Job Description
Position: GOVERNESS / HEAD ROTA NANNY (RIE™ Focused) Location: San Francisco, CA (Local or Relocating) A private San Francisco family is seeking a sophisticated, emotionally grounded Head Nanny to lead an established childcare team and provide exceptional, philosophy-driven care for two school-aged children. Schedule (5-2-2-5 Rotation) Shifts: 12-hour days (7:00 AM – 7:00 PM / 7:30 AM – 7:30 PM). Rotation: Week 1: 5 days on, 2 off | Week 2: 2 days on, 5 off. Overnights: Occasional support required (no 24-hour shifts). Weekends: Primarily sole charge. The family is deeply committed to the RIE (Resources for Infant Educarers) philosophy and respectful parenting practices. This is a senior-level leadership role for a professional who views "educaring" as a lifelong practice—applying the principles of respect, trust, and authentic observation to the lives of school-aged children. The Children & Philosophy The family includes two bright, neurodiverse children (ages 4 and 8). The household environment is built on the belief that children are competent, unique individuals. The ideal candidate will embody RIE principles by: Practicing Authentic Observation: Stepping back to understand the children’s needs and developmental stages before intervening. Respectful Communication: Speaking directly and honestly, involving the children in their own care and daily transitions. Supporting Self-Regulation: Allowing space for children to experience and process their emotions without rushing to "fix" or distract. Encouraging Autonomy: Supporting child-led play and problem-solving, particularly within their neurodivergent profiles. Responsibilities Leadership & Team Mentorship Philosophy Lead: Act as the "anchor" for RIE/Respectful Parenting practices within the household, ensuring consistency across the nanny team. Team Oversight: Supervise and mentor two additional nannies; facilitate clear communication and professional growth. Administrative Systems: Maintain organizational checklists, therapy coordination, and team schedules to ensure a predictable environment. Direct Care & Educaring Intentional Interaction: Provide sole charge care rooted in presence and respect. Transition Support: Facilitate smooth transitions (school, activities, travel) through honest preparation and unhurried pacing. Activity Design: Plan developmentally appropriate, open-ended activities that foster creativity and self-directed discovery. Household & Logistics Child-Related Management: Oversee toy/book rotations (curating high-quality, intentional materials), wardrobe organization, and travel preparation. Logistics: Manage carpool coordination and social calendars. Meal Support: Weekend child-related meal prep (focusing on healthy, mindful eating habits); weekday meals provided by a chef. The Ideal Candidate RIE Practitioner: Deeply familiar with the teachings of Magda Gerber. You understand that "respect" is not just a word, but a daily practice of seeing the child as an equal participant in their life. Emotionally Intelligent: You possess a high level of self-awareness and remain "the calm in the storm" during challenging moments. Neurodiversity-Informed: You have experience supporting neurodivergent children and can adapt respectful parenting tools to meet their specific sensory and cognitive needs. Executive Mindset: You are highly organized, proactive, and capable of managing the complex moving parts of a high-net-worth household. Requirements Experience: Previous Head Nanny or Household Lead experience in a multi-staff home. Education: Strong preference for candidates with RIE Foundations training or a background in Early Childhood Education/Development. Leadership: Proven ability to manage and inspire other caregivers. Skills: Valid driver’s license, reliable vehicle, and strong administrative proficiency. Attributes: Professional discretion, a long-term mindset, and a genuine passion for respectful caregiving.