Join us as an Au Pair in Ithaca, New York, USA!

Hello! We’re a family consisting of myself, Johannes Haushofer, and my son B. I’m 46 years old and was born and grew up in Bavaria, Germany. I now work as a Professor at Cornell University in Ithaca, New York, USA, where I teach and do research in economics. Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with B — for example painting, biking, playing guitar and piano, playing with balls, and reading.

B will be 3 years old in October 2026. He is a very happy and playful boy, and is passionate about trucks, biking, singing, trucks, playing outside, and trucks. He goes to daycare fulltime, from morning until evening, 5 days a week. His mom lives close by, and B spends half of his time with me, and the other half with her. He alternates between houses every 2–3 days, and spends every other weekend with me. You will only be responsible for B when he is staying with me.

B and I live in a lovely house in the little town of Ithaca, about 4 hours by car from New York City. Our neighborhood, and Ithaca as a whole, is very safe and green. Ithaca is located by a big lake, and the area is marked by many gorges, waterfalls, and beautiful forest. It offers wonderful opportunities for hiking, biking, sailing, canoeing, and riding. Ithaca also has a vibrant cultural life, with many concerts and other events, and there are numerous good restaurants.

B and I are looking for an au pair to join us for 12 months beginning in the summer of 2026. Here is what we need, and what we offer in return:

Requirements:

You are kind with children, mature, and independent. You are patient and don’t lose your temper. You communicate proactively and openly; solve problems constructively; and take accountability for mistakes. You enjoy spending time with and getting to know an active, playful toddler. Last and most importantly, you are excited to be a part of our small family!
You are available for 12 months, beginning between June–August, 2026
You are willing to work with a 2–3 year old boy on the following schedule:
- On weekdays, your main task will be to help with B’s morning routine (typically 6.30am–8.30am), and with dinner and evening routine (typically 5.30–8pm). B goes to daycare from around 8.30am–5.30pm, so you are either free during this time, or occasionally can help with his food prep and laundry.
  B stays with me from Wednesday until Friday every other week, and from Monday to Wednesday in the remaining weeks. You are only expected to work on those days; on the other days, you are off.
- In addition, B spends every other weekend with me, from Friday to Monday. On those days, we will often do something as a family: go on excursions, hikes, go swimming, or visit friends for playdates. You will typically be expected to work for some hours each day on those weekends. On the other weekends, you are off.
Occasionally you will be asked to drive with B; it’s therefore important that you have a driver’s license and are comfortable driving.
I speak mainly German with B. He speaks English at daycare, and Spanish with his mom. You are encouraged to speak with B in your own language. If you are a native German speaker, that’s a plus, but not a requirement.
Music plays an important role in our lives; if you play piano, guitar, or another instrument, and/or love to sing, that’s a plus.
We also love to paint and draw. If you have a fondness for art, that’s a plus.
I’m a pilot, and B and I sometimes travel by private airplane. It’s therefore important that you are comfortable being a passenger in a single-engine airplane.
Au Pair agency: We are registered with Cultural Care Au Pair, but are open to other agencies.

What we offer:

Generous weekly stipend
Your own room with TV, and own bathroom
Your own car, both for private and work use. You will be the only user of this car.
Your own bike
Gym access
Your own phone and phone plan
Depending on your qualifications, you will have the opportunity to take classes at Cornell University, which I will support financially. This job is therefore particularly suited for an academically inclined au pair.
You are welcome to use most areas of the house. This includes a grand piano; a simple art space in the basement; a TV room; and a garden with a pond.
2–3 weekdays off every week
Every other weekend off. New York City, Toronto, and Washington DC are great destinations for a weekend trip.
I travel occasionally for work, and during those times, B typically stays with his mom. You will often be free on those days, although on occasion (when his mom is unavailable) you may be asked to take care of B. This will be the exception and will never exceed the allowed hours.
There will be relatively few family vacations that will include you. B and I typically travel to Europe in the summer, around Christmas, and during spring break, but these will be trips with only B and myself. You are free to use this time for your own travel, or to stay in Ithaca and use our house.

We would be thrilled if you were interested in joining us! You can find out more about me on my website and on Wikipedia. We currently have the support of a wonderful full-time nanny; if we proceed further in the interview process, she will be available to tell you more about what it’s like to work with B and me.

If you would like to be considered, I kindly ask you to fill out this form: https://forms.gle/mec7vnPG23jL791J6

We’re excited to hear from you!

B and Johannes