FAQ'S

Fill out our Family Application Form and pay the registration fee.
We will look for a girl to match your requirements and send you a profile and photo of her.

We will send your profile directly to the girl so she knows what to expect.
Please note although we have applications from girls we do not always have enough to help all families.

Please accept our apologies if we are unable to find a girl for you.
Contact us for more information and/or obtain the Genki Families contract for families.

If you contact us and are looking for one yourself also please inform us. Please also let us know ASAP if you find your own au pair.

We will do our best to meet your requests however no promise a girl will arrive for the date you request. Some girls can be placed quickly, others may take 1-2 months. Please do not assume we have a girl ready and waiting for you! If you are able to take a girl at short notice please also let us know.

No, the coordinator does the match based on the requirements of the au pair matching your application. You may have some say in the selection in certain circumstances or where there is a specific requirement.

It is not normal to meet the au pair for an interview first but not completely out of the question.

All of our genki girls have a full training session either upon arrival or in the first 2 weeks of their stay. This includes- receiving a welcome pack and discussing family expectations, cultural differences, schedules and we also cover a range of cleaning duties. All girls and boys must attend this. Our training session and manual is both in English and Japanese.

AU PAIR AND DEMI PAIR EXPECTATIONS
All of our genki girls are fully screened,interviewed and met with face to face (where possible) before they are placed with a family. Please understand they may or may not come with childcare experience but all are willing to give it a good go. We do try to place girls who are going to be au pairs with some some childcare experience. A reminder these girls are not professional nannies or cleaners. Please do up a realistic schedule for them and check regularly they are ok with it.

Payment to au pairs can be arranged between the girl and families. Most girls prefer payment weekly cash in hand or deposited in their Bank accounts. An invoice from Genki families for our service will be sent out within 2 weeks of placement and should be paid immediately.

Au pairs and demi pairs are entitled to holidays and public holidays. Girls must give families at least 2 weeks notice of any holidays you intend to do. They are entitled to a public holiday but must check with the family first if they are needed you any part of the day.They must make up these hours during the week. They are also entitled to free time during their schedule. They may wish to do whatever they wish during their free time, spend time in their room, go out,meet friends etc.

We will try to resolve the issue first. This is often due to miscommunication or not receiving a detailed schedule. Please understand our girls are here on a cultural and language exchange. Their level of English may vary so please be patient and treat them with respect. It is normal for girls to take 2-4 weeks to settle into a family home. Both the au pair and the family must allow for at least 2 weeks notice and transition time if the contract is to be dissolved. In emergency situations we will move au pairs immediately.

In our experience, Japanese girls make wonderful au pairs and demi pairs. They are humble, polite and hard workers. They are also naturally very good with children. They are often between the ages of 25-30 years and therefore not that interested in having a full social life rather a cultural experience and to improve their English. This being said, we are currently interviewing girls from South Korea, Taiwan, and other countries.

COMMUNICATION
Communication is the key to a successful placement for both the au pair and family. Girls must communicate with their families before they contact us and speak directly to their host mother or father if they have an issue. Families must check regularly their au pairs are happy.

By using an agency, you can ensure your Au Pairs and Demi pairs are fully screened, and have peace of mind that you will have ongoing support during the placement. Taking away all the time consuming aspects of searching and interviewing  frees up your time to focus on other important things.

All Au Pairs have Medical insurance however reasonable expectation would be that you pay your Au Pair if she is sick for a few days and give her time to recover.

We advise you seek independent advice from your accountant or the ATO on your requirements to withhold tax for your Au Pairs. If your Au Pair works more than 30 hours a week, you will be required to pay Super into a nominated Super account on their behalf.

We are here to help you if there are any concerns. We always recommend open communication with your Au Pair and being upfront about any concerns.

Absolutely. We recommend creating a household manual and schedule and happy to assist you if required. The Manual is a great way of documenting all the routines of your household and ensures everyone is one the same page.

Usually the Au Pair would eat the same food as the family although there may be specific items you buy for her within reason.The au pair or demi pair must provide their own snacks.

All our Au Pairs and Demi pair are sensible girls so we do not recommend setting a curfew. We recommend you suggest to them that they ensure they are back at a reasonable time during the week if they are looking after your children the next day and save the late nights to the weekend.

No, it’s the Au Pairs responsibility to pay for flights, visa and medical insurances and working with children check.

If you are unable to communicate orally we suggest you try to write it down as often Japanese girls can read and write well. If you are having great difficulties contact us for support. Our Au Pair Manager is bilingual.