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Play Coach Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Although it's not an employment prerequisite, many of our employees still play, coach, and parent hockey players. We do more than just build great hockey products; we use them ourselves. When we're ...

Manufacturing Engineer

Acton, MA ยท On-site

$60K - $90K/yr

Although it's not an employment prerequisite, many of our employees still play, coach, and parent hockey players. We do more than just build great hockey products; we use them ourselves. When we're ...

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Play Coach information

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$10

$19

$30

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.
More about Play Coach jobs
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.

Boy's Soccer Coach - Grades 4-8

The International School of San Francisco

San Francisco, CA โ€ข On-site

$2K - $4K/yr

Other

Posted 17 days ago


Job description

The International School of San Francisco

(2-3 weekday afternoon practices; plus games on weekday afternoons, evenings and/or weekends)

Season starts Sept 8, 2026 - Mid November 2026

The International School of San Francisco is seeking positive, passionate and knowledgeable coaches. The Athletic Department operates within a K-12 independent school setting, working with over 600 students enrolled in grades 5-8th. In keeping with the Mission of the School, the Jaguar Athletic experience is a journey, which will be a source of growth, pride and enthusiasm for all members of our community. From the novice to the college-bound athlete, student-athletes have the opportunity to participate in competitive team and individual sports, developing healthy practices of mind, body and character for themselves, their teams and their school. Our international community brings together people from many backgrounds. Together we strive to create a shared culture that develops compassionate, confident and principled people who will make the world better. We base our community on these values: Respect, Integrity, Inclusion, Collaboration, and Curiosity.

Job Duties and Expectations

All head coaches and assistant coaches report directly to the Athletic Director and have the primary responsibility for administering all levels of their sport. The successful candidate will be required to follow the procedures of the high schoolโ€™s athletic program, as well as those of the International and California Interscholastic Federation.

Communication

Coaches will provide clear communication for student-athletes and families regarding expectations and philosophy. In the case where a conflict arises coaches will be available to help seek resolution at the appropriate time which will not take place immediately before or after a contest.

Player Development

Coaches will assist in the total development of all student-athletes by using positive methods to create an ideal learning environment therefore helping them through their life journey, not just their athletic journey. Coaches will create and implement a meaningful practice structure to enhance instruction, development, and effective use of time for all members of the team within the program.

Player Evaluation

Coaches will use a holistic approach when evaluating a student-athlete using qualities such as skill, character, integrity, leadership, coach ability, and a love for the sport. Skill alone will not supersede the Core Principles of the Jaguar family. Coaches will select student-athletes that best represent our Schoolโ€™s Mission without regard to ability or status. Coaches will incorporate a student-driven, mid and post-season review that will be shared with the student-athletes.

Team Leadership

Coaches will foster an environment that will develop positive leadership qualities both on and off the field of play. Coaches will select Team Captains and Student-Athlete Advisory Committeeย 

(SAAC) members based on character and leadership ability rather than athletic performance or status. Adhere to Chain of Command. Coaches understand that coaching at our School is a privilege and not a right. They will uphold the Mission of the school and conduct themselves accordingly.

Qualificationsย 

  • Experience coaching at the middle school, high school, college or club level.
  • Should have experience working, playing or coaching in a value-based athletic program.
  • Must be reliable, prompt and dependableย .
  • Must be able to have transportation.
  • Ability to pass a full background check.
  • Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Applicants should include a letter of interest, current resume, and three references.ย 

Salary Range for this position is $2,000 - $4,500 depending on experience and team level.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY POLICY

The International School of San Francisco is committed to providing an open, fair, inclusive, non-discriminatory environment for all individuals across differences of race, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, socio-economic status, ethnicity, age, physical ability, or medical condition. We seek to increase the presence, representation and inclusion of U.S. historically under-represented people of color, international, bilingual and bicultural students, faculty and staff; and, to provide an environment that will attract and retain individuals identified as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, questioning and intersex (LGBTQQI).

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