Recess Coach (26-27 School Year) - New Jersey

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.

What You'll Be Doing

• Recess Coaches lead group games during the school day in schools across New Jersey.
• 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 indoor recess schedules.
• 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.
• Safety & Supervision: 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.
• 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.

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

Physical Requirements & Active Coaching Expectations

• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods of time, including during outdoor activities, playground supervision, gym classes, or park-based programming.
• Walk to and from nearby program locations or parks, sometimes several blocks, while supervising children.
• Bend, kneel, crouch, and reach to engage with children at their level, assist with activities, or provide support as needed.
• Climb stairs in school buildings or community facilities.
• Lift and carry up to 25-40 pounds, including sports equipment, activity supplies, or personal belongings (weight may vary by role).
• Participate in active games and movement-based activities, including running, jumping, throwing, and demonstrating basic sports skills.
• Work outdoors in varying weather conditions, including heat, cold, or light rain, depending on program needs.
• Maintain visual and auditory awareness to supervise children effectively and ensure safety in active environments.

Compensation

This is a part-time, hourly position. We offer competitive hourly rates in the range of $21-$23 per hour for recess coaches based on prior experience as a general coach and background in school-based sports or physical activity.

Our Commitment to You

We are committed to creating a diverse, equitable, and inclusive work environment for all of our interns and employees. We recruit candidates from across the city, state, and country, from all cultural and socio-economic backgrounds. We have developed partnerships with organizations that allow us to target our hiring practices to include chronically discriminated against or low-income groups, and improve their access to high-quality employment opportunities.