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Introducing SPL’s Internship Program!

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An experiential learning opportunity to develop skills no school or clinic can provide. Learn more and see if we have what you’re looking for!

Inclusion is For Everyone

We believe inclusion can be learned by everyone. Inclusion isn’t something reserved for therapists, educators, or neurotypical people. We have seen that everyone can learn how to create spaces where children and families feel welcomed, understood, and included. And now we’re opening it up to people who historically cannot access this information. Our mission is to extend inclusion education to all people, so that they can bring it into their communities and careers down the road!

What Will Interns Experience?

Our internship programs emphasize equal opportunity, skill development, and community impact while tailoring supportive frameworks to fit the unique needs of each cohort.

Interns will learn…

  • SPL’s Mission & History
  • Recognizing Our Own Personal Qualities
  • Experiencing Relationship Building
  • Understanding Parents
  • Learning Neurodiversity-Affirming Practices
  • Understanding Child Behavior
  • Information on Speech/Language & Communication
  • Understanding Sensory Profile
  • Learning General Disability Terms
  • Committing To Play Space Agreements
  • Understanding Unspoken Social Rules

Interns will be responsible for…

Member Experience

  • Greet and warmly welcome families upon arrival
  • Address basic member concerns promptly or escalate to Site Manager when appropriate
  • Create an inclusive, supportive atmosphere for all children and families
  • Engage with children in an age-appropriate, encouraging manner
  • Use neurodiversity-affirming language and actions toward parents and children

Operations & Safety

  • Monitor the play area continuously to ensure safety and appropriate behavior
  • Enforce SPLā€™s membership agreements consistently while maintaining a positive atmosphere
  • Respond quickly to any conflicts or safety concerns
  • Follow all emergency protocols when necessary

Facility Maintenance

  • Reset and sanitize toys and equipment between sessions following cleaning protocols
  • Maintain organization and cleanliness of all play areas throughout shifts
  • Assist with opening and closing procedures

Where Can This Experience Lead?

For many of our interns, SPL has been a starting point! Over the years, many of our interns have gone on to college and pursued fields like:

  • Physical therapy
  • Speech therapy
  • Occupational therapy
  • Special Education Law
  • Early Childhood Education

Many other staff also become employed by SPL once they qualify! Our program is flexible and allows many opportunities to meet your individual needs. Historically, volunteers can be here for seasonal time, and some stay for years, transitioning their role as time goes on. Either way, we provide a unique experience to get hands-on opportunities to learn about the neurodiversity-affirming world and decide where you’d like to head next in your career!

Who Is This Opportunity For?

We’re creating 2 opportunity paths for different learners!

  1. High School Students: Young people interested in fields like education or pediatric therapy are a great fit! Come spend after school time with us to help you decide if these fields are for you, and get invaluable recommendations and referrals when you’re ready to head off to college!
  2. Disabled Adults: Regional Center clients are welcome to join us if they are seeking job experience! With support of their Job Coach, we provide a thoughtful training opportunity for a very fulfilling experience.

Location: 

  1. Regional Center Client Internship Program
    • Available at our San Ramon and Berkeley locations
  1. High School Student Internship Program
    • Available at our San Ramon, Berkeley, and Belmont locations

Hours per week: 4-16 hours available, typically 3-7pm weekdays and Saturdays 9-3pm

Next Steps!

If this is something you may be interested in, we’d love to have you apply! Please email MIKAELA@SPIRITEDPLAYLABS.COM ; she is our Community Outreach Coordinator spearheading this program. She will do a screening call and then invite you in for an open play shadow session. From there, if we all feel it’s a fit, we will invite you into our training program!

We can’t wait to meet you and support your journey into this field. <3

Site Manager

The Site Manager leads daily operations at their assigned location, creating exceptional experiences for members while managing staff and facilities. This role serves as the on-site leader responsible for implementing organizational standards while addressing immediate needs and opportunities.

Reports to: Fractional Director of Operations

Key Responsibilities:

