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Before they arrive:

You might want to consider sending your future au pair several things:

Keep in contact through email and phone up to her arrival, send her new pictures of the kids and keep her up-to-date about what's going on.  This really helps her connect easier when she arrives.

When they arrive:

Arrive at the airport on time.  You might even check the flights to see if she is getting in early, we've had that happen pretty frequently lately.

Take a sign that the kids decorated.  Many au pairs say they've saved this and taken it back home.  

At home you might want to consider a welcome basket and balloons.  

Some of the things I've put in the welcome basket:

Other helpful hints:

Au Pairs are generally very tired when reaching your house.  They've had a very long week in classes, generally with very little sleep.  They've taken several flights and may still be jet lagged from the beginning of the week.  Usually I'm told all they want to do is unpack, get settled, rest and get to know the family.  A dinner out or a quiet evening at home are good ideas for the first day or two.  Remember you can't leave them alone for the weekend according to the State Department, but you can let them rest, help them tour the house, meet the family, and drive them around the town a bit.

Don't be upset if the first things they want to do is contact family and friends.  Their accessibility to email and phones in New York is limited and their families want to know they have arrived and settled in safely.

I'll be calling within 48 hours to introduce myself and touch base that everything is going ok.  During this call we will also schedule my visit for the next week.