Hamptons Au Pair Fair Shows Alternative to Day Care

If you are in the market for an au pair for the summer, this is the fair for you.

Au pairs from 13 countries will entertain children with games and crafts, and serve food for parents and children alike, at the Hamptons Au Pair Fair at the Bridgehampton Community House on Saturday from 2 to 5 p.m.

Organized by Sima Freierman, The Hamptons Au Pair group is part of Cultural Care Au Pair, the country’s largest international au pair service. Freierman said there are nearly 30 CCAP families from Southampton to Montauk who are joined by another dozen second-homeowner families in the summer. Families made up of parents who are fishermen, nurses, police officers, teachers, landscapers, and restaurant owners use the service year-round.

"Au pair childcare is a unique alternative to day care or nannies — one that is growing in popularity with American families," she said. "Au pairs are live-in childcare providers, ages 18 to 26 years old, from different countries around the world. They provide 45 hours per week of flexible childcare, household help and cultural experience for less than $8 per hour on a schedule created by their host families, regardless of the number of children in the household."

Freierman helps match families with the au pairs best suited to their needs, and provides ongoing support.

She will be offering storytelling at the event. Prizes and gift certificates have been donated for a raffle to benefit KidsFirst, an international childrens’ organization.