Understanding Childcare Roles: The Difference Between Au Pairs, Bro Pairs, Governesses, Tutors, Homeschool Teachers, and Nannies
Choosing the right childcare provider for your family — or selecting the right career path in childcare — can be overwhelming. With so many roles available, understanding the differences between au pairs, bro pairs, tutors, teachers, governesses, and nannies is essential.
This guide breaks down each role, their responsibilities, and who they are best suited for.
Quick Comparison Table: Childcare Roles
| Role | Main Duties | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Au Pair | Childcare, school runs, homework help, appointments | Families needing flexible, affordable care |
| Bro Pair | Same as au pairs, often a male caregiver | Families with boys or active children |
| Governess | Childcare and structured education | Families needing academic and childcare support |
| Tutor | Academic support only | Families focused on education |
| Nanny | Prepares meals, cleans, does laundry, irons, and assists with bathing | Families needing an organised home |
Childcare Roles & Age Ranges
| Role | Age Range |
|---|---|
| Au Pair | 18–30 years old |
| Bro Pair | 18–30 years old |
| Governess | 21+ years old |
| Tutor | 20+ years old |
| Nanny | 18+ years old |
Understanding The Different Childcare Roles
Au Pair
✅ Definition: An au pair is a young adult, typically aged 18 to 30, who provides childcare services as part of a cultural exchange program. They may live with the host family (live-in) or reside separately (live-out), offering flexible childcare support.
Typical Duties:
✔ Supervising and engaging in playtime with children
✔ Assisting with school pick-ups and drop-offs
✔ Helping with homework and educational activities
✔ Preparing simple meals and snacks for children
✔ Performing light housekeeping tasks related to childcare (e.g., tidying play areas)
✔ Driving children to appointments and extracurricular activities
📌 Note: While au pairs often live with the family, some may choose to live independently and commute to the family’s home for work.
Bro Pair
✅ Definition: A bro pair is a male au pair, typically aged 18 to 30, who provides the same childcare support as female au pairs. This role is particularly popular among families with boys or highly active children.
Typical Duties:
✔ Engaging children in sports and physical activities
✔ Assisting with homework and school transportation
✔ Serving as a positive male role model
✔ Supporting daily routines and activities
📌 Note: The term “bro pair” emphasises the male gender of the caregiver but does not imply different responsibilities from those of female au pairs.
Governess
✅ Definition: A governess is a professional educator, typically aged 21 or older, who provides structured learning alongside childcare. They often have teaching qualifications and focus on the educational development of children.
Typical Duties:
✔ Providing structured educational lessons
✔ Assisting with homework and exam preparation
✔ Planning and implementing educational activities
✔ Supporting social and emotional development
✔ Collaborating with parents on educational goals
📌 Note: Governesses often live with the family to offer continuous support for child development.
Tutor
✅ Definition: A tutor is an individual, typically aged 20 or older, who provides academic support in specific subject areas. Tutors focus solely on educational assistance and do not handle general childcare tasks.
Typical Duties:
✔ Assisting with homework and assignments
✔ Creating personalised lesson plans
✔ Preparing students for tests and exams
✔ Teaching study techniques and strategies
✔ They do not fetch children from school
✔ They often arrive at the family’s home ready to work
📌 Note: Tutors usually work part-time and do not engage in non-academic childcare duties.
Homeschool Teacher
✅ Definition: A homeschool teacher is a qualified educator who is responsible for delivering the full academic curriculum to a child (or small group of children) outside of a traditional school environment. They typically work full-time, are 25 years old+, and follow a structured syllabus. They are often responsible for meeting educational outcomes set by the parents or a governing body.
Typical Duties:
✔️ Teaching multiple subjects across a structured timetable
✔️ Preparing and delivering formal lessons
✔️ Creating learning plans and tracking academic progress
✔️ Setting and marking tests, assessments, and reports
✔️ Ensuring alignment with education standards or homeschooling regulations
✔️ Supporting both academic and emotional development
✔️ Maintaining communication with parents on goals and performance
📌 Note: Homeschool teachers often work in the family’s home and may collaborate closely with tutors or therapists depending on the child’s needs.
