Recess Coach (26-27 School Year) - Queens

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

• Lead group games during the school day in schools across Queens, New York.
• 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.
• Promote safety and supervision by actively supervising 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.
• Collaborate closely with school staff to align recess programming with the school's culture and behavioral expectations.
• Communicate any student concerns, incidents, or equipment needs to site leadership.
• Attend required training, 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.
• Must be able to adapt 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.
• 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.

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.
• Ability to walk to and from nearby program locations or parks, sometimes several blocks, while supervising children.
• Ability to bend, kneel, crouch, and reach to engage with children at their level, assist with activities, or provide support as needed.
• Ability to climb stairs in school buildings or community facilities.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 25–40 pounds, including sports equipment, activity supplies, or personal belongings (weight may vary by role).
• Ability to participate in active games and movement-based activities, including running, jumping, throwing, and demonstrating basic sports skills.
• Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions, including heat, cold, or light rain, depending on program needs.
• Ability to 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 or PE instruction.

Our Commitment to You

We are a youthful, passionate, committed team of individuals who care about our youth and city. We are committed to developing innovative, creative programs that promote creative play and sports skill development. We work hard and push each other personally and professionally to keep growing. We offer you the freedom to reach new parts of NY while working in diverse communities. We are an active team and regularly participate in company social leagues, team-building activities, and sporting events.