ROTA Early-Childhood Educator & Nanny

A private family in Palo Alto is looking for someone rare, a ROTA Nanny and Early-Childhood Educator who brings both the warmth of a devoted caregiver and the intentionality of a trained educator. This is a rotational position, live-in or live-out for candidates who live near the area. Candidates must be based in California, ideally within the Bay Area. Their child is 2 years old, right at the beginning of that magical window when the world becomes endlessly fascinating and every day holds something new to discover.

The family understands that the best caregivers aren't hired, they're found, and they're taking their time to find the right fit. Someone who will become a constant, trusted presence in their child's earliest years, who thinks carefully about how children grow, and who finds genuine joy in the toddler and preschool stage.

If you thrive in a polished, private-home environment, know when to follow a plan and when to follow a child's lead, and find meaning in the quiet work of early childhood, this role was written with you in mind.

What You'll Do

• Create a warm, safe, and developmentally appropriate environment for daily care and play
• Plan and lead age-appropriate activities across language, motor, sensory, music, and social-emotional development
• Support sleep routines, feeding, and healthy daily habits, including potty training when age-appropriate
• Prepare simple, nutritious meals and snacks
• Manage nursery organization, child laundry, supplies, and developmental materials
• Drive or accompany the child to classes, outings, playdates, and appointments
• Maintain clear, professional communication with parents on milestones, routines, and observations
• Partner with the family to uphold a consistent, attachment-centered parenting philosophy

What We're Looking For

• Significant experience with infants, toddlers, and preschool-age children
• Background in early-childhood education, Montessori, RIE, Reggio Emilia, Waldorf, Pikler, or another developmentally grounded approach
• Experience in private households, ideally with high-net-worth families or highly private families
• Strong understanding of play-based learning and preschool readiness
• Excellent judgment, discretion, flexibility, and communication skills
• CPR/First Aid certified with a clean driving record
• College degree, ECE coursework, teaching credential, or comparable training strongly preferred
• Willingness to travel occasionally as needed
• Must be based in California, ideally within the Bay Area
• Fluency in Mandarin or Cantonese is a strong plus, as the family would love to weave a second language naturally into daily life through songs, stories, and play

Schedule: ROTA (7 days on / 7 days off, or 14 days on / 14 days off). Live-in, or live-out for candidates who live near the area.

Compensation: $50-$75/hr based on experience, plus benefits.

Please Note: This is a child-focused position. Responsibilities are centered on the child's care, development, routines, and spaces — not general housekeeping or household management.

To apply, please submit your resume along with a brief introduction sharing your approach to early childhood development.

To Apply:

Please apply at www.mahlermatch.com for consideration; if already on our job board, click Apply Now. Qualified applicants will be contacted.