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Playground Instructor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The Playground: A dedicated turf-and-rig area equipped with kettlebells, TRX, battle ropes, sleds ... The Ideal HIITZone Instructor We're looking for a "Coach" in the truest sense of the word-someone ...

Summer Camp Site Lead

Lakeland, FL · On-site

$18.49 - $27.16/hr

Enforces all staff policies and provides leadership, ensuring quality performance by Playground Instructors. * Schedules and meets parents as needed concerning participant discipline problems.

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Playground Instructor information

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$36

How much do playground instructor jobs pay per hour?

As of May 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for playground instructor in the United States is $21.20, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.87 and $24.04 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Playground Instructor, you need a background in child development, basic first aid certification, and experience supervising groups of children. Familiarity with safety protocols, playground equipment, and incident reporting systems is typically required. Strong communication, patience, and conflict resolution skills help build trust and effectively manage children’s interactions. These qualifications are vital to ensuring a safe, engaging, and positive environment for children’s play and social development.

How does a Playground Instructor typically collaborate with teachers and other staff to ensure a safe and engaging environment for children?

Playground Instructors regularly communicate with teachers and administrative staff to coordinate schedules, share information about students, and address any behavioral or safety concerns. They may attend staff meetings to discuss playground rules, review incident reports, and suggest improvements to playground activities. Collaboration also involves working with other instructors to plan engaging games that promote inclusion, teamwork, and physical activity, while ensuring all safety protocols are followed. Such teamwork helps create a positive, supportive atmosphere for children during recess and playtime.

What are playground instructors?

Playground instructors are professionals responsible for supervising and guiding children during recreational activities at playgrounds or parks. They ensure the safety and well-being of all participants, organize games and activities, and promote positive social interactions among the children. Playground instructors may also provide first aid, enforce rules, and help maintain equipment. Their role is essential in creating a fun, inclusive, and safe play environment for kids.

What is the difference between Playground Instructor vs Camp Counselor?

AspectPlayground InstructorCamp Counselor
Required CertificationsCPR/First Aid, Child Care CertificationsCPR/First Aid, Child Care Certifications
Work EnvironmentSchoolyards, parks, recreational facilitiesSummer camps, outdoor or indoor camp settings
Employer & IndustrySchools, community centers, parksSummer camps, youth programs
Primary ResponsibilitiesSupervising children during outdoor play, ensuring safetyOrganizing activities, supervising children, ensuring safety

Playground Instructors and Camp Counselors both work with children and require similar certifications. However, Playground Instructors typically work in school or park settings focusing on supervising outdoor play, while Camp Counselors work in summer camp environments organizing activities and supervising children over longer periods. Both roles emphasize safety and child engagement but differ mainly in setting and scope of responsibilities.

