Bedford caregiver nominated for 'Au Pair of the Year' award

BEDFORD, N.Y. - Imagine being six years old and waking up to freshly made, European-style pancakes. Snow falls quietly outside. School is cancelled, and the morning is slow. Your drawing supplies beckon, as does a stack of books, but your trampoline in the backyard seems like a pretty good idea, too.

Whatever you get up to, you know you aren’t going to be lonely—you’ve got your Danish au pair to draw with you, read to you, and even practice some gymnastics by your side. 

It’s this kind of environment that Sille Kristensen has helped cultivate for the child in her care, six-year old Hudson. If it sounds idyllic, that’s because it is. So much so that, only six months into arriving in the United States, Kristensen has been nominated by her host family for the Au Pair of the Year award, a recognition given annually by the International Au Pair Association. 

Kristensen, along with the other nominees for Au Pair of the Year, will be judged by a panel who will review cultural contributions, caregiving skills, and personal growth before selecting a winner. The winner will be announced at the IAPA’s global conference (this year in Alicante, Spain) and receives a certificate, a monetary award, and possibly a travel opportunity.

"I didn't expect the nomination at all," Kristensen said. "It was really nice just to be nominated, and then I became one of the finalists, which was incredible."

Kristensen is originally from a small town about an hour outside of Copenhagen. She arrived in the U.S. in August and was matched through the Cultural Care Au Pair agency with a family in Bedford, New York. Though she had visited America before, this was her first time living and working in the country. 

She says most days, she and Hudson share a simple routine.

"I start in the morning, and we just spend time together—sometimes walking to school, sometimes driving, depending on the weather."

Her day typically starts at 6:45 a.m., ensuring Hudson is ready for school. And sometimes during the day, she has time to socialize with other au pairs in the area. Afternoons consist of school pickup, playdates and activities, and spending time together until Hudson’s parents come home from work. 

Kristensen has formed a close bond with Hudson, and their shared love of outdoor activities has made their time together special. "We jump on the trampoline a lot," she said, laughing. "I used to be a gymnast, so we have a great time playing outside."

Jennifer Yoel, a longtime childcare consultant who works with the Cultural Care Au Pair program, sees Kristensen’s success as a testament to the program’s impact.

"The au pair program is not just about childcare," Yoel explained. "It’s about cultural exchange. The goal is for young people from around the world to experience American life, improve their English, and build relationships."

According to Yoel, the key to a successful placement is strong communication. "Sille’s host family has been great at fostering open dialogue, which makes all the difference. The best placements happen when both the au pair and the family feel valued and respected."

Kristensen echoed that sentiment, crediting her host family with making the experience fulfilling. "To be a good au pair, you have to be in a family where you feel comfortable and have a great bond with them," she said. "It really goes both ways." She has become such an integral part of her host family's household that they now proudly display a Danish flag on their front porch.

The Cultural Care Au Pair program that Sille is a part of offers American families a flexible, affordable childcare solution while fostering cultural understanding. According to Yoel, this program has been embraced by Westchester families where flexibility is often the key. The live-in childcare solution can be customized to the needs of each family and is often more cost-effective than a nanny. Au pairs can be on duty up to 10 hours per day and 45 hours per week.

While her time with her host family limited—she has six months left on her contract—Kristensen has big dreams for the future. "When I go back to Denmark, I’m moving in with one of my closest friends," she shared. "And then I want to work for a bit, save money, and hopefully travel to Africa to do humanitarian work before continuing my education."

For now, she remains focused on making the most of her time in the U.S., continuing to care for Hudson and embracing the experience. "It felt surreal at first, like I was in a movie," she said of her new surroundings. "But now, it just feels natural—like this is where I’m supposed to be."