Private Family in Lafayette, California Seeking a Family Assistant
Position: Full-Time, Live-Out Family Assistant (Childcare + Household Management)
Schedule: Monday–Friday, 35–50 hours per week depending on season, plus one overnight per week
Compensation: $70,000–$85,000 annually, depending on experience
Start Date: March 1–Mid March 2026
Location: Lafayette, CA (family home beginning March 2026)
About the Family
A thoughtful, engaged single-parent household in Lafayette, CA is seeking an exceptional Family Assistant to form a long-term partnership supporting both childcare and household management. This is not a short-term or transitional role; the family is specifically seeking someone who wants to grow with them for the next several years.
Child: One child, One child, age 5 (turning 6 in 2026)
Pet: One dog, Roscoe — a friendly 7.5-year-old Red Heeler (32 lbs)
Household Support: Weekly housekeeper (separate) and a virtual executive assistant
The child will be navigating a major life transition in 2026, including a move and the start of kindergarten. The family is seeking a warm, emotionally attuned caregiver who can provide consistency, structure, and joy during this important developmental stage.
The Role: Family Assistant
This is a hybrid position combining high-quality childcare with proactive household management. The balance of responsibilities shifts seasonally as the school schedule changes.
Seasonal Schedule & Focus
Spring (Mid-March – Early June)
The child is home full days
-
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00am–6:00pm (approximately 45–50 hours/week)
-
Focus: Full-day childcare including activities, outings, meals, rest time, and emotional support
Summer (June – Mid-August)
The child attends day camp until 2–3pm
-
7:30am–8:30am: Camp drop-off
-
9:00am–2:00pm: Household management tasks
-
2:30pm–7:00pm: Camp pickup and afternoon/evening childcare
-
Total: Approximately 35–40 hours/week
School Year (Late August and Beyond)
The child attends kindergarten from 8:00am–4:00pm (parent handles mornings and drop-off)
-
9:00am–3:00pm: Household management (laundry, errands, meal prep, organization)
-
3:00pm–3:30pm: School pickup
-
3:30pm–6:30pm: Afternoon childcare, homework support, activities, and dinner start
-
Total: Approximately 35–40 hours/week
Overnight Requirement
One overnight per week (flexible on which night) is required and included in the annual salary. Overnight responsibilities include:
-
Dinner and bedtime routine with the child
-
Sleeping overnight in the home (guest room provided)
-
Morning routine support or parent handoff upon return
Responsibilities
Childcare
-
School and camp pickup and afternoon care
-
Homework help and educational, developmentally appropriate play
-
Planning and facilitating activities, outings, playdates, and classes
-
Preparing and serving dinner for child
-
Bedtime routine on overnight nights
-
Supporting the child’s emotional development during a major transition year
-
Building a warm, trusting, long-term relationship with the child
Household Management (Primarily During School Hours)
-
Laundry for the household (child and parent)
-
Grocery shopping and household supply restocking
-
Running errands (dry cleaning, pharmacy, returns, post office, packages)
-
Meal prep or starting dinner to support smooth evenings
-
Keeping common areas tidy and organized
-
Light coordination with the weekly housekeeper
Who We’re Looking For
Non-Negotiables
-
3–5+ years of verifiable experience specifically with children ages 5–7
-
Former teacher, early childhood educator, or equivalent background strongly preferred
-
High-energy, playful, and genuinely engaged — comfortable getting on the floor, being silly, and creating
-
Proactive and creative — plans activities and brings ideas without prompting
-
Emotionally attuned — notices changes in mood and helps a child name and process feelings
-
Seeking a long-term role (3+ years), not a temporary or gap-year position
-
Comfortable managing a household independently during school hours
Strong Preferences
-
Experience supporting a child through a major transition (move, new school, family change)
-
Calm, grounded presence with the ability to hold boundaries warmly
-
Driver with a clean record and reliable vehicle
-
Comfortable with dogs
Requirements
-
3–5+ years of verified childcare experience with children ages 5–7
-
Teaching or early childhood education background strongly preferred
-
Valid driver’s license and clean driving record
-
Reliable personal vehicle
-
CPR/First Aid certification (or willingness to obtain prior to start)
-
Legal authorization to work in the United States
-
Ability to pass a drug screen
-
Strong references from prior families
Compensation & Benefits
-
Salary: $70,000–$85,000 annually (commensurate with experience)
-
Hours: 35–50 per week depending on season
-
Overnight: One overnight per week (included in salary)
-
Paid Time Off: One week paid vacation
-
Holidays: Bank holidays paid
-
Mileage: Reimbursed for work-related driving and errands
-
Guaranteed Hours: Year-round pay with no seasonal reduction
Interview Priorities
Candidates will be evaluated on:
-
Verified experience with children ages 5–7 (years and context required)
-
Teaching or early childhood education background
-
Energy level, creativity, and approach to a typical day with a child this age
-
Longevity and commitment to long-term roles
-
Initiative and examples of proactively supporting families
-
Strong, direct references from previous families
Hiring Timeline
-
Candidate Search Begins: Immediately
-
Initial Interviews & Onsite Meetings: Late January – Early February 2026
-
Final Interviews / Offer: Mid-February 2026
-
Target Start Date: March 1–Mid March 2026
Contact & Interview Process
The family is happy to begin with an initial video call for top candidates before moving to in-person meetings. Interviews may take place after hours; if needed, an administrative assistant may conduct an initial screening call.