ABOUT THIS OPPORTUNITY
If you’re a native Mandarin speaker with an education background, this is a rare opportunity built specifically for someone with your profile.
We are a multicultural Bay Area family seeking a warm, curious governess and early childhood educator to join us long-term as we explore the world with our three children under four. We travel domestically every month and internationally several times a year — every new city and culture becomes part of the curriculum.
For educators looking for something beyond the classroom, private governess work offers 1:1 instruction, full curriculum autonomy, and compensation that typically exceeds classroom salaries. Your teaching skills aren’t a supporting qualification here — they’re the whole job.
We are based in San Francisco and welcome applicants from anywhere in the US. For the right candidate, we are happy to assist with relocation. During extended trips, the position is live-in. When based in the Bay Area, both live-in and live-out arrangements are open for discussion.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
• Design and deliver age-appropriate curricula for children from infant through early elementary ages.
• Adapt learning to real-world contexts — cultures, environments, and travel experiences become part of the lesson.
• Provide attentive, nurturing care that supports independence, emotional development, and secure attachment.
• Coordinate with parents and other caregivers to ensure consistency of routines and communication.
• Manage children’s day-to-day logistics: activity schedules, playdates, nutrition, and supplies.
• Support light family operations during travel: scheduling, errands, and logistics coordination.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
• Native Mandarin speaker with fluent, professional-level English.
• Degree in progress or completed in Early Childhood Education, Education, Child Development, or a related field.
• US citizen or permanent resident (W-2 eligible).
• Available for extended domestic and international travel with the family.
• Demonstrated ability to design and deliver age-appropriate learning activities.
• Valid driver’s license and clean driving record.
• Organized, physically active, and comfortable with technology.
• Discreet and professional; comfortable in a high-expectation household.
• Comfortable around small dogs and light household duties.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
• Any prior experience with children in a professional or caregiving context (tutoring, teaching assistant, camp counseling, babysitting, au pair, etc.).
• CPR-certified or willing to obtain certification.
• Coursework or certification in Montessori, Reggio Emilia, or Early Childhood Education.
• Familiarity with Positive Discipline (Jane Nelsen) or Conscious Discipline (Becky Bailey).
• Prior travel or study abroad experience — comfort navigating new environments is a genuine asset here.
COMPENSATION & BENEFITS
• Competitive compensation commensurate with education and experience — we pay well for the right person.
• All travel expenses covered during family trips.
• Paid vacation and sick leave.
• Long-term stability in a warm, engaged family environment where your work as an educator is genuinely valued.