Spirited Play Labs Play Coach Berkeley, CA · Part time Company website

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Spirited Play Labs is a membership-based inclusive play and community space for families with children (typically ages ~18 months to 8 years). It’s designed to provide a welcoming, sensory-friendly environment where kids, including those who are neurodivergent, disabled, or behaviorally different, can play authentically. Parents can connect and find support. The organization emphasizes inclusion, community connection, and developmental growth through play, with offerings like open play membership, therapeutic play coaching, and virtual parent support.

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.

Education and Experience

• Experience: Play Coaches have worked at Spirited Play Labs at least 2 months and have some experience working with neurodivergent or disabled children (minimum 6 months). Experience working with neurodivergent children for six months or more demonstrates a strong foundation in supporting diverse learning and behavioral needs. This includes patience, empathy, and the ability to build trust and consistency—essential qualities when working with children with autism, ADHD, sensory processing differences, and other neurodiverse profiles.
• Education: They should at minimum have a high school diploma. 
• Play Coaches will complete the DIR/Floortime 101course once they are hired for this role. They must begin Play Coaching Training through SPL’s video and virtual training, and observe current Play Coaches for at least 2 sessions. They must meet with the Program Director throughout their training and commit to a monthly schedule of 1:1 supervision.

Essential Functions

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
• This includes using one's body effectively for the physical support and defense of oneself and others. 

Assessment & Documentation

• Conduct initial and ongoing informal assessments of child development and needs
• Observe and document detailed notes on sensory profiles, child behavior, play themes, and progress
• Track developmental milestones and areas for growth
• Maintain comprehensive and confidential session records
• Complete progress reports at three/six months and review with parents/caregivers
• Complete all documentation within required timeframes

Family Communication

• 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

Professional Development

• Participate in regular supervision and coaching sessions
• Engage in ongoing training and professional development
• Incorporate feedback into practice
• Stay current on therapeutic play approaches and child development research
• Collaborate with other Play Coaches to share best practices

Required Skills/Abilities:

Core Personal Qualities of a Great Play Coach

Curiosity

• Open to seeing the world through a child’s eyes
• Willing to learn from each child’s unique way of playing and being

Patience

• Able to stay calm and grounded in moments of dysregulation or uncertainty
• Understands that development is non-linear and trusts the process

Empathy

• Seeks to understand children’s internal experiences
• Connects before correcting, always leading with compassion

Playfulness

• Comfortable engaging in imaginative, silly, or spontaneous play
• Can co-create joyful, meaningful moments with children

Flexibility

• Adapts to changing needs, energy levels, and play themes
• Lets go of rigid expectations to follow the child’s lead

Presence

• Fully engaged and attuned during interactions
• Not distracted, but available for deep connection

Respectfulness

• Honors each child’s autonomy, boundaries, and differences
• Views neurodivergence as a natural part of human diversity

Responsiveness

• Quickly tunes in to what a child is communicating (verbally or non-verbally)
• Adjusts support in real-time, without overpowering or withdrawing

Collaborative Spirit

• Works well with other staff and caregivers
• Values shared reflection, feedback, and co-regulation

Growth-Oriented Mindset

• Open to coaching, reflection, and professional development
• Sees mistakes as learning opportunities

Confidence in Communication

• Able to set express expectations to parents
• Able to communicate to parents effectively

Other Requirements:

• Spirited Play Labs seeks candidates who intend to grow with us for at least one year to ensure continuity of care for our children and families.
• Able to work a minimum of 9 hours per week
• Able to attend monthly play coach meeting (virtual)
• Able to meet monthly 1:1 during scheduled working hours with Program Director
• Engage in a positive, collaborative team culture

Work Setting - Fast-paced environment requiring high energy and adaptability. Exposure to typical noise levels associated with children's play environments. Emotional resilience required for working with children experiencing challenges.

Body Positioning - Candidates must be able to follow children actively as they move through the facility, which frequently requires sitting on the floor, bending, and transitioning quickly back to a standing position. Because the environment is physically demanding, the role requires the ability to respond swiftly to unexpected child movements to ensure the protection and safety of all participants. Additionally, must be capable of occasionally lifting up to 50 lbs as needed.

Work Attire - Casual.

Office Hours - Weekday afternoons (1pm-7pm), and Saturday (9-3pm)

Note

This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee(s) incumbent in this position. Employees will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform any other job-related duties requested by any person authorized to give instructions or assignments. All duties and responsibilities are essential functions and requirements and are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities. To perform this job successfully, the incumbents will possess the skills, aptitudes, and abilities to perform each duty proficiently. The requirements listed in this document are the minimum levels of knowledge, skills, or abilities. This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an “at will” relationship.

Spirited Play Labs is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace as an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected category. We maintain a drug-free workplace and adhere strictly to all applicable state and federal laws. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), we provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and ensure equal access to opportunities for all employees and applicants.