Trusted Elite Au Pairs for Johannesburg Families
Elite Au Pairs is founded by a former au pair who understands the needs of both families and childcare professionals.
Our selection of thoroughly vetted candidates and guided placement process ensure your family finds the perfect match with absolute confidence and peace of mind.
Au Pair vs Nanny
Choosing the right childcare for your South African home involves understanding the distinct roles available. Whether you seek a cultural exchange or professional household support, here is how to decide between an au pair and a nanny.
Au Pair
- Focus on cultural exchange and personal integration into the family dynamic.
- Typically a live-in arrangement, operating more as a 'big sister' figure.
- Structured program focused on childcare and child-related development.
- Responsibilities limited to light household duties centered on the children.
Nanny
- Traditional paid childcare role focused on professional service delivery.
- Arrangements can be flexible, including both live-in and live-out options.
- Operates under a formal employer-employee relationship with defined metrics.
- Duties often extend to broader household help and general domestic management.
How It Works
1. Register with us
2. Tell us your needs
3. Review pre screened CV's
4. Interview
5. Hire
Our Guarantee
We stand by our placements with professional support. We offer a 6-month guarantee to replace your au pair at no additional cost if the placement does not work out.
Permanent Placements
Classic Package
• 3-month replacement guarantee
• Criminal check
• Standardised agency interviews
• Reference checks
• Childcare competency test
Fee: Equivalent of one month’s agreed salary with a minimum of R4,000
Premium Package
• 6-month guarantee
• Criminal check
• Social media check
• Standardised agency interviews
• Reference checks
• Childcare competency test
Fee: Equivalent of one month’s agreed salary with a minimum of R4,500
Fixed Term Placements
Contract Term
1 month or less
2–3 months
4–6 months
7–11 months
Agency Fee
25% of gross salary for the contract term with a minimum of R2,500
25% of gross salary for the contract term with a minimum of R3,000
20% of gross salary for the contract term with a minimum of R3,500
15% of gross salary for the contract term with a minimum of R4,000
Pay Guidelines
Shift: Mornings only
Hours per Week: 10–15 hours
Salary Range: R6000 – R7000
Shift: Mornings only
Hours per Week: 15–20 hours
Salary Range: R7000 – R8000
Shift: Mornings only
Hours per Week: 20–30 hours
Salary Range: R8000 – R11000
Shift: Afternoons only (peak hours)
Hours per Week: 10–15 hours
Salary Range: R7000 – R8000
Shift: Afternoons only (peak hours)
Hours per Week: 15–20 hours
Salary Range: R8000 – R9000
Shift: Afternoons only (peak hours)
Hours per Week: 20–30 hours
Salary Range: R9000 – R12000
Shift: Full day
Hours per Week: 30–50 hours
Salary Range: R12000 – R18000
Shift: Full day
Hours per Week: 50–60+ hours
Salary Range: R18000 – R20000
These salary ranges are guidelines only. Final pay should reflect your family’s needs, the au pair’s experience and responsibilities, and any additional benefits offered.
Information for Families
Discover our comprehensive support structure and elite placement standards designed to ensure your family finds the perfect au pair match with absolute confidence.
Agency Fees
Our comprehensive fee structure ensures value and transparency throughout the placement process. Choose the package that best supports your household's requirements.
Screening Process
• We screen au pair CVs to find au pairs with well-rounded experience.
• We hold interviews with potential candidates.
• We do reference checks of all potential candidates, talking to all their past employers.
• Our final checks include a criminal background check, with the option to include social media and credit checks.
Engagement Process
To initiate the placement process, a non‑refundable engagement fee of R1,000 is required. This fee secures your search and is deducted from the total placement fee, which is one month’s agreed salary and payable upon successful placement.
The Elite Placement Journey for Johannesburg Families
01. Enquiry
Connect with our Johannesburg team to begin your search. We collect initial details to identify the specific childcare support your household requires.
02. Consultation
We conduct a thorough strategy session to understand your family routine, educational values, and expectations for the perfect caregiver fit.
03. Matching
Review a curated shortlist of thoroughly vetted, highly qualified au pair candidates who align with your specific household requirements.
04. Interviews
Meet your top matches to identify the right chemistry and expertise. We facilitate the communication to ensure a transparent and structured experience.
05. Placement
Following final hiring and successful integration, we provide ongoing follow-up to ensure a lasting and supportive placement for your children.
Why Choose Elite
- Founded by a former au pair who understands both families and childcare professionals.
- Consistent childcare tailored for families in Johannesburg.
- Flexible help that adapts to your professional and personal schedules.
- Cultural enrichment and a global perspective for your children.
- Peace of mind guaranteed through our rigorous, multi-stage vetting process.
- Continuous expert support and guidance to ensure placement success.
Understanding Needs
We start with an in-depth consultation to identify your family's unique dynamics, expectations, and specific childcare requirements.
Values Alignment
We match based on shared philosophies, educational backgrounds, and temperament, creating a harmonious environment for your children.
Au Pair Matching Precision
We facilitate more than just connections. Our agency uses a value-driven approach to ensure every au pair placement is a seamless fit for your family and Johannesburg lifestyle.
Elite Screening
Our vetting process includes multi-stage interviews, thorough background checks, and reference validations to ensure the highest standard of trust.
Schedule Synergy
Whether it's school runs, sports, or cultural activities, we ensure your au pair’s availability fits perfectly with your family’s busy schedule.
"The peace of mind knowing our children are in the hands of a thoroughly vetted professional is invaluable. Elite Au Pairs truly understands the needs of modern families in Sandton."
The Ndlovu Family, Sandton
Trusted by Johannesburg Families
"Our au pair has become an integral extension of our family. The cultural enrichment and flexible help have transformed our daily routine entirely."
Sarah J., Bryanston (Children: 4 & 6)
"Elite Au Pairs made the matching process so guided and transparent. We found the perfect fit for our specific schedule and values with ease."
David L., Rosebank
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the agency costs for families?
Our fees are transparent: a non-refundable engagement fee of R1,000 initiates your search, and a placement fee equivalent to one month’s agreed salary (minimum R4,000) is payable upon a successful hire.
What is the standard contract length?
We offer both short-term placements for fixed periods and long-term permanent contracts. Most families in Johannesburg opt for an annual agreement that aligns with the school calendar.
How many hours per week can an au pair work?
Typically, au pairs work between 20 to 45 hours per week. We help you define a schedule that balances your transport needs, homework supervision, and afternoon activities with the candidate's availability.
What is included in the vetting process?
Safety is non-negotiable. Our vetting includes criminal record checks, driver’s license verification, social media screening, and intensive telephonic reference checks with all former employers.
What happens if a match doesn’t work out?
We offer a replacement guarantee. If a placement does not work out within the first 6 months, Elite Au Pairs will find a suitable replacement at no additional agency cost to your family.
How do you ensure a good cultural fit?
Beyond technical skills, we assess values and temperament. By understanding your family’s parenting style, we shortlist au pairs whose personality and approach complement your household’s unique dynamics.