Staff Leadership & Development
  • Supervise and coordinate daily activities of site staff
  • Maintain staff schedules for the location
  • Provide real-time coaching and support to team members while relying on SPL philosophy and culture
  • Foster a positive, collaborative team culture
  • Communicate operational updates and requirements to onsite staff
  • Act as liaison between direct care staff (those who work on the floor daily) and management team to ensure needs of direct care staff are being reflected in management decisions in a timely manner using the agreed-upon communication methods
  • Provide regular feedback to staff about job performance and complete bi-annual performance reviews as it relates to SPL Handbook Policies
  • Observe & provide feedback for hiring of new staff members
  • Screen & onboard volunteers
  • Ensure exceptional service standards for all members
  • Address member questions, concerns, and feedback promptly
  • Oversee check-in/check-out processes
  • Create a welcoming, inclusive environment
  • Complete all first time visits to introduce new people to SPL and provide information about agreements and membership tiers
  • Send monthly emails to site specific members for updates & connections
  • Utilize Circle app for upcoming events and announcements
  • Contacting any member families in need of additional support or follow-up for repair after breakdown
  • Maintain facility standards for safety, cleanliness, and functionality
  • Conduct daily facility inspections and report back any outstanding issues to management; schedule staff for facility upgrades when possible outside of work hours
  • Coordinate basic maintenance and repairs
  • Manage local inventory and supplies
  • Implement safety and emergency procedures
  • Work with Program Director to update physical space / items quarterly
  • Communicate with landlord/property management when any issues arise
  • Maintain professional communication with members and staff by managing your locationā€™s email account and telephone system daily
  • Maintain accurate attendance and participation records for both staff and members
  • Document member concerns and resolutions via written record
  • Book and properly schedule parties, site rentals, or additional speciality services including Play Coaching appointments and summer camp
  • Complete daily and weekly operational reports
  • Manage memberā€™s contracts, which includes billing and interfacing with partner organizations this includes handling pauses or cancellations via email (never just in person or phone)
  • Manage administrative aspects of the play coaching role: schedule sessions through POS system, reschedule sessions as needed, stay in active communication with members, send introductory packets via email to new members
  • Rely on policies and procedures laid out via manuals and handbooks from Executive Team
  • Monthly RCEB BillingĀ 
  • Quarterly list of who needs to be cancelled sent to Mikaela *RCEB families whoā€™ve not visited in 3 months or more & did not notify us
  • Maintain detailed notes using Mindbody about each member family, including safety concerns, names/ages of children, and special information to know
  • Serve as primary on-site point of contact
  • Maintain clear communication with Executive Assistant
  • Provide regular updates to Director of Operations via email
  • Coordinate with other Site Managers on cross-location matters
  • Interface with vendors for basic service needs
  • Escalate significant issues appropriately
  • Primary work location at assigned site
  • Full-Time RoleĀ 
  • May require some evening and weekend availability
  • Physical requirements include standing for extended periods, light lifting, and mobility throughout facility
  • Fast-paced environment requiring adaptability and quick decision-making

Site Supervisor

The Site Supervisor is an assistant leadership role responsible for ensuring the smooth weekday morning and weekend operations of our play space. This includes supporting staff, engaging with families, handling administrative tasks, and maintaining a safe, inclusive, and affirming environment for neurodivergent and disabled children.

Reports to: Site Manager

Key Responsibilities:

Member Experience
  • Greet and warmly welcome families upon arrival
  • Complete check-in/check-out procedures accurately and efficiently
  • Answer questions about programs, memberships, and facility features
  • Address basic member concerns promptly or escalate to Site Manager when appropriate
  • Create an inclusive, supportive atmosphere for all children and families
  • Engage with children in an age-appropriate, encouraging manner
  • Monitor the play area continuously to ensure safety and appropriate behavior
  • Enforce safety rules consistently while maintaining a positive atmosphere
  • Respond quickly to any conflicts or safety concerns
  • Follow all emergency protocols when necessary
  • Document any incidents according to established procedures
  • Reset and sanitize toys and equipment between sessions following cleaning protocols
  • Maintain organization and cleanliness of all play areas throughout shifts
  • Conduct regular inventory checks of supplies and materials
  • Assist with opening and closing procedures
  • Identify and report any maintenance or safety issues
  • Maintain accurate attendance and membership records
  • Process basic transactions as needed
  • Assist with program registration when required
  • Organize and distribute program materials
  • Support special events and programs as needed
  • Primary work location at assigned site
  • Part-Time RoleĀ 
  • Weekend and morning availability required
  • Physical requirements include standing for extended periods, frequent bending and lifting of up to 25 pounds
  • Fast-paced environment requiring high energy and adaptability
  • Exposure to typical noise levels associated with children’s play environments

Play Coach

Play Coaches provide structured, therapeutic play sessions tailored to the individual needs of each child. They create a consistent and supportive relationship while using specialized play techniques to support social-emotional growth and developmental goals. Play Coaches serve as the primary therapeutic relationship for children in their care.

Reports to: Site Manager for scheduling and day-to-day operations; Program Director for program quality and professional development

Key Responsibilities:

Session Facilitation
  • Lead 1:1 or small group play sessions using evidence-based therapeutic play techniques
  • Create individualized play plans based on each child’s unique needs and goals
  • Implement appropriate interventions and activities aligned with program methodology
  • Adapt session approach based on child’s responses and developmental progress
  • Maintain appropriate boundaries and professional relationship standards
  • Foster a safe, nurturing environment that promotes growth and exploration
  • Conduct initial and ongoing informal assessments of child development and needs
  • Observe and document detailed notes on child behavior, play themes, and progress
  • Track developmental milestones and areas for growth
  • Maintain comprehensive and confidential session records
  • Complete all documentation within required timeframes
  • Communicate effectively with caregivers about session highlights and child progress
  • Provide appropriate feedback and guidance to support families
  • Maintain appropriate professional boundaries with families
  • Collaborate with caregivers to ensure consistency between sessions and home
  • Address caregiver questions and concerns or escalate as appropriate
  • Participate in regular supervision and coaching sessions
  • Engage in ongoing training and professional development
  • Incorporate feedback into practice
  • Stay current on play therapy approaches and child development research
  • Collaborate with other Play Coaches to share best practices
  • Primary work location at assigned site
  • Part-Time or Full-Time Jobs availableĀ 
  • May require evening and weekend availability to accommodate families’ schedules
  • Physical requirements include sitting on floor, light lifting, and active play with children
  • Emotional resilience required for working with children experiencing challenges
  • Schedule may vary based on client needs

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