable candidate.

If we already have a matching candidate in our database, you will receive one or more carefully selected candidate profiles.

If no suitable candidate is currently available, we will send your family profile to our trusted international partner agencies. They will actively recruit candidates who meet your requirements.

Every candidate undergoes a thorough selection process, including:

• A comprehensive intake interview;
• A personal interview;
• Reference checks;
• Assessment of English language proficiency;
• Screening of motivation, experience, and personality.

We look beyond experience alone. We also consider character, values, cultural background, and the expectations of both the host family and the au pair to ensure the best possible match.

Step 4 – Finding the Right Match

Once we have identified a suitable candidate, you will receive the au pair’s complete profile.

We will then arrange a video interview between your family and the candidate. This gives both parties the opportunity to get acquainted and ask questions.

After the interview, we will separately discuss the outcome with both the host family and the candidate to determine whether both sides feel confident about the match.

If desired, additional video interviews can be arranged before a final decision is made. The placement only becomes final when both the host family and the candidate are fully satisfied with the match.

Step 5 – Preparing for the Au Pair’s Arrival

Once the placement has been confirmed, we assist both the host family and the au pair with all necessary preparations.

Our support includes:

• Planning the journey to the Netherlands;
• Information about the mandatory au pair insurance;
• Preparing for the arrival;
• Providing practical information for both parties.

Before the au pair arrives, the host family will receive a practical checklist covering everything that should be arranged in advance, including:

• Taking out the required au pair insurance;
• Preparing the au pair’s room;
• Scheduling an appointment with the local municipality for registration;
• Discussing house rules and the daily schedule.

Step 6 – Programme Fees

Intake Interview Fee

A one-time fee of €100 is charged for the intake interview.

This fee applies within:

• A radius of 100 km from Apeldoorn (Netherlands);
• A radius of 200 km from Apeldoorn for Belgium and Luxembourg.

For greater distances, an additional charge of €0.30 per kilometre applies.

Payment

In the event of a successful placement, the programme fee is payable in two instalments.

First instalment (75%)

This payment is due once the host family has accepted the candidate and both parties have signed the placement agreement.

Second instalment (25%)

The remaining balance is payable within eight days after the au pair has arrived at the host family’s home.

Contribution Towards Overseas Partner Agencies

For every successful placement, Babs Au Pair Agency pays a commission to its overseas partner agency for recruiting and selecting the candidate.

This commission may amount to up to €200 per candidate.

A contribution of €40 per placed candidate is therefore charged to the host family.

Support During the Au Pair’s Stay

Our services do not end once the au pair has arrived.

Throughout the entire programme, we remain the primary point of contact for both the host family and the au pair.

Our support includes:

• Regular contact with both the host family and the au pair;
• Guidance with any questions or concerns;
• Mediation in the event of disputes;
• Regular evaluation meetings throughout the programme;
• Personal support whenever needed.

Our goal is to create a positive experience in which both the host family and the au pair feel comfortable, supported, and at home.

Emergencies and Our Guarantee

In case of emergencies, we are available for both the host family and the au pair.

Should the placement unfortunately prove unsuccessful during the trial period despite our careful selection process, we will carry out a new candidate search and selection process free of charge.

What Is Included?

Our services include:

• Personal intake interview and home visit;
• Candidate screening and selection;
• Reference checks;
• Guidance throughout the matching process;
• Assistance with preparing for the au pair’s arrival;
• Ongoing support throughout the entire au pair programme;
• Mediation in the event of any issues.

What Is Not Included?

Unless otherwise stated, the following costs are not included:

• Airfare;
• Weekly pocket money for the au pair;
• Au pair insurance;
• Visa and legalisation costs, where applicable;
• Language course fees;
• Personal expenses of the au pair.

How Long Does the Process Take?

On average, it takes 3 to 6 weeks to find a suitable au pair. The exact timeframe depends on your specific requirements and the availability of suitable candidates.

Questions?

Do you have any questions about our services or would you like more information?

Please feel free to contact us.

Babs Au Pair Agency

Telephone: +31 (0)55 534 7232

We look forward to helping you find a reliable and suitable au pair for your family.