About this role
After-School Pre-K Staff (2026–2027 School Year) INTERNAL CANDIDATES ONLY | 8–10 Openings Across District About Salem Public Schools Salem is a small, diverse city with a proud maritime and immigrant history. Salem Public Schools (SPS) leaders are passionate about urban education and committed to improving student achievement. We respect and value the racial, cultural, and linguistic diversity of our students and families. SPS seeks dedicated staff capable of serving all students, regardless of ability or language background. Applicants with experience in urban settings and bilingual proficiency are strongly encouraged to apply. About the Program The Out-of-School Time (OST) Pre-K After-School Program provides a safe, joyful, and engaging environment that supports student success, boosts engagement, and fosters social-emotional learning (SEL). This is a great opportunity for current SPS teachers, support staff, and paraprofessionals to make a positive impact on our youngest learners beyond regular school hours.
• Program Dates: September 10, 2026 – June 13, 2027 (runs on the official SPS calendar; subject to adjustment for snow days).
• Operating Hours: Program operates from school dismissal until 5:00 PM. Note: After-school support is not provided on scheduled half-days.
• Orientation: All staff are expected to participate in the mandatory pre-program orientation meeting (Date TBD).
Program Locations & Times
• Bates Elementary: 2:15 PM – 5:00 PM
• Horace Mann Laboratory School: 2:15 PM – 5:00 PM
• Bentley Academy Innovation School: 2:15 PM – 5:00 PM
• Early Childhood Center: 2:50 PM – 5:00 PM
Key Responsibilities Student Supervision & Engagement
• Cultivate a welcoming, inclusive, and joyful after-school environment.
• Plan and facilitate daily, hands-on, adaptive activities that meet the diverse needs and abilities of all students.
• Build positive relationships with students and effectively manage behavior using proactive, positive strategies.
Program Operations & Scheduling
• Manage daily attendance check-ins and check-outs using the Brightwheel software.
• Collaborate with PreK school day teachers to facilitate smooth transitions from the regular school day into the after-school program.
• Oversee snack distribution, including inventory tracking, pick-up, and bag drop-off.
• Prepare program activities with appropriate modifications for individual student needs.
• Enforce arrival, dismissal, and parent pick-up protocols to ensure students are released only to approved caregivers.
Communication & Collaboration
• Communicate with families at pick-up to share daily highlights, challenges, or behavior updates.
• Directly communicate with families via Brightwheel during program hours, as needed, including reaching out to families in the case of late pick-ups.
• Collaborate with community partners leading specialized enrichment blocks (e.g., physical activities, SEL, expressive arts).
• Staff is expected to actively participate in the facilitation of program activities to ensure safety.
• Work cooperatively with all program staff across schools to ensure successful progeam implementation
• Report program updates and concerns to the Director of Extended Academics & Enrichment Services and school-based administration.
• Staff are responsible for finding their own coverage if they need to call out. The Director of Extended Academics can assist with finding coverage when provided advance notice.
Compensation & Contact
• Pay Rate: Paid hourly rate on a bi-weekly basis.
• Timesheets: Staff must submit bi-weekly timesheets aligned with the SPS payment schedule.
• Questions? Contact Taylor MacDonald at [email protected].
Qualifications & Expectations What You'll Bring
• Commitment to Diversity & Inclusion: Embrace, affirm, and leverage the diverse backgrounds, ethnicities, languages, and perspectives within the SPS community.
• High Expectations: Maintain high standards for student achievement and personal professional growth while providing the scaffolding necessary for students to succeed.
• Relational Approach: Build strong, collaborative relationships with students, families, and colleagues focused on student well-being and success.
• Growth Mindset: Act as a reflective practitioner who learns from feedback, persists through challenges, and engages in continuous professional development.
Job Requirements
• Current Salem Public Schools teacher, paraprofessional, or support staff member.
• Ability to meet DESE Standards and Indicators of Effective Teaching Practice (for DESE-licensed Pre-K staff).
• Experience with classroom management, active supervision, and facilitating outdoor play/enrichment.
• Strong organizational skills to manage activity planning, safe transitions, and check-in/out protocols.
Equal Opportunity Employer Salem Public Schools is committed to maintaining a work and learning environment free from discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, pregnancy, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital/civil union status, ancestry, place of birth, age, citizenship status, veteran status, political affiliation, genetic information, or disability, as defined and required by state and federal laws. Additionally, SPS prohibits retaliation against individuals who oppose discrimination or participate in an equal opportunity investigation.