More about Playground Instructor jobs

TK & Kindergarten Lead Instructor

PlayCV

Castro Valley, CA • On-site

$26 - $28/hr

Full-time

Posted 20 days ago


Job description

Job Type
Full-time
Description
PlayCV is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization whose mission is to create opportunities that foster academic and personal growth through diverse enrichment activities and joyful play for all students. We strive to bring enrichment programs that both introduce and deepen subject matters of interest. Our intention is to foster team and individual growth while developing social interactions. All of our programs take place onsite at one of Castro Valley Unified School District's elementary or middle schools.
'The Full PLAY' ["TFP"] is an afterschool program that is designed to provide enrichment activities and classes. Each day starts with
students meeting at a central location, usually the multi-purpose room, for a nutritious snack and to check in. That's followed by a
variety of activities which may include attending one of PlayCV's classes, receiving school work support in Homework Club,
participating in fun playground games and outdoor activities, or enjoying social engagement opportunities.
Our Instructors will be part of a team that provides high quality school programs for youth and their families. In a structured and
supportive environment, Instructors will facilitate enrichment, recreation, educational opportunities, and fun experiences for students.
The position might be perfect for you if you like working with TK & Kindergarten students, developing their social-emotional skills, and improving the ability of students to learn and have fun, while strengthening the program's connection with students, families, and school staff. A fast-paced work environment, knowledge of youth development best practices, and problem-solving skills are essential.
The TK/K Lead and Instructors may be assigned to work with students on the school campus before the school day begins, or after the school day ends. TK/K Instructors are committed to engage with students from the last bell at the end of the school day until the latest pickup time of 6 p.m., every school day, and throughout the Summer Program.
Requirements
The Full PLAY TK/K Lead Instructor is responsible for leading a team of TK/K Instructors to bring high-quality programs for youth in the transitional kindergarten and kindergarten programs. Working with a team, the TK/K Lead Instructor facilitates enrichment, recreation, educational opportunities, and fun experiences for students, including arts and crafts, outdoor games, and STEM activities. TK/K Lead Instructors demonstrate passion for student's overall development, possess strong leadership skills, utilize creativity and foster a deep understanding of early childhood development. TK/K Lead Instructors are responsible for implementing engaging enrichment activities, fostering a supportive learning environment, and ensuring the safety and well-being of all students. TK/K Lead must exhibit exemplary leadership for team development through strong problem-solving skills, flexibility, and punctuality. This is a part-time position and requires a LiveScan background check and a negative TB test within the last 24 months.
Duties and Responsibilities:
  • Lead and implement a developmentally appropriate curriculum that aligns with the needs and interests of TK and Kindergarten-aged children.
  • Lead enrichment activities, providing hands-on guidance and support to students. Encourage curiosity, exploration, and critical thinking skills. Ensuring the safety of our students which includes the following: maintaining appropriate student-to-instructor ratios, maintaining the schedule for all students, monitoring students to ensure compliance with PlayCV program guidelines. Maintain point of contact to TK/K Instructors to help guide the team on issues of concern: prevent accidents, cleaning, maintaining and ensuring proper use of PlayCV facilities and equipment, reporting and recording details of incidents, such as accidents or rule violations, to parents and Team Captain, being knowledgeable of all emergency procedures and safety guidelines and enforcing PlayCV rules.
  • In collaboration with PlayCV Leadership, maintain close contact with parents/guardians involved with youth participants.
  • Collaborate with other program instructors to coordinate schedules, share resources, and ensure consistency in program delivery. Attend and participate in staff meetings, training sessions, and professional development opportunities to stay current on best practices in early childhood education.
  • Establish and maintain a positive and supportive classroom environment. Implement effective behavior management strategies, modeling positive social interactions and conflict resolution skills.
  • Serve as a team leader to carry out the organization of daily schedules, assigning roles of staff on site, and ensuring smooth operations of the program. Delegate tasks effectively, ensuring that all staff members understand their responsibilities and expectations.
  • Manage TK/K staff roles and adjust in accordance to curriculum or student needs.
  • Communicate and implement best practices in early childhood education on site, ensuring that all activities and interactions support the developmental needs of TK and Kindergarten-aged children. Model positive behavior and interactions for staff and students alike.
  • Work closely with the TK/K team coach to align and implement program goals and objectives. Seek guidance and support as needed to enhance program quality and effectiveness.
  • Direct communication with Team Captain to report staff issues, safety, disciplinary or behavioral issues

Qualifications
  • Have min of 12 ECE units - or are currently in progress.
  • Degree in Early Childhood Education preferred OR 2+ years of equivalent in class experience with school aged children while pursuing degree in Early Childhood Education.
  • Have a high school diploma or equivalent GED
  • Desire to develop oneself professionally through self driven continued growth and interest towards newly developed curriculum for assigned age groups.
  • Minimum of 6 months experience supervising or leading staff of at least 3.
  • Able to commit to working Monday through Friday at least 6 hours per shift, including Summer Program.
  • Demonstrated creativity and professionalism in providing meaningful opportunities for students and staff. Passionate about team growth through staff development, delegation of responsibilities and understanding of PlayCV policies and procedures.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication, including the ability to de-escalate conversations with students, staff or parents where appropriate. Must maintain communication with parents, Team Captain and/or Coach and Directors to ensure program guidelines for students and staff are being enforced.
  • Shows dedication to PlayCV's mission through expectations of self and staff to nurturing the whole development of all students regardless of their placement in PlayCV's programs.
  • Models fair, responsible, dependable, patient, compassionate, kind and consistent standards for themselves and others.

This is a part-time position, less than 30 hours per week, Monday through Friday, starting immediately. All incoming
employees must submit to a LiveScan background check and must show proof of a negative TB test within the last 48
months.
PlayCV is an equal opportunity employer. We consider all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or veteran status. All employment decisions are based on merit, qualifications, and business needs.
Salary Description
$26-28/hr DOE