Host an au pair in Washington, D.C.

Enjoy flexible, personalized childcare that fits your family’s routine. From helping with meals, laundry, and school drop-offs to sharing their language and culture, au pairs bring care and connection into your home.

Why we’re the best au pair agency in Washington, D.C.

Representing 30+ countries

Cultural Care au pairs hail from over 30 countries around the world such as Central and South America, Europe, Asia, and Africa—bringing diverse perspectives into your home.

Multi-step screening

Cultural Care au pairs undergo a multi-step screening in their home countries. This includes an interview, English assessment, reference check, and criminal background check.

Training and preparation

Before they travel to the USA, Cultural Care au pairs attend 32 hours of instructor-led training, including a CPR and First Aid course provided by the American Heart Association.

Real stories from Washington, D.C. families

Our au pair Nicky has had an incredibly positive impact on our family. 

Nicky listens and learns how to read our daughter Mira’s sounds and signals. She creates a routine for her and schedules different activities—museums, libraries, parks, and more—for each day of the week. Beyond just keeping Mira entertained, Nicky has helped her grow into a happy, secure, and cooperative 2-year-old who enjoys exploring. Mira always knows that Nicky will be there to make sure she is safe and feels loved.”

Jacqueline, host mom in Washington, D.C.

How much does an au pair in Washington, D.C. cost?

Annual program fee1

$11,245

Paid to Cultural Care. Based on a 52 week program.

Minimum weekly au pair stipend2

$195.75

Paid directly to your au pair.

331

Au pairs in District of Columbia

$47,070

Average annual cost of a nanny in District of Columbia3

$21,424

Average annual cost of an au pair in District of Columbia

Finding the perfect au pair in D.C.

Step 1: Create your profile and start your search

Download our app and use the filters to find au pairs whose experience and availability fit your family’s needs.

Step 2: Interview au pairs

Chat with au pair candidates to get to know them better and find someone whose personality and values align with your family's lifestyle.

Step 3: Confirm your match and prepare for arrival

Finalize your match in the app and get ready for your au pair to arrive in Washington, D.C. with the help of our Host Family Preparation team.

Step 4: Welcome your au pair to Washington, D.C.

Extend a D.C. welcome to your new au pair! Enjoy flexible, personalized childcare and an enriching cultural exchange experience.

Support for host families and au pairs in Washington, D.C.

Our local representatives in Washington, D.C.—along with our dedicated Cultural Care office staff—are here to support you every step of the way.

Au pair life in District of Columbia

Kid-friendly activities in District of Columbia

An au pair can take your kids to watch daily tarantula feedings and stroll among live butterflies at the National Museum of Natural History, explore hands-on experiments at the Smithsonian's interactive exhibits, or discover building and architecture at the National Building Museum.

Holidays and traditions in District of Columbia

Host families can share the National Cherry Blossom Festival and Smithsonian Folklife Festival with their au pair, attend the National Christmas Tree lighting ceremony with performances by popular musicians together, or enjoy the Holiday Boat Parade of Lights at The Wharf.

Au pair fun in District of Columbia

Au pairs love exploring world-class museums along the National Mall, experiencing vibrant nightlife in neighborhoods like Adams Morgan and Dupont Circle, and taking evening strolls around illuminated monuments and memorials.

FAQs about hosting an au pair in Washington, D.C.

Any questions? Talk to us directly

1-800-333-6056

1Au pairs pay a smaller program fee to the foreign company that screens them, but no portion of that fee is used to pay for the costs of their international airfare or domestic U.S. transportation. Au pairs may be charged additional fees in the event of special travel requests.

2The U.S. Department of State has determined that au pairs are required to receive from their host families at least $195.75 per week. Host families and au pairs are free to discuss and agree to compensation higher than the required stipend minimum; however, this cannot be in exchange for the au pair exceeding the regulatory limits on working hours (10 hours per day; 45 hours per week) or performing duties beyond childcare-related tasks. The State Department formula is based on the federal minimum wage and applicable room and board credits. Any change in the federal minimum wage or the applicable credits will result in an increase in this minimum stipend amount. Please note, should a family extend beyond the first year, they would be responsible for the stipend for each week of the extension term.

3Child Care Aware of America (CCAoA), 2024 report, Care.com – Average Nanny Salary by State, ZipRecruiter – Nanny Salaries by State, Care.com – Cost of Care Report (2025), Care.com – Local Cost Pages (e.g., DC, Atlanta), U.S. State Department + Au Pair Agencies, BridgeUSA - 2024 new au pair exchange visitors.