K-I Music Classroom Assistant & Afterschool Generalist

Details posted: 20-Jul-26 • Location: Cambridge, Massachusetts • Part-time, school-year position (August–June)

About the Role

The K–I Music Classroom Assistant & Afterschool Generalist supports the Kindergarten and Grade I Music program during the school day and joins the Auxiliary Programs team each afternoon to provide engaging, play-based programming and supervision in Extended Day and Afterschool. This role helps create a joyful, organized, and inclusive learning environment by supporting classroom management and learning systems, maintaining and organizing materials, and working with individuals, small groups, and whole classes under the direction of the Music Teacher. In the afternoons, this educator facilitates play-based activities and provides a safe, welcoming environment for students in Kindergarten Extended Day and Afterschool for students in Beginners through Grade V.

Schedule

This is an in-person, part-time position with a standard 28.5 hours per week. The regular schedule is:

• Monday: 12:45–5:45 pm
• Tuesday: 11:00 AM–5:45 pm
• Wednesday: 11:45 AM–5:45 pm
• Thursday: 11:00 AM–5:45 pm
• Friday: 12:45–5:45 pm

Occasionally, the schedule may vary to accommodate special school events or adjusted school-day schedules. Hourly employees are paid for all hours worked, rounded to the nearest quarter hour. On days exceeding six hours, the schedule includes a 30-minute unpaid lunch break. Lunch is provided daily in the faculty lounge at no cost.

The target start date for this position is August 26, 2026.

Responsibilities

Music Classroom Support (Approximately 40% of the work week)

• Partner with the Kindergarten and Grade I Music Teacher to support six weekly music classes through classroom management, student engagement, and instructional support.
• Meet with the Music Teacher prior to each class to prepare materials, review lesson plans, and support smooth classroom transitions.
• Provide individual, small-group, and/or whole-class support during music instruction.
• Organize and maintain classroom materials, instruments, and learning spaces.
• Participate in weekly planning and coaching meetings with the Music Teacher.
• Utilize a weekly flexible planning block to prepare materials, complete classroom tasks, or provide additional instructional support as needed.
• Foster a joyful, organized, and inclusive learning environment where all students can participate successfully.

Afterschool & Extended Day (Approximately 50% of the work week)

• Take the lead in supervising, planning, and facilitating Afterschool and Kindergarten Extended Day activities, play, and daily routines for Lower School students (Beginners–Grade V).
• Support students during transitions, snack, outdoor play, homework, and choice-based programming.
• Monitor daily attendance and dismissal using SchoolPass.
• Maintain a safe, welcoming, and inclusive environment that encourages creativity, independence, and positive peer relationships.
• Participate in weekly Auxiliary Programs team meetings.
• Meet regularly with the Auxiliary Programs supervisor for coaching, support, and professional growth.

Community Support & School Life (Approximately 10% of the work week)

• Supervise two weekly recess duties, helping ensure safe, joyful, and inclusive outdoor play.
• Escort students to and from classrooms and activity spaces as needed, before/after recess duties and/or class.
• Collaborate with classroom teachers, specialists, and Auxiliary Programs colleagues to support student success across the school day.
• Maintain positive, professional communication with students, colleagues, and families.
• Model and uphold Shady Hill School's values of kindness, curiosity, responsibility, and belonging.
• Take turns as “late stay” for final Afterschool pick-ups, ensuring all students are dismissed safely to their families or authorized caregivers.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Required

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• Interest in education, child development, physical education, or a related field.
• Experience working with children in schools, camps, childcare, or afterschool programs.
• Ability to collaborate and communicate effectively with colleagues, students, and families.
• Comfort supervising outdoor activities in all weather conditions.
• Familiarity with Google Workspace (Docs, Sheets, Drive, Gmail, etc.).
• Ability to lift up to 30 pounds and actively supervise young children.
• Ability to navigate a multi-building campus in all weather conditions.
• Ability to bend, kneel, reach, lift, and stand for extended periods throughout the day.

Preferred

• Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Education, Physical Education, Child Development, Recreation, or a related field.
• Experience supporting elementary Movement, Physical Education, athletics, or recreation programs.
• Experience working with Kindergarten and early elementary-aged students.
• Understanding of developmentally appropriate supervision, positive behavior support, and progressive educational practices.
• Demonstrated commitment to fostering diverse, equitable, inclusive, and identity-affirming learning communities.

Additional Information

• Must attend August orientation and all required safety and compliance trainings.
• Additional paid opportunities may be available through substitute teaching and other Auxiliary Programs assignments.
• This is a one-year position with the potential for renewal.

Pay

The hourly rate for this position will be $22 - $25 per hour, depending on experience.

Benefits

• Prorated health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Paid school holidays.
• Retirement plan contributions.