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Recess Coach Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Recess Coach

Chicago, IL · On-site

$21/hr

Recess Coach Are you passionate about youth development? Have a knack for coaching and leading activities with young people? Do you enjoy working in a school setting? Our Recess Coach position may be ...

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Recess Coach information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$11

$20

$31

How much do recess coach jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for recess coach in Chicago, IL is $20.29, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.35 and $21.30 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a recess coach?

Recess coaches are professionals who supervise and facilitate play during school recess periods. They help organize games and activities, promote positive social interactions, and ensure that all students are included and safe. Recess coaches also teach conflict resolution skills and encourage teamwork, helping to create a fun and supportive environment for children. Their role supports both physical activity and social-emotional learning during unstructured playtime.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a recess coach?

To thrive as a Recess Coach, you need a background in youth development or education, as well as knowledge of safe play practices and basic first aid. Familiarity with conflict resolution strategies and tools for organizing group games, such as whistles, cones, and portable sports equipment, is often required. Strong interpersonal skills, patience, and effective communication help in building positive relationships with children and fostering an inclusive environment. These skills are essential for promoting safe, engaging, and cooperative play that supports students’ physical and social development.

How does a recess coach typically collaborate with teachers and school staff to support student engagement and safety during recess?

A Recess Coach works closely with teachers and school staff to create a safe and inclusive playground environment. This often involves coordinating with classroom teachers to understand the unique needs of students and sharing strategies for positive play and conflict resolution. Recess Coaches also communicate regularly with school administrators to address any behavioral concerns and to ensure that school-wide expectations are consistent during recess. This collaboration helps foster a supportive atmosphere where all students can participate and thrive.

What is the difference between Recess Coach vs Playground Supervisor?

Recess CoachPlayground Supervisor
Typically focuses on organizing activities, promoting positive behavior, and ensuring student engagement during recess.Primarily responsible for supervising students, maintaining safety, and enforcing rules on the playground.

Both roles involve supervising children outdoors, but Recess Coaches often plan activities and foster social skills, while Playground Supervisors focus on safety and rule enforcement. Recess Coaches may have similar certifications and work in school settings, making them closely related roles with overlapping responsibilities.

What are popular job titles related to Recess Coach jobs in Chicago, IL?

For Recess Coach jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Recess Coach jobs in Chicago, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Recess Coach jobs in Chicago, IL are:

Infographic showing various Recess Coach job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 52% Full Time, 47% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $42,205 per year, or $20.3 per hour.

$21/hr

Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 6 days ago


Job description

About Urban Initiatives
Founded in 2003, Urban Initiatives is a nonprofit organization that runs youth development programs in the Chicago Public Schools (CPS). Urban Initiatives' mission is to use the power of sport and play to empower Chicago's youth to achieve academic success, develop social-emotional skills, and build social capital. Currently, Urban Initiatives serves an estimated 85 schools throughout the City of Chicago.
Recess Coach
Are you passionate about youth development? Have a knack for coaching and leading activities with young people? Do you enjoy working in a school setting?
Our Recess Coach position may be PERFECT for you!
The Recess Coach is responsible for implementing the recess schedule for all K-8 school-age youth, expanding SEL knowledge school-wide, and being a proactive team member within their school environment. Recess schedules include but are not limited to, structured play, transitions, and lunchroom support.
Our Culture: Our healing-centered approach to youth development helps young people reach their full potential and puts YOU right in the middle of making an impact that will shape generations of Chicago youth. We are coaches by trade and we bring this expertise into our work environment. You can expect us to deliver ample learning opportunities, growth mindsets, a culture of feedback and transparency, and fun as a core value. Our first-in-class benefits- including competitive salaries and fully-paid medical, dental, and vision insurance - are guaranteed to keep you in the game.
Are you ready to put passion into action to build a stronger Chicago?
What you would do:
  • Organize the recess schedule in partnership with school administration
  • Implement20-minute recess sessions for all K-8 students throughout the school day
  • Oversee a team of school staff to support recess
  • Build relationships with school staff and students
  • Lead recess activities with Urban Initiatives-provided curriculum based on play and social-emotional learning (SEL)
  • Manage student transitions to and from the lunch and recess spaces
  • Support school SEL needs as needed

What we look for in a candidate:
  • Passion for Urban Initiatives' mission
  • Strong time management, administrative, analytical, and organizational skills
  • Superior communication skills, both spoken and written
  • Commitment to restorative practices
  • Strong group facilitation and coaching skills
  • Quick learner and problem solver, experienced in managing conflicts
  • Self-directed while balancing multiple tasks within a team-based work environment
  • Ability to be flexible and manage multiple priorities while maintaining high-quality work
  • Commitment to interrupting all forms of oppression in the workplace
  • Commitment to supporting a diverse, equitable, and inclusive environment for youth
  • Demonstrated experience working with a diverse group of people, particularly those living in underserved neighborhoods
  • Spanish Speaking is a plus

COMPENSATION PACKAGE:
  • Competitive hourly rate of $21
  • Option to contribute to a 401K with up to a 3% match of your salary after one full year of employment
  • Paid Time Off
  • Comprehensive Training
  • Employee Recognition Programs
  • Support for Community Involvement

Urban Initiatives is dedicated to intentionally fostering a climate of purposeful inclusion in our workplace, and candidates of diverse backgrounds and identities are strongly encouraged to apply. Urban Initiatives is an Equal Opportunity employer. Personnel are chosen on the basis of ability without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, veteran status, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. This is in accordance with federal and state law.