Pivot to Play Certified™ Coach Training

To become a Pivot to Play Certified Coach™ you will need to complete Levels 1 and 2 which each contain 8 lessons, each lesson is about 1-1.5 hours

Each lesson will

  • Cover one to several related topics
  • Include additional readings
  • Include videos, charts and references
  • Include a quiz.  Passing grade is 85% and passing is required in order to move to the next lesson

Each level will also include

  • One lesson devoted entirely to Tips & Tricks
  • One lesson devoted entirely to games and activities, including two lesson plan groups, making up about 50 minutes of play

What do you get in the optional Pivot to Play® Lesson Plans?

Lesson plans are divided by age:

  • 3-5 year olds
  • 5-7 year olds
  • 7-9 year olds
  • 2 year olds

What is included?

  • Games for 40 classes of varying length, depending upon age, that will flow together with minimal equipment for you to tote in and out of locations
  • Equipment lists
  • Specific How-Tos
  • The Pivot to Play® Power Bar™ 
  • Transitions
  • Introductory Questions
  • Supportive videos
  • Downloads

Coach Certification

Complete Level 1 of the online training

  • Practice teaching each of the 2 lesson plan groups.
  • Choose an audience of kids and film a class in its entirety, using only one lesson plan group.
  • It is preferred, and highly encouraged, that you use this time to practice and to film by giving away your time to an underserved group of kids who might not otherwise have access to this kind of programming.
  • Submit your video, a self assessment, a cover letter describing your experience teaching to the chosen group of kids and a letter from the director or administrator of the program you served.

Repeat this process for Level 2

  • When it comes time to submit the final video after completion of Level 2 make sure you also have
    • A background check
    • Proof of insurance
    • (many times the group you serve in your first video may have required you to have taken care of this already.  It isn’t a bad idea regardless!)
    • NOTE:  a video submission may not need to be repeated.  Keep in mind that the video is a means to help a Coach hone the craft of leading kids in big body play, but also allows for a certain level of safety protecting both the Coach and Pivot to Play™
  • Then register your membership with Pivot to Play™ and maintain your membership annually.  This membership will give you access to more perks including a larger vault of games and activities

Maintaining Your Certification

To maintain your certification annually is a simple two step process:

  1.  Share the powerful value of play with your community through:
    1. Education.  For example this could be:
      1. A letter to the editor of your local paper
      2. A presentation to your local PTA
      3. A training of teachers in your local school or preschool
      4. A community play day
    2. OR donate your time leading a series of at least 4 classes to a local underserved group of kids
    3. Via an assessment letter and a letter from an organizer or the publicity highlighting your amazing venture, share with us what you did.  
    4. Then renew your membership

Done, easy as pie!

Pivot to Play Certified Coach™ Code of Conduct

As a Pivot to Play Certified™ Coach:

  • I will advocate for big physical play in my community.
  • I will commit to be a leader in my community, one who supports the value of play to the health, wellbeing and development of children.
  • I will foster a desire for play and fun in the Pivot to Play™ programming I lead through professionalism.
  • I commit to showing my clients my enthusiasm for big physical play and sharing that with the children with whom I am working.
  • I pledge to represent Pivot to Play™ in a positive light in my community, with parents, teachers, administrators and schools and will interact with those in my community in a professional manner.
  • I commit to integrity and will work fairly, honestly and legally with all my clients.
  • I commit to foster those values in my own life and will purposefully include play and physical activity into my life.
  • I will lead the Pivot to Play™ programming with playful purpose, with the goal of helping kids feel confident in their skills and their play, while fueling their desire to enhance their abilities and increase their confidence.
  • I will teach only the Pivot to Play™ Curriculum and will not intersperse the Pivot to Play™ content including the Pivot to Play Certification™ into other programs.
  • I will not sue the Pivot to Play™ Curriculum or any Pivot to Play™ content including the Pivot to Play™ Curriculum with other curricula.
  • I will not use the Pivot to Play™ Curriculum or any Pivot to Play™ content including the Pivot to Play Certification™ in other programs.
  • I will not create my own lesson plans to teach in a Pivot to Play™ class or program, I will use only the formats designed by Pivot to Play™ and will follow the guidelines set out by my membership and designation (Coach or Master Coach.)
  • I will follow all local ordinances (eg: use of parks, use of public space, mask mandates.)
  • I will not stream music from any streaming service for use in my classes, I will only use songs and music I own.
  • I will protect the Pivot to Play™ assess including, but not limited to the Pivot to Play™ Curriculum and the Pivot to Play Certification™, which protect my business and my integrity.
  • I will not share Pivot to Play™ Curriculum or the Pivot to Play Certification™ with anyone.

FAQs

How long will it take to get certified?

Each level takes about 8-12 hours to complete.  Add in practice teaching and filming of your video submissions, becoming a Pivot to Play Certified™ Coach takes about 20-30 hours.  Sound like a lot?  It isn’t really!  When you think about the value your new knowledge affords you when you talk about play with teachers, administrators and parents, it will be worth every minute.  When you are confident of your teaching skills and how to lead children safely in play, you will be glad you invested the time.

How much will it cost?

Cost breakdown to get started:

  • Insurance (annual) $175-250
  • Background check $10-$25
  • Basic equipment for 10 kids (poly spots, cones, hoops and balls) $250
  • Pivot to Play® Membership (annual) $75
  • Discounted quarterly access to age specific, proven fun, proprietary Pivot to Play® lesson plans $99/quarter

We started Pop, Hop & Rock™ charging only $25/hour which was, and still is, a little more than a fitness instructor makes teaching a one hour a class at most of our local gyms.  We spent 1-2.5 hours per day with school clients at that time, and recouped our investment in less than  40 hours in the first year then in 12 hours each year after.   We started the business on the lower end of the rate scale in order to build a reputation and hone our craft.  It paid off.  Eventually we were able to raise the rate, several times, recouping annual investments much more quickly.

Can I use the Pivot to Play Certified™ mark and the Pivot to Play™ mark to help me market the program?

Yes!  We will make these available for Certified Coaches.

Part of the recertification process each year is advocating for play in my community.  Will Pivot to Play™ help?

Yes.  Pivot to Play™ is here to help.  If you decide to write a letter to the editor, we can help you with the information and guidance you need.  If you decide to speak to a school board, we can help provide talking points.  We want to help you build your business as well as further the Pivot to Play™ mission to change the way we, as a culture, value play.  It is a win-win for us to help!

What do people say about the Pivot to Play™ curriculum, the training and being a Coach?

Ready to get your feet wet?

Take the Pivot to Play™ Preliminary Training and find out why play is so important for a child’s success in the classroom and beyond!

And guess what? 

Because we are so excited you want to check out Pivot to Play™ by taking our Preliminary Training, we are including a sample lesson plan package you can use right now! 

Whoop Whoop!!!!