After School Playgroup Teacher

About Grace

Grace Church School is a JK–12, independent school located on two nearby campuses in downtown New York City. An Episcopal school, welcoming children of all faiths and of none, Grace believes in the inherent, precious dignity of every individual and seeks to provide an outstanding education worthy of our common humanity. Successful candidates will demonstrate a commitment to the Episcopal values of dignity and belonging.

Grace is a school of big ideas, and our structured curriculum promotes academic excellence through a pedagogy of joy: an approach that reflects our belief that joy is the fuel of academic achievement, and that students learn best when motivated by delight, wonder, curiosity, and purpose. We work hard to nurture a culture of dignity and belonging, and we seek to foster in each student skills of intellectual excellence and habits of ethical virtue. Grounded in tradition, the school remains ever open to innovation, looking to the best research on the science of learning and the craft of teaching to advance the timeless values and aspirations of our mission.

About the position

The Playgroup Teacher is a part-time position for the 2026–2027 school year, running from September 14, 2026, through June 14, 2027. The schedule is Monday through Friday from 2:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., with occasional coverage until 5:30 p.m. Candidates must be available to work four to five afternoons per week.

Playgroup Teachers provide a safe, engaging, and nurturing after-school environment for students in JK–6. They supervise students during outdoor play, facilitate games and enrichment activities, support positive peer interactions, and help foster a welcoming community where children feel supported and included. Playgroup Teachers work closely with the Playgroup Supervisors and report to the Co-Directors of the After School Program and the Interim Auxiliary Program Coordinator.

Requirements

• Availability to work four to five afternoons per week throughout the school year.
• Experience working with school-age children in a school, camp, childcare, or recreational setting.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build positive relationships with students, families, and colleagues.
• A warm, patient, and enthusiastic approach to working with children.
• Ability to remain calm, flexible, and responsive in a dynamic after-school environment.
• Strong collaboration and teamwork skills, including a willingness to share responsibilities and communicate effectively with colleagues.
• Ability to supervise groups of children while maintaining a safe, organized, and inclusive environment.
• Demonstrated reliability, punctuality, and professionalism.
• Current First Aid and CPR certification (or willingness to obtain certification) is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Supervise students in the JK–4 playgroup and/or the Fifth and Sixth Commons during after-school hours.
• Maintain a safe, supportive, and inclusive environment that promotes students' physical, social, and emotional well-being.
• Actively supervise outdoor play, ensuring students' safety while facilitating age-appropriate games and activities.
• Plan and lead engaging indoor activities, including arts and crafts, games, and collaborative play.
• Encourage positive peer interactions and support students in developing problem-solving and conflict-resolution skills.
• Build warm, consistent relationships with students to foster a strong sense of belonging and community.
• Communicate professionally and respectfully with families, faculty, and administrators.
• Collaborate closely with the Interim Auxiliary Program Coordinator, the Co-Directors of the After School Program, and fellow Playgroup Teachers to ensure smooth daily operations.
• Monitor student attendance and follow established dismissal procedures to ensure students are released safely to authorized caregivers.
• Maintain accurate attendance records and promptly communicate any student concerns, injuries, or behavioral incidents to program leadership.
• Follow all school policies and procedures related to student supervision, safety, emergency preparedness, and child protection.
• Assist with setting up and cleaning up materials and play spaces before and after playgroup.
• Participate in staff meetings and training sessions as requested.

Compensation

This is a part-time, non-exempt position with an hourly rate of $25.00. This position runs mid-September through mid-June.

Grace Church School is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We believe that equity and inclusion are not only hallmarks of a just society, but also virtues essential to sound learning. Our commitment to our mission calls on all faculty members to promote a culture of dignity and belonging for everyone at Grace. We encourage applications from candidates with broad and diverse backgrounds and from individuals of all races, nationalities, identities, and religious and non-religious traditions and beliefs.

To apply, submit a cover letter and resume through our school website.