Nanny
✅ Definition: A nanny is a professional caregiver, typically aged 18 or older, who provides full-time childcare and assists with household tasks. Nannies can be live-in or live-out, depending on the family’s needs.
Typical Duties:
✔ Providing full-time supervision and daily care
✔ Preparing meals and snacks for children and/or the family
✔ Assisting with bathing, dressing, and bedtime routines
✔ Managing household tasks related to childcare, such as cleaning and laundry
✔ Ensuring the home is neatly organised
✔ They do not assist children with homework
📌 Note: Nannies often become integral members of the family, offering consistent and reliable care.
Pros & Cons of Each Childcare Role
| Role | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Au Pair | ✔ Affordable childcare option ✔ Cultural exchange experience ✔ Flexible schedule |
❌ Limited experience compared to a Governess ❌ Requires adjustment period |
| Bro Pair | ✔ Great for active, sporty children ✔ Positive male role model |
❌ Less available compared to female au pairs ❌ Harder to find placements |
| Governess/ Homeschool Teacher |
✔ Combines childcare with education ✔ Helps with structured learning |
❌ More expensive than an au pair ❌ Typically requires teaching qualifications |
| Tutor | ✔ Academic-focused support ✔ Helps children excel in school |
❌ No general childcare responsibilities ❌ Usually part-time work |
| Nanny | ✔ Full-time, stable care ✔ Helps with household tasks |
❌ Doesn’t fetch children from school or run errands ❌ Does not provide structured educational support |
Which Childcare Role is Best for You?
For Families:
Choosing the right childcare provider depends on your family’s needs. Here’s a quick guide:
✔ Au Pairs/Bro Pairs
Best for flexible, affordable childcare with cultural exchange benefits. Ideal for busy families needing childcare help.
✔ Governesses
Perfect for families wanting structured educational support combined with childcare.
✔ Tutors
Best for children needing 1-to-1 extra academic assistance, without additional childcare responsibilities.
✔ Nannies
Ideal for families requiring full-time childcare, daily supervision, and household support.
For Childcare Providers:
If you’re considering a career in childcare, selecting the right role is crucial:
✔ Au Pairs/Bro Pairs
A great option for young adults looking to expand their knowledge and skillset while providing childcare.
✔ Governesses/ Homeschool Teacher
Best suited for individuals with teaching qualifications who want to combine education with childcare.
✔ Tutors
Ideal for those passionate about education and looking to work one-on-one with students.
✔ Nannies
Perfect for those who enjoy working with children full-time and assisting with household duties.
Found a childcare role you like?
Do you see a childcare role that interests you but aren’t sure which course will help you succeed? At The Au Pair Club, we guide childcare professionals toward the right training to boost their skills, confidence, and job opportunities.
Check out the table below to find the best courses for your role! 👇
| Childcare Role | Recommended Courses |
|---|---|
| Au Pair / Bro Pair | Au Pair Training Course + Emergency Response Course (Best to start with these!) 🔥 OR take all courses to become a top candidate! 💡 |
| Tutor | Tutoring Course (Master academic support & study techniques!) 📚 |
| Nanny | Toddler & Baby Course + Emergency Response + Cooking & Kitchen Safety (For well-rounded care!) 👶🥘🚑 |
| Governess/ Teacher | Homeschooling Course + Tutoring Course (Teach & guide children academically!) |
💡 Want to stand out? Au Pairs, Nannies, and Governesses can combine courses to boost their skills and income! 🚀
Why Choose The Au Pair Club?
At The Au Pair Club, we connect families with trusted childcare providers, making it easier for parents and caregivers to find the right match. Whether you’re looking for an au pair, nanny, tutor, babysitter, governess, or bro pair, we provide the tools and support to help you succeed. 🏆
✅ Comprehensive Training Courses – Develop essential skills for all childcare roles, from au pairs to governesses and tutors.
✅ Direct Job Portal Access – Connect with families worldwide, apply for jobs, and communicate directly with potential employers.
✅ 24/7 Support & Guidance – From training to placement, our global team are here to support both families and caregivers every step of the way.
👉 Explore Our Courses | Find a Childcare Job | Create a Family Profile
