Are you...
- A curious and creative mentor excited to bridge intellect, heart, and imagination during afterschool programming?
- A compassionate and collaborative educator and role model for students?
- An enthusiastic community member eager to collaborate and build relationships?
- A mentor who loves empowering students through integrity, compassion, and responsibility?
Yes? Then read on!
Ideal candidates possess a background in working with pre-Kindergarten and elementary children, previous experience working with diverse learners, and share the belief that diversity brings perspectives and authentic experiences central to preparing responsible and active global citizens.
We seek someone who enjoys partnering with staff, is passionate, and committed to meeting the needs of students in an afterschool setting. The ideal candidate demonstrates a commitment to advancing our belief that the challenges of our world require culturally competent, well-rounded, critically thinking individuals who are empowered to inquire, investigate, innovate, and impact their communities. We also seek candidates committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion with the belief that a learning environment that is inclusive and more diverse will promote a deeper understanding of varying points of view, and will fuel innovation, creativity, and progressive change.
Who we are:
We are an independent PreK-5 school located in Wallingford's Good Shepherd Center. Meridian inspires children to approach learning with passion and curiosity. Classes are small and our curriculum is challenging. We encourage students to be reflective, and to explore a diversity of thoughts and perspectives. We ask a lot of our students. We ask them to try, to make mistakes, to rebound, to apologize, to move forward with integrity. We ask them to take intellectual risks, and to be thoughtful caring community members. As citizens of the world, we encourage them to make connections between themselves, their local community and the larger global society. We strive for Meridian students to develop into curious, compassionate, responsible young adolescents who begin to understand the power that resides in their hearts and their minds.
We believe the challenges of our world require culturally-competent, well-rounded, critically thinking individuals prepared to be responsible and active global citizens. This is our work as educators in partnership with students and their families. We offer an academic education that balances the intellectual, emotional, and social growth of children. We believe a school community that is inclusive and diverse promotes a child’s sense of belonging. Meridian students learn to understand varying points of view, which over time will fuel innovation, creativity, and positive change for communities near and far.
About Meridian's Extended Day Program:
The Meridian School offers an inclusive, multi-aged Extended Day program, designed to engage the interests of all kinds so that every child finds something enjoyable. The Extended Day program supports Meridian’s school curriculum and community expectations through theme-based special guests and field trips; and by maintaining school-wide behavioral expectations. Meridian’s Extended Day Team is committed to providing a before and after-school environment that is physically and emotionally safe, where children can learn, grow, make friends, explore new interests, and have fun. Meridian's afternoon Extended Day hours are Monday to Friday from 2:30 pm - 5:30 or 6 pm during the school year, with options for additional hours during school breaks and non-school days.
Job Summary:
Both within a team environment and under minimal supervision, create a safe and engaging space for students in the Extended Day program. Uses their unique expertise and experiences to connect with students through positive social interaction, age-appropriate projects and crafts, and play
Specific Responsibilities:
- Oversees the health and safety of Meridian students after school
- Designs and delivers engaging projects, activities, games, and sports for students aged 4-11 years old
- Demonstrates best instructional practices to deliver a high-quality, developmentally appropriate curriculum to students
- In collaboration with classroom faculty, actively creates and maintains a well-managed, positive classroom environment that supports student engagement and motivation
- Develops and maintains positive relationships with students
- Supervises students in a variety of settings, including, but not limited to, the classroom and the School’s playground
- Supports ongoing licensing requirements as stipulated by the Department of Child, Youth, and Family Services (DCFY)
- Has a commitment to ongoing cultural competence professional development, and has the motivation to put these skills into practice
- Understands and supports the school’s mission through professional conduct and actions that demonstrate the core values and philosophy of the organization
- Initiates growth and change in own intellectual and professional development, seeking out feedback and other opportunities to learn
- Communicates to parents and Meridian staff and faculty important student information through phone, email, and in-person conversation
- Provides injury and illness treatment and reporting
- Actively participates in the full life of the school
- Vigorously engages in professional development; demonstrates a commitment to life-long learning by enhancing their skills, and embracing innovative technologies and creative thinking
- Is familiar with and complies with all policies and regulations as put forth in the school’s documents
- Is familiar with and complies with all sign-in/sign-out policies
- Takes all necessary and reasonable precautions to protect students, faculty, staff, equipment, materials, and facilities.
- Performs other duties as assigned
Required Education & Experience:
- High School Diploma or GED equivalent required
- WA State Initial ECE Certificate (12 credits) preferred
- Current certification in Adult, Child, and Infant CPR and First Aid
- Experience working with pre-Kindergarten and/or elementary school-aged children
- Experience working in an independent school environment preferred
Required Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:
- Knowledge of the developmental stages of children aged 4 to 11 years
- Proficient technology skills and the knowledge and ability to integrate technology into the classroom
- A valid WA driver’s license and be willing to drive Meridian vehicles for work-related tasks is preferred
- Excellent organizational, writing, and communication skills
- Enthusiasm, flexibility, maturity, and a sense of humor
- Ability to keep information in the strictest confidence
- Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusivity
- Ability to stand, go up and down stairs frequently, crouch
- Warm and friendly demeanor
- Detail-oriented and organized
- Calm under pressure or difficult situations
- Comfortable asking questions and seeking help
- Ability to think critically and learn new systems
- Ability to work both individually and in groups
- Disciplined and reliable
- Comfortable dealing with bodily fluids, including blood and vomit
- Strong communication skills, both written and verbal with both children and adults
- Flexibility, maturity, and a sense of humor
- Ability to lift up to 20 pounds, interact with students, and move around the classroom
- Ability to work outside in any type of weather
- Ability to travel locally (for field trips)
Summary Compensation and Benefits:
Compensation is competitive with independent schools in the Seattle area. The hourly rate for this position is $24.00 per hour. The Meridian School offers select benefits intended to support and promote the health and well-being of our part-time faculty and staff:
- Paid Time-Off for sick leave, jury/witness duty leave, and bereavement leave
- Employee Assistance Program
- Professional Development
Additional Information
- When Needed:8/24/2026
- Reports to:Director of Auxiliary Programs
- FTE:Part-Time
- Daily Schedule:Monday-Friday 2:30 - 5:30
If this sounds like you, please click on Apply for Job, complete our online employment application, and upload your resume and a cover letter indicating why you are interested in the position and in The Meridian School.
Don't meet every single requirement? At Meridian we are dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace. If you are excited about this role but your past experience does not align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply anyway. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles.
Position open until filled. No phone calls or drop-ins, please.
The Meridian School is an equal-opportunity employer. This means we do not discriminate in employment decisions or policies in violation of law on the basis of any legally protected status, including race, color, national origin, citizenship status, creed, religion, gender, national origin, age (over 40), marital status, physical or mental disability, use of a trained service animal, gender identity, sexual orientation, political ideology, HIV status, and veteran status. Our policy of non-discrimination applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including but not limited to hiring, placement, promotion, termination, reduction in force, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training. We comply with all applicable federal, state, and local laws that prohibit discrimination in employment. This policy applies to admissions and administration of all of its programs, as well as to all areas of employment.
Visit our website at www.meridianschool.edu.
Job Type: Part-time
Pay: $24.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Employee assistance program
Work Location: In person
