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An Intro to Our Play Coaches

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Play Coaching Rocks!

Table of Contents

Not a teacher, not a therapist, not a student…so who are Play Coaches? Spirited Play Labs has redefined who can create meaningful social support through its’ Play Coaching model! At SPL, we hire people who desire a career serving disabled children AND who want a lifestyle that is less about paperwork and following someone else’s rules.

First, they are required to be Open Play Staff for up to 2 months to see in real time what inclusion looks like at SPL. Then, they receive training in SPL’s methodology of therapeutic recreation as well as training in DIR/Floortime. They receive their own caseload of families to work with twice a month within a manageable schedule that they enjoy. During their time with us, they are supervised by Program Director Karen to provide care that understands your childā€™s sensory profile, strengths, and interests, and builds from there.

Learn more about our individual Play Coaches serving local families at all 3 locations!

EMMA!

I began working as open play support staff right after I graduated with my bachelor’s degree in Sociology from UC Davis. I became a play coach in December of 2024.

I think the best thing a child experiencesĀ from play coaching is building connections with the play coach as well as their peers in the space.

 The best thing about my work at SPL is connecting through play and having shared moments of joy with the kids! A really great moment I had recently was when I was jumping on the jumparoo with a child and we played hokey pokey together!

LIA!

After moving to the Bay Area and having a frustrating job experience, I took a step back from traditional speech-language therapy.

Play coaching immediately resonated with me as it includes so many of the aspects I loved about speech-language therapy (relationship-based work, and supporting development through play) without the heavy paperwork and bureaucracy.

I believe the most powerful thing a child gains from play coaching is acceptance. Through play coaching, children are able to engage authentically, and build genuine connections without pressure or expectation. Play coaching also encourages caregivers to learn and develop their play skills which can supportĀ the caregiver and child’s relationship.Ā 

ARCATA!

I want to become a Special EducationĀ teacher so working at SPL has been greatĀ to expand on my experience working with children withĀ varyingĀ abilities. What brought me to play coaching is my love for workingĀ with disabled children. I’m disabled myself so combining my passion for working with children and working in a disabledĀ friendly environment, is such a beautiful experience.

I have had the pleasure of pairing some of my Play Coaching kids together and watching these first playdates go extremely well. Watching children navigate their first friendships is so special. To be able to support children through navigating socializing always puts a smile on my face and has even brought some of their parents to tears.

NATALIE!

Before working at SPL I worked in a school and I feel like I saw the ways that school-based supports could not fully support the current needs of children. I appreciate the individualized and relationship-based approach that actively involves the primary caregivers since they are the ones that are the most influentialĀ in their child’s life and the ones who spend the most time with their child.

The best thing about my work at SPL is knowing that my values align with my team and I always feel supported by them. This creates a solid community that leads to a strong community within the play space that allows children and families to feel welcome and supported. This allows me and the children to be fully present in play coaching sessions and ensure the children feel safe and comfortable as they explore and grow. Having that community allows play coaches to collaborate well during sessions and leads to wonderful peer play sessions where all children feel supported while exploring peer play in a safe way. 

KIMIKO!

As a mom to a neurodivergent child, I was driven to better understand my own child, and play coaching expanded my perspective far beyond that, deepening how I see and support all children.

Play coaching gives children the freedom to fully be themselves and engage in play that feels meaningful and important to them.

Watching my relationships with the kids grow each session is the most rewarding partā€”building trust and meaningful connections over time is truly special.Ā 

DANIELLE!

Working with kids in some capacity has always been a passion of mine. I got my degree in Elementary Education and went into teaching for a few years. I got burnt out from teaching and I wanted to do something new but still working with kids.

One of my kids has never had an interest in other kids before and would generally ignore other kids in the space. One day I said hi and introduced him to a friend that was playing around us. He ended up surprisingĀ both me and his mom by also saying hi to this friend. Then when the friend went to another part of the space he asked where that friend had gone and wanted to find him. They then played side by side in the sand forĀ at least 15 minutes. Mom and I were just looking at each other in disbelief with tears in our eyes becauseĀ that was the first time that he had ever shown any interest in another kid and had an interaction longer than a few seconds. Moments like those are what makes play coaching so amazing.

RAE!

I found my way to play coaching while working as a 1:1 aide for preschool and elementary school aged children. Several of my kiddos and colleagues frequented SPL and as soon as I visited I quickly learned why! I am now so grateful to be part of a space that makes such a big, joyful impact on so many kidsā€™ lives.

Play coaching is, at its core, relationship building- and relationships are so central to our sense of growth and belonging as human beings!Ā Ā Through play coaching, children and families are welcomed into nurturing and supportive relationships with their coaches and peers, who accept them as they are while lovingly inviting them to grow.Ā 

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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