Pre-K Classroom Assistant & Afterschool Generalist

About the role

The Pre-K Classroom Assistant / Afterschool Generalist supports the Beginners (Pre-K) program during the school day by partnering with the Beginners teaching team to provide consistent student support and maintenance of daily routines, in a warm and welcoming play-based environment. Each afternoon, this educator joins the Auxiliary Programs team to provide engaging programming and supervision in Beginners Extended Day and Afterschool.

Working closely with the Beginners teachers, the Pre-K Support Teacher supports lunch, rest time, classroom routines, transitions, and learning activities. This position provides flexible support throughout the Beginners program while fostering children's growing independence, curiosity, and social-emotional development.

Responsibilities

Primary responsibilities include:

• Pre-K Classroom Support (approximately 45% of the work week): Partner with the Beginners teaching team to provide classroom support, support daily classroom routines, work with individual students, small groups, and whole classes, prepare and maintain classroom materials, and assist in creating a calm and joyful classroom environment.
• Afterschool & Extended Day (approximately 45% of the work week): Take the lead in supervising, planning, and facilitating Beginners Extended Day and Afterschool activities, plan and facilitate engaging experiences, support students during transitions, and maintain a safe and welcoming environment.
• Community Support & School Life (approximately 10% of the work week): Collaborate with classroom teachers and colleagues, maintain positive communication, model and uphold Shady Hill School's values, and participate in the rotating "Late Stay" schedule.

Requirements

Required qualifications include:

• Previous experience working with young children, preferably in a school, childcare, camp, or group setting.
• Ability to work collaboratively and communicate effectively with colleagues, students, and families.
• Interest in early childhood education, child development, and progressive educational practices.
• Commitment to respecting the needs of each child and honoring the pace of childhood.
• Ability to actively supervise young children indoors and outdoors in all weather conditions.
• Ability to lift up to 30 pounds and actively engage in the physical demands of working with young children.

Preferred qualifications include:

• Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education, Elementary Education, Child Development, or a related field.
• Experience supporting preschool or early childhood classrooms.
• Experience implementing Responsive Classroom or similar child-centered practices.
• Demonstrated commitment to fostering diverse, equitable, inclusive, and identity-affirming learning communities.

Benefits

This position is eligible for benefits including prorated health, dental, and vision insurance, paid school holidays, and retirement plan contributions.

Pay

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

Schedule

This is an in-person, part-time, school-year position (August–June) with a standard schedule of 24 hours per week. The regular schedule is Monday: 1:15–5:45 pm, Tuesday: 1:15–5:45 pm, Wednesday: 11:45 AM–5:45 pm, Thursday: 1:15–5:45 pm, Friday: 1:15–5:45 pm. Occasionally, the schedule may vary to accommodate special school events or adjusted school-day schedules.