au pair
 

Does anyone know the going rate for a nanny or au pair in the States? I'm thinking of hiring one from England and thought it might be cheaper to do it direct rather than use one of the agencies.

Re: au pair
 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Au_pair

Read the section on the US. There are many many rules which is why many people like to use agencies (and have the payroll processing shipped off to them).

Au Pairs are a hit or miss thing. Many of them come to the US seeking to 'party' and run into a littany of problems with the family. Others are very dedicated and work out great. It's a real bear.

We have a full-time live-in nanny who is about 56. She used to be a school teacher (in China) and she has been excellant (though she doesn't speak English) and yes, she does have a GCard. Full-time costs a bit more though. I think we are over $2,500 a month or something like that plus we give her a room and meals and the such.