Experienced, Proactive Nanny Needed FT in Los Gatos

Description

START: November 1st

A family in Los Gatos is seeking a proactive, energetic, and experienced full-time nanny to join their household and become a trusted part of their children's daily lives. The primary focus of this role is hands-on care for their two children who will be 1 and 3 years old in January. They are looking for someone who genuinely enjoys being with children, brings energy and creativity to the day, and takes initiative without needing to be directed. Their household also includes a household manager and a friendly 11-year-old dog, so comfort working alongside other staff and around pets is important.

The typical schedule is Monday through Friday, 7:00am to 5:00pm, averaging approximately 50 hours per week. Both parents work demanding and somewhat variable schedules — one parent works a seasonal schedule from September through late spring that includes evenings and weekends, and the other works a rotating on/off rotation — so flexibility around the typical hours is important. They give as much advance notice as possible and are genuinely mindful of their nanny's time and schedule.

This is a warm, respectful household with a household manager already in place, and a great opportunity for someone looking for a family that values and invests in a long-term relationship with their nanny.

Experience Requirements

• 3 years minimum experience working as a private nanny with excellent verifiable references

Educational Requirements

• Fluency in English
• Background in early childhood education (nice to have)

Qualifications

• Up-to-date MMR, DTaP, Varicella, Tdap, flu, and at least two COVID-19 doses
• CPR Certified
• A valid driver's license, clean driving record, and reliable personal vehicle (family will reimburse for mileage)
• Non-smoker
• Experience caring for children of similar ages, including infants
• A strong understanding of child development and children's emotional needs
• Experience partnering with parents on parenting and educational approaches (a plus)
• A proactive mindset — someone who anticipates what the children and parents need rather than waiting to be told
• Energy, warmth, wit, and a personable, relatable presence; someone who genuinely enjoys being at work
• A parenting style that is warm, understanding, and playful, with no yelling or harsh discipline
• Comfortable around dogs
• Flexibility; schedule that can shift on occasion

Responsibilities

Play & Engagement
● Active, engaging, age-appropriate play: hands-on and involved rather than supervising from the sidelines
● Getting outside with the children regularly; they're an active, athletic family
● Supporting current interests: sports of every kind (hockey, golf, baseball), scooters, playgrounds, reading, painting, music class, and library classes
● Bringing a sense of fun, curiosity, and energy to the day

Enrichment & Development
● Supporting the children's curiosity, learning, and development
● Planning age-appropriate arts, crafts, and activities
● Partnering with parents on educational goals and parenting approach
● Preschool support: their older child will be starting half-day preschool three days per week, including drop-offs, pickups, and transitions

Children & Household Related Tasks
● Meal and snack preparation, feeding, and bottle preparation
● Supporting consistent nap, feeding, and daily routines
● Tidying play areas at the end of playtime
● Preparing bottles and loading finished bottles into the dishwasher
● Keeping food prep and eating areas clean (high chairs, bibs, table)
● Keeping the changing table organized and restocked, refilling diapers, and emptying the diaper pail as needed
● Keeping the diaper bag stocked and ready
● Keeping the children's clothing drawers and rooms tidy
● Occasionally letting the dog out or feeding the dog