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Coach Across America

Coach Across America Coach

New Orleans, LA · On-site

$15.75 - $20.75/hr

Create an engaging, safe, and healthy play space for youth to thrive * Coach Across America requirements and benefits Coaches are required to: * Attend and complete all Sports-Based Youth Development ...

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How much do play coach jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for play coach in the United States is $19.70, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.87 and $20.67 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How does a Play Coach typically collaborate with teachers and support staff in an educational setting?

Play Coaches often work closely with teachers, teaching assistants, and support staff to create a positive, inclusive playground environment. They may coordinate with educators to reinforce social and emotional learning goals during recess, share observations about student behavior, and help develop strategies for conflict resolution. Regular communication ensures that play-based interventions align with classroom objectives, fostering consistency for students. This collaborative approach helps address individual needs and promotes a safe, engaging space for all children.

What is the difference between Play Coach vs Play Therapist?

AspectPlay CoachPlay Therapist
CredentialsTypically requires training in play coaching or child development, but not necessarily a formal therapy qualificationRequires a recognized qualification in play therapy or counseling, often a master's degree
Work EnvironmentWorks in schools, community centers, or sports clubs focusing on play-based activitiesWorks in clinics, private practices, or hospitals providing therapeutic interventions
Employer & Industry UsageUsed by educational and recreational organizations to support children's developmentUsed by mental health organizations, clinics, and private practices for mental health support

While both Play Coaches and Play Therapists work with children through play, Play Coaches focus on developmental and recreational activities without providing clinical therapy. Play Therapists are trained mental health professionals who use play as a therapeutic tool to address emotional and psychological issues.

What are Play Coaches?

Play Coaches are professionals who facilitate and guide play-based activities for children, typically in educational, recreational, or therapeutic settings. Their main role is to encourage creativity, social interaction, and physical activity through structured and unstructured play. Play Coaches often work in schools, sports clubs, community centers, or private organizations, helping children develop important life skills such as teamwork, problem-solving, and communication. They design engaging activities tailored to different age groups and abilities, ensuring a safe and supportive environment for all participants.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Play Coach, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Play Coach, you need a background in child development, physical education, or a related field, often supported by experience in coaching or youth work. Familiarity with activity planning tools, risk assessment protocols, and sometimes first aid certification is typically required. Strong communication, creativity, and the ability to motivate and engage children are crucial soft skills. These skills ensure safe, enjoyable, and educational play experiences that support children's social, physical, and emotional development.
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What job categories do people searching Play Coach jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Play Coach jobs are:
Play Coach jobs near you
Infographic showing various Play Coach job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 68% Full Time, 29% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $40,970 per year, or $19.7 per hour.

Coach Across America Coach

Coach Across America

New Orleans, LA • On-site

$15.75 - $20.75/hr

Other

Posted 22 days ago

Job description

Salary:

About Coach Across America

Coach Across America is a national service organization that recruits, trains, and supports coaches to transform youth, programs, and communities. Coach Across America, an AmeriCorps program, helps youth across the country succeed by harnessing the power of sport to improve their mental and physical well-being. Diverse cohorts of Coach Across America AmeriCorps members provide sports-based mentorship to youth in schools and community-based organizations to ensure youth are equipped with the skills to achieve their full potential on and off the playing field.


What you will do

As a Coach Across America AmeriCorps member, you will coach teams and/or P.E. classes for elementary to high school age youth. You will be trained on how to become a Sports-Based Youth Development coach to positively impact youth mental and physical well-being. You will monitor youth progress and work with program and school staff on sport practice planning, recess facilitation, PE class instruction, and small group spaces. Coaches are placed across the city of New Orleans in schools and after-school programs.


Role and responsibilities


Experience is not required, but it is preferred that you have some experience working with youth, sports, or both. We provide ongoing training opportunities to support you during your service. Also, program and school staff will guide you every step of the way. Below are some specific tasks you may be asked to do:


  • Assist the PE teacher in class lessons
  • Facilitate a structured recess
  • Head coach or assistant coach a sports team
  • Work with identified students one-on-one and in small groups
  • Develop sports skills at the student level, physically displaying and encouraging sports activities
  • Implement a behavior management system for students
  • Develop social-emotional skills throughout their day, using evidence-based strategies learned during Coach Across America training
  • Collaborate with program or school staff and team members to collect surveys and roster information
  • Create an engaging, safe, and healthy play space for youth to thrive

Coach Across America requirements and benefits

Coaches are required to:

  • Attend and complete all Sports-Based Youth Development Training provided (dates are provided during the interview process)
  • Collect surveys and rosters on youth groups
  • Complete bi-weekly timesheets

Coaches receive:

  • 30+ hours of SBYD Training
  • Career Readiness Opportunities
  • Health Insurance* (Full Time positions only)
  • Bi-weekly living stipend
  • Coach Across America/AmeriCorps Uniform

AmeriCorps and other federally issued benefits You will be eligible for:

  • Segal AmeriCorps Education Award
  • Loan forbearance and interest accrual payments for qualified student loans
  • Time accrual toward the U.S. Department of Educations Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (see Reduction of Education Costs)
  • Income-based Loan Repayment Plan (IBR)


Eligibility & Qualifications

  • AmeriCorps is open to U.S. citizens, nationals, or lawful permanent residents.
  • Must be at least 18 years old.
  • Must have, or be working towards, a high School diploma, GED, or equivalent.
  • Must have access to reliable transportation.
  • Successful completion of criminal history background checks.
  • Ability to perform all job requirements satisfactorily.
  • Other requirements as required.