Regional Queens Recess Sub (26-27 School Year)

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 November 2026 through June 2027.

Position Responsibilities

• Commit to a weekly schedule of recess at assigned schools located in Queens.
• Able to receive day-of communications by text and /or phone call to cover immediate subbing needs and shift coverages.
• Recess coaches can expect advance notice of 1-3 hours for schedule changes between the hours of 7:30am-9:00am.
• Advance notice is always preferable, but when call-outs happen, we will need Regional Subs to be flexible and commit to these immediate schedule changes.
• Demonstrate strong organizational and communication skills to respond quickly to our scheduling team and stay flexible with scheduling changes.
• Travel within two boroughs each day to support different programs and lead sports / fitness activities.
• 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.
• You should expect to see 4-6 recess groups per day broken down into age levels.
• Encourage participation in structured game play areas with different game stations available, promoting physical activity for all students.
• Coaches must be able to set up and lead games in various stations. Adapt games and sports to meet varying age groups and skill levels, plus in different spaces and weather conditions.
• Coaches will be expected to be outside for recess during the fall and winter, even with cold weather. Kids in the Game provides recess jackets for those seasons. Schools will make a call for when recess goes from outside to inside due to weather.
• Coaches must be able to adapt to indoor recess schedules quickly and effectively. You will be expected to partner with school aides and teachers more during this time.
• 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.
• 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.
• Collaborate 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

• Experience coaching or teaching groups of elementary and/or middle school children.
• Possess at least two years of prior coaching or teaching experience in summer camps, recess, PE, or after school.
• Possess strong interpersonal skills to relate to younger children, work with different age groups, and partner with school staff to support children’s physical and emotional needs.
• Be available to work Monday - Friday during recess hours (10am-2pm) to teach lessons and facilitate group games with a variety of students.
• Able to reliably commute to multiple locations across NYC and be flexible with schedule changes.
• To be eligible, you must have up-to-date physical and tuberculosis test documentation.
• Pass Federal and NY State background checks and be willing to complete Department of Education fingerprinting prior to 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.

Our commitment to you

We are committed to creating a diverse, equitable and inclusive work environment for all of our employees. We recruit employees 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.