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Our Extensive Staff Training Process

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Play Coaches

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We know, we know, our staff is the BEST. Here’s how we make it happen!

Some of the trainings our staff complete upon hiring include…

  • DIR/Floortime
  • Our Methodology & History
  • Play Space Member Agreements
  • First Person Disability Accounts (parent & child)
  • Sensory Processing
  • Deescalation and Problem Solving
  • Relational Skills and Self-Regulation
  • Parent Coaching
  • Social-Emotional Learning
  • Speech/Language Development and AAC
  • Neurodiversity-Affirming Practices
  • Universal Design for Disabled People

How Do We Find Our Staff?

One words, VIBES!!!

Surprisingly, we don’t require staff to have hands-on experience prior to working with us. Often, prior roles in the special needs world are not compatible with the work that we do, and means they need to un-learn a lot of practices they were taught! We value the growth that staff members can experience in their time with us.

Not only do we hire local students who are eager to learn and support neurodivergent children and their families, but we seek to hire teens and adults who also identify as neurodivergent or disabled. We have found that our culture allows people to thrive where otherwise they were overlooked or judged incorrectly.

Staff Training Explained

Throughout their time with us, we offer monthly trainings related to social-emotional learning and regulation practices, as well as specialized training led by local specialists on needed topics, hands-on problem solving of family dynamics & specialized needs for our play space members.

Many of our staff work with us for 2+ years, and consider working at SPL to be a career stepping stone. They often go to graduate school to work in the therapy field, as an occupational therapist or speech therapist. The training they get at SPL compliments their graduate work well, as much of what we train at SPL isn’t taught in academia but is needed to successfully serve families!

A Deep Dive Into Our Play Coaching Program

Our Play Coaches go through even more training, and are actively supervised by Program Director Karen. While they are unlicensed practitioners, our Play Coaches have been some of the best advocates for neurodiversity-affirming, community care. Let’s be honest, a degree does not guarantee good care for your child. It’s hard to realize, but academia doesn’t always prepare us for serving families in a really effective, considerate way. We know this firsthand, so we’ve taken all the missing pieces of academia and are sure to teach it to our Play Coaches!

Our Play Coaching Training Program focuses on these key topics:

  • Developmental play skills & the qualities of autistic play
  • Intakes, Profiles, and Assessments
  • Play Coach Personal Qualities & Self-Awareness
  • Relationship-Building with Caregivers
  • Following the Child’s Lead
  • Scaffolding Play
  • Respecting Bodily Autonomy
  • Setting Limits
  • Using the Natural Setting
  • Supporting & Understanding Behavior
  • Supporting Dysregulation
  • Building Possibilities for Social Play

After an extensive onboarding and training using our Signature Play Coaching Program, Play Coaches are actively supervised and mentored through monthly group meetings, additional trainings to meet the needs of our families, and 1:1 mentorship.

Karen has worked in the field of Early Intervention in a variety of roles and settings for 25 years. She began as an Early Childhood Educator with strong ties to philosophies rooted in supporting young children’s learning through play. She went on to earn a Master’s degree in Early Childhood Special Education and then began working as an Infant Development Specialist at Children’s Hospital in Oakland. This allowed her the opportunity to acquire her clinical training from many pioneers in the field of Pediatric Early Intervention Services. Throughout her career, she has worked actively as an advocate for inclusive environments. As a Parent Coach, Karen builds strong relationships with children and parents. These relationships serve as the foundation for the work that takes place. She uses a playful, reflective approach to understanding each child’s individual needs and works with families to ensure those needs are being met.

Enjoy our staff? Get 1:1 time with them in the Therapeutic Membership!

Vibing in Summer Camp
Playing with Little Ones
Play Coaching Outings
Hands-on Care
Sharing in Special Interests
Understanding of Child-Led
Having Fun
Educating through play
Engaging Play Coaching

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 location’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 member’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 Billing 
  • Quarterly list of who needs to be cancelled sent to Mikaela *RCEB families who’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 Role 
  • 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 Role 
  • 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 available 
  • 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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