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Recess Jobs in Illinois (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 ...

Recess Supervisor Where: Prairieview Elementary 699 Plainfield Rd. Downers Grove, IL 60516 Hours: Approximately 2 hours per day on student attendance days/5 days a week during the school year.

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Recess information

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How much do recess jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average hourly pay for recess in Illinois is $20.73, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.54 and $23.75 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a recess aide do?

Recess aides are school staff members responsible for supervising students during recess periods. Their main duties include ensuring student safety, resolving conflicts, organizing games or activities, and maintaining order on the playground or designated recess area. Recess aides also help enforce school rules, provide basic first aid when necessary, and promote positive social interactions among students. They play a key role in creating a safe and enjoyable environment for children during their break times.

What are some common challenges faced by recess supervisors and how can they be addressed?

Recess Supervisors often encounter challenges such as managing large groups of energetic children, resolving conflicts, and ensuring student safety in a dynamic environment. To address these challenges, supervisors should establish clear rules, maintain consistent routines, and use positive reinforcement. Building strong communication skills and collaborating with teachers and school staff also helps in effectively managing situations and providing a safe, enjoyable recess experience for all students.

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

To thrive as a Recess Supervisor, you need a basic understanding of child supervision, conflict resolution, and safety protocols, often supported by experience in childcare or education. Familiarity with school safety procedures and basic first aid is typically required, and some schools may require CPR certification. Strong communication, vigilance, and the ability to foster positive relationships with children are essential soft skills for this role. These skills are crucial to ensure a safe, inclusive, and enjoyable environment for students during unstructured playtime.

What is the difference between Recess vs Play Therapist?

AspectRecessPlay Therapist
CredentialsTypically no formal credentials requiredRequires specialized training and certification in play therapy
Work EnvironmentSchoolyards, playgrounds, or outdoor settingsTherapy offices, clinics, or schools
Employer & IndustrySchools, educational institutions, or community programsHealthcare facilities, mental health clinics, or private practice
Common Search & ComparisonRecess vs Play Therapist

Recess involves supervising children during outdoor play, focusing on safety and social interaction, often without formal credentials. Play therapists, however, are trained mental health professionals who use play as a therapeutic tool to address emotional and psychological issues. While both roles involve working with children, their settings, qualifications, and objectives differ significantly.

What are the most commonly searched types of Recess jobs in Illinois?

The most popular types of Recess jobs in Illinois are:

What are popular job titles related to Recess jobs in Illinois?

For Recess jobs in Illinois, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Recess jobs in Illinois look for?

The top searched job categories for Recess jobs in Illinois are:

Infographic showing various Recess job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 78% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $43,108 per year, or $20.7 per hour.

$21/hr

Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 23 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.