Recess Coach (26-27 School Year)

Summary

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:

• 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.

Recess Coaches lead group games during the school day in schools across New York City. 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. 

• Weekly Schedule: Our Recess coaches are expected to work 10-15 hours per week in different schools throughout the week. Most recess programs operate 3-5 days per week for 2-3 hours per day anywhere between 9am-2pm.

Qualifications

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.

What Are You Going to Love About Us

• 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 NYC while working in diverse communities.
• We are an active team and regularly participate in company social leagues, team-building activities, and sporting events.

Physical Requirements & Active Coaching Expectations

At Kids in the Game, our coaches are active, engaged, and present with kids—on the playground, in the gym, and out in the community. The physical requirements below reflect the essential functions of our coaching roles and the dynamic environments in which our programs take place. We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations to support individuals with disabilities in performing these essential functions.

Physical activity levels may vary by coaching placement (recess, PE, after school, or summer camp), but all roles involve active supervision, movement, and hands-on engagement with children.

Active supervision & physical requirements include:

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

Duties

• Organize and lead structured games, sports, and active play opportunities during recess periods.
  • Recess Style games: switch, four corners, fireball, wizardball, soccer, basketball, etc
• 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.

• 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.

• 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.