Kindergarten Specialist — Before/ After School Programs

About the Program Medford Public Schools is investing in the hours after the school day ends. Our Before/After School Programs serve students at four elementary sites with a vision of out-of-school time that goes well beyond supervision: engaging curriculum, dedicated teaching teams, and a learning environment that families can trust. As we grow, we are building a program staffed by educators who take after-school education seriously and we are looking for people who want to help shape what that looks like in Medford. Position Summary The Kindergarten Specialist leads the kindergarten classroom at one of our four sites. Kindergarten is intentionally separated from older grades because five- and six-year-olds need their own space, their own pace, and their own routines. You will design the curriculum, run the room, and lead a small team of assistants all while weaving executive function and social-emotional learning into every part of the day. The Kindergarten Specialist decides what play and activity stations look like, how transitions feel, how the group meeting opens in the afternoon, and how a disagreement becomes a chance to practice naming feelings. It is a job for someone who loves this age and knows how much intentionality it takes to teach it well. Core Responsibilities Design the kindergarten day. Plan developmentally responsive lessons across literacy, STEM, arts, movement, and play-based learning. Embed the invisible curriculum. Build executive function routines (group meetings, clean-up routines, transitions) and SEL practice (making friends, taking turns, resolving conflict) into every activity. Lead a teaching team. Direct kindergarten assistants during program hours, assign them to stations, and set the daily learning goals. Run the room. Design and maintain a kindergarten-specific space with play and activity stations that give students real choice and keep groups small enough for everyone to participate. Meet every learner. Adapt for students with IEPs, 504 plans, English learners, and students who need additional support. Partner across the building. Coordinate with school-day kindergarten teachers and families so that routines and expectations carry across the day. Qualifications You have a bachelor's degree (preferred) in Early Childhood Education, Education, Child Development, or a related field or experience that demonstrates the applicable knowledge. You have planned and led learning for kindergarten or early elementary students, in school or out-of-school-time settings. You are confident leading a small team of adults as well as a room full of five-year-olds. You know what developmentally appropriate practice looks like, and you can talk about play-based learning, executive function, and SEL with specifics. You communicate clearly with students, colleagues, families, and school partners. CPR/First Aid certified (or willingness to obtain) and meet MPS background check requirements. Compensation A salaried, full-time position with a starting salary of $55,000. 186 days per year (follows MPS calendar- 180 school days, 5 days before school year, and 1 day after) Reports to the respective Before/After School Site Director Real ownership of the kindergarten classroom and the team that runs it. Membership in a growing out-of-school time program that the district is actively investing in. Questions can be sent to superintendent@medford.k12.ma.us or before-afterschool@medford.k12.ma.us