2025-2026 School Year Recess Coach

About the role

We are actively seeking coaches, college students, and youth development specialists to join our dynamic team of recess coaches from September 2025 through June 2026. As a valued member of Kids in the Game, you will be able to help us follow and model our 5 organizational core values through action:

• Positivity: Create an energetic and uplifting environment where kids feel excited to participate.
• Empathy: Show understanding and support for each child’s unique needs and emotions.
• Commitment: Be dependable and deliver consistent, high-quality programming.
• Ambition: Strive to continuously improve as a coach and inspire youth to set and achieve personal goals.
• Inclusivity: Ensure every child, regardless of ability or background, feels welcomed and valued.

Responsibilities

• Organize and lead structured games, sports, and active play opportunities during recess periods.
• Work effectively with your co-coach(es) on a daily basis to run recess periods of 20-25 minutes for groups of 40-80 children in collaboration with school aides who are present during recess periods.
• Encourage participation in structured game play areas with different game stations available, promoting physical activity for all students.
• Adapt games and sports to meet varying age groups and skill levels, plus in different spaces and weather conditions.
• Promote teamwork, sportsmanship, and fair play in all activities.
• Build positive relationships with students, serving as a supportive and encouraging role model.
• Foster an inclusive environment where all students feel welcome, safe, and valued.
• Use positive reinforcement and proactive behavior management strategies to support social-emotional growth.
• Use positive language at all times when engaging with the students.
• Actively supervise students during all recess periods to ensure safety and positive interactions.
• Maintain safe play spaces by inspecting equipment and play areas regularly.
• Maintain awareness of emergency procedures and act quickly when needed.
• Work closely with school staff to align recess programming with the school’s culture and behavioral expectations plus aligning with Kids in the Game standards.
• Communicate any student concerns, incidents, or equipment needs to site leadership.
• Attend required trainings, team meetings, and performance check-ins.
• Be prepared in proper uniform for every day of program.

Requirements

• Currently pursuing a bachelor’s or advanced educational degree in physical education is highly preferred.
• Possess at least two years of experience leading physical education and fitness classes in school-based settings.
• Must be able to demonstrate positive group management and engagement through a structured interview and demo process.
• Must be able to work within a team environment and independently. You may be asked to lead recess classes on your own or with a co-coach, so you should be adaptable to different class structures.
• Act as a Kids in the Game ambassador and communicate efficiently with the People & Culture and Program Management team to stay informed about program updates.
• Be a positive and influential role model for the children you work with and contribute meaningfully to the school culture while you are at the school.

Qualifications

• Up-to-date physical and tuberculosis test documentation will be required before starting.
• You must pass Federal and NY State background checks and be willing to complete Department of Education fingerprinting before starting.
• CPR, First Aid, and AED certifications are a plus.