Recess Coach (26-27 School Year) - Brooklyn

About the role

Join us at Kids in the Game to help us change the way kids play! Be part of a team dedicated to providing enriching recess experiences for children, fostering their growth, and promoting a love for physical activity and learning.

What We Are Looking For

We are actively seeking coaches, college students, and youth development specialists to join our dynamic team of recess coaches from September 2026 through June 2027. 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:

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

What You'll Be Doing

Brooklyn Recess Coaches lead group games during the school day in schools across the neighborhoods of Brooklyn. Coaches organize games and challenges that promote physical activity and positive interaction among children and young adults from pre-K to middle school. Your goal is to develop motor skills and physical development among younger children and encourage proper exercise and eating habits among older children. You must be able to adapt your activities to accommodate and include children with different physical and developmental abilities.

• 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
• Partner with school aides and teachers more during this time
• Promote teamwork, sportsmanship, and fair play in all activities

Engagement & Relationship Building

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.

Safety & Supervision

Actively supervise students during all recess periods to ensure safety and positive interactions. Monitor and address conflicts appropriately, promoting problem-solving and respectful communication among students. Maintain safe play spaces by inspecting equipment and play areas regularly. Maintain awareness of emergency procedures and act quickly when needed.

Collaboration & Communication

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.

Professionalism & Representation

Arrive prepared, on time, and ready to actively engage with youth. Lateness and absences will be tracked through our call out policy. Excessive tardiness and absences could result in reduced schedules or more. Be prepared in proper uniform for every day of program. Company shirt or sweater (log visible at all times). Sneakers / Close-Toed walking shoes. No Crocs or sandals. Athletic shorts or sweatpants. Uphold the organization's mission and values both in and out of the program. Demonstrate integrity, reliability, and a strong work ethic.

Compensation

This is a part-time, hourly position. We offer competitive hourly rates in the range of $21-$24 per hour for recess coaches based on prior experience as a general coach and background in school-based or PE instruction.

Requirements

WHAT WE ARE GOING TO LOVE ABOUT YOU
Our ideal candidate would meet some or all of the following qualifications:

• 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
• 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