Carden Conejo School·Thousand Oaks, California
The coach is responsible for planning and leading age-appropriate cheer practices for students in Kindergarten through 6th grade. They must teach fundamental skills, ensure athlete safety, and prepare the team for school and community performances.
The Elementary/Middle School Cheer Coach plays a vital role in creating a safe, positive, and engaging environment for student-athletes participating in the school's athletics program. Working under the supervision of the Athletic Director, the Cheer Coach is responsible for teaching fundamental cheer skills, leading practices, preparing the team for performances and athletic events, and fostering teamwork, confidence, school spirit, and character development.
This position is ideal for individuals who enjoy working with children, have a strong knowledge of cheerleading fundamentals, and bring enthusiasm, leadership, and positive energy to the program. Coaches are responsible for helping student-athletes develop their cheer abilities while emphasizing respect, accountability, discipline, teamwork, and confidence. The coach will help ensure every cheerleader feels included, challenged, and supported throughout the season while maintaining a safe and organized environment.
Key Responsibilities Plan and lead organized, age-appropriate cheer practices for Kindergarten through 6th grade student-athletes.
Teach fundamental cheer skills including motions, jumps, chants, dance routines, sideline cheers, performance techniques, and age-appropriate stunts.
Supervise student-athletes during practices, performances, games, and team activities to ensure safety and positive participation.
Develop practice plans that emphasize skill development, teamwork, confidence, coordination, and sportsmanship.
Encourage teamwork, inclusion, and positive communication among cheerleaders.
Foster a culture of accountability, discipline, respect, and school pride.
Provide positive coaching, constructive feedback, and encouragement to athletes of all skill levels.
Prepare the cheer team for performances at athletic events, school activities, and community events.
Communicate effectively with the Athletic Director, parents, and student-athletes regarding schedules, expectations, and team updates.
Ensure all cheer equipment, props, and materials are properly maintained and used safely.
Program Support Collaborate with the Athletic Director to support the vision and growth of the athletics program.
Assist with organizing practices, performance logistics, uniforms, music, and team equipment.
Promote proper warm-up, flexibility, injury prevention, and safe participation in all cheer activities.
Model professionalism, integrity, and positive leadership on and off the mat.
Help promote the cheer program while creating an enjoyable, encouraging, and memorable experience for all student-athletes.
Staff Collaboration Communicate effectively with fellow coaches and staff regarding athlete needs, schedules, and program updates.
Maintain consistent expectations for athlete behavior, effort, and participation.
Participate in staff meetings and required training sessions.
Safety & Professional Expectations Maintain continuous awareness of athlete safety and supervision requirements.
Follow all school policies, procedures, and safety protocols.
Ensure all cheer activities, including jumps, stunts, and routines, are conducted in a safe and age-appropriate manner.
Serve as a positive role model through professional behavior, communication, and leadership.
Maintain a clean, organized, and welcoming practice environment.
Demonstrate reliability, flexibility, patience, and a strong commitment to the wellbeing and development of children.
Communicate respectfully and professionally with parents by providing brief updates when appropriate, answering questions, and directing any concerns or important information to the Athletic Director to ensure consistent and clear communication.
Important Skills Working with children requires extensive physical activity, mental alertness, patience, and enthusiasm.
Coaches should demonstrate: Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
High energy and enthusiasm when working with children.
Knowledge of cheerleading fundamentals, safety, and skill progression.
Good judgment and problem-solving abilities.
Emotional maturity and reliability.
Ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
Flexibility in a fast-paced, active environment.
Good general health, physical stamina, and emotional stability.
Prior cheer coaching experience at the middle school level or above required Prior cheer participation experience at the high school level or above required High school diploma or equivalent required. Strong knowledge of cheer fundamentals, safety, skill progression, and performance preparation. Excellent organizational, communication, and leadership skills. Ability to create a positive, inclusive, and developmentally appropriate learning environment for Kindergarten–6th grade student-athletes. CPR, First Aid, and AED Certification required prior to the start of practices. Personal Liability Insurance required prior to the start of practices. Must successfully complete all school-required background screening, fingerprinting (Live Scan), and child safety requirements prior to employment. Physical Requirements Regularly required to stand, walk, and actively participate in physical activities Ability to supervise children in both indoor and outdoor environments Occasionally required to lift or move equipment and materials (up to 30 lbs) Ability to move across various campus environments, including uneven terrain Dates & Compensation Practices will begin the first week of September and will be held Monday–Friday from 3:15 PM–4:30 PM. Once the competition season begins, games will be scheduled during the week. Season will conclude by November 12. This is a stipend-based coaching position. Stipend amount will be determined based on coaching experience, qualifications, and program needs.
Candidates must have a high school diploma, prior cheer participation at the high school level, and coaching experience at the middle school level or above. Required certifications include CPR, First Aid, AED, and personal liability insurance, along with a successful background check.
Market context
In California, elementary and middle school cheer coach openings often draw candidates with both school-based coaching experience and a strong safety credential set. These roles are competitive because districts typically look for prior high school cheer participation, middle school or higher coaching experience, CPR, First Aid, AED, liability insurance, and a clean background check. Review the AI-summarized requirements and benefits on this platform to quickly confirm fit, then gather certification documents before applying.
