Au Pair program brings international nannies to families in The Woodlands

THE WOODLANDS, TX -- Several young women from across the globe are working in The Woodlands, providing live-in child care for families as part of a cultural exchange program.

The program, regulated by the U.S. government, is Au Pair in America, and has existed in the U.S. since 1986.

"We have over 5,000 host families in the US.," said Donna Henry, who works as community counselor for The Woodlands and Houston area.

The women are called "au pairs," meaning "on par" or "equal to."

"Unlike a babysitter or domestic worker, an au pair, living in your home, becomes a full-fledged family member, sharing a unique cultural exchange experience that often leads to a life-long relationship with the family," as stated on the Au Pair in America website.

Read more from The Woodlands Villager, a Houston Community Newspaper partner