Kindergarten Specialist — Before​/After School Programs

Starting Date: Immediately

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.

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 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.

• Design the kindergarten day, planning developmentally responsive lessons across literacy, STEM, arts, movement, and play‑based learning.
• Embed the invisible curriculum by building 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, directing kindergarten assistants during program hours, assigning them to stations, and setting 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 by adapting for students with IEPs, 504 plans, English learners, and students who need additional support.
• Partner across the building, coordinating with school‑day kindergarten teachers and families so that routines and expectations carry across the day.

• Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education, Education, Child Development, or a related field (preferred) or equivalent experience.
• Experience planning and leading learning for kindergarten or early elementary students in school or out‑of‑school‑time settings.
• Confidence leading a small team of adults as well as a room full of five‑year‑olds.
• Knowledge of developmentally appropriate practice and ability to discuss play‑based learning, executive function, and SEL with specifics.
• Clear communication with students, colleagues, families, and school partners.
• CPR/First Aid certified (or willingness to obtain) and meeting MPS background check requirements.

A salaried, full‑time position starting at $55,000. The program runs 186 days per year (following the MPS calendar: 180 school days, 5 days before school year, and 1 day after). Reports to the respective Before/After School Site Director. You will have real ownership of the kindergarten classroom and the team that runs it. You will be part of a growing out‑of‑school‑time program that the district is actively investing in.