Elementary Recess Coach Aide (Part Time)

Location: Fort Greene, Brooklyn, NY
Schedule: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday: 12:30–2:30 PM and Wednesday: 10:00–11:30 AM
Openings: 2

MISSION OF THE SCHOOL: Compass Charter School is a safe and nurturing educational environment that honors the individuality of each learner. By engaging in a process of inquiry, our graduates will be equipped with the necessary skills to lead fulfilling personal and professional lives, including a developed sense of self, the ability to think in innovative and flexible ways, and the inspiration to make a positive impact on their community.

DESCRIPTION OF THE SCHOOL: Compass Charter School is an inquiry-based, progressive elementary school that opened in the fall of 2014 in Fort Greene, Brooklyn. We are committed to providing an experiential and democratic elementary experience to all children, with intentional access for children who typically do not get access to progressive education (children with special needs, children from economically disadvantaged backgrounds, and English language learners).

Our Integrated Curriculum centers sustainability in all forms: environmental, racial, and economic justice. Our staff works interdependently in collaborative teams and engages in professional inquiry (instructional coaching, reflection, restorative and trauma-informed practices). Compass enrolls approximately 330 students in pre-kindergarten through fifth grade.

Our Recess Program

Recess is an important part of our students' school day. Our PE Coach will oversee the overall recess program, routines, and supervision structure, while the Recess Coach Aides will provide dedicated support for structured games, activity areas, positive student interactions, conflict resolution, and student safety.

We are looking for adults who can bring energy, creativity, athletic skill, consistency, and a genuine enthusiasm for working with children to the playground each day. Recess Coach Aides are expected to be actively attentive and safety-conscious, continuously scanning the play environment, anticipating potential safety concerns, reinforcing expectations, and responding promptly and appropriately when students need support.

The ideal candidates understand that recess is not only a time for movement and play, but also an important opportunity for students to develop teamwork, communication, problem-solving, self-regulation, conflict resolution, and relationship-building skills in a safe and supportive environment.

If you love working with kids, enjoy sports and games, and want to help elementary students experience recess as a time for movement, connection, skill-building, safety, conflict resolution, and joy, we would love to hear from you.

About the Role

We are seeking an energetic, engaging, reliable, and relationship-oriented Elementary Recess Coach Aide to support a structured, active, and inclusive recess program for elementary students. The primary function of this role is to lead and facilitate structured recess games and activity sections under the direction of our PE Coach.

This is an ideal position for someone with experience working with elementary-aged children and a particular strength or interest in soccer, basketball, or other age-appropriate games and recreational activities. The Recess Coach Aide will help create a recess environment where students have meaningful opportunities to be active, develop skills, play cooperatively, navigate social challenges, and have fun.

Primary Responsibilities

• Lead structured recess games and activity stations for elementary students.

• Facilitate age-appropriate games such as soccer, basketball, tag games, relay races, cooperative games, and other recreational activities.

• Teach and reinforce basic sports skills, game rules, teamwork, sportsmanship, and respectful play.

• Actively observe student interactions and anticipate potential conflicts or challenging situations before they escalate.

• Support students in resolving conflicts constructively, using calm redirection, problem-solving, and age-appropriate restorative practices.

• Help students practice communication, perspective-taking, accountability, and repairing harm when conflicts occur.

• Encourage broad student participation and help students find activities that match their interests and abilities.

• Support inclusive play by adapting games and activities to meet different student needs.

• Help establish and reinforce clear expectations for safe, respectful, and joyful play.

• Monitor students during activities and communicate safety, behavioral, or social-emotional concerns to the PE Coach.

• Work collaboratively with the PE Coach, who will oversee and coordinate the overall recess program.

• Help set up and break down equipment and maintain organized, safe activity spaces.

• Build positive relationships with students through enthusiastic, encouraging, consistent, and respectful interactions.

Preferred Qualifications & Experience

We are especially interested in candidates who have:

• Experience working with elementary-aged children in schools, camps, recreation programs, athletics, or similar settings.

• Experience coaching or facilitating soccer and/or basketball.

• A strong repertoire of elementary-appropriate games and activities.

• Interest in or experience with restorative practices, conflict resolution, or restorative approaches to working with children.

• An energetic, positive, patient, and encouraging presence.

• The ability to manage groups of children while maintaining a fun, structured, and inclusive environment.

• Strong communication, collaboration, and relationship-building skills.

• The ability to remain calm and thoughtful when supporting students through conflict or challenging interactions.

• A strong commitment to reliability and punctuality, including consistent attendance and arriving prepared and on time for every scheduled shift.

• A commitment to creating an inclusive environment where every student can participate.

• A commitment to confidentiality and not sharing information about individual students, including but not limited to special needs, medical information, and peer relationships.

• CPR/First Aid certification is a plus.

Schedule & Compensation

This is an hourly, independent contractor position based at our elementary school in Fort Greene, Brooklyn.

Monday, Tuesday, Thursday & Friday: 12:30–2:30 PM
Wednesday: 10:00–11:30 AM

Candidates must be eligible to work in the USA and available for the full scheduled hours each week. Hourly rate will be determined based on experience and qualifications beginning at $25 an hour. All recess coach aides will be required to complete fingerprinting before working at the school.

Reliability is an essential component of this role, as Recess Coach Aides are an important part of maintaining consistent supervision, programming, and support for students each day.