Developmental Swim Coach — After-School Program

Job Title: Learn to Swim Director — After-School Program

About Headwater Athletics

Headwater Athletics is a Boulder-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to connecting kids with ADHD, learning differences, and anxiety to the transformative power of sports — starting with swimming this fall, with plans to expand into additional sports in the future.

Every Headwater program is built on four core pillars: cognitive growth through movement, heart-led coaching, grit and resilience, and positive community and confidence. We are intentional about creating an atmosphere that is warm, joyful, and conducive to real friendship — a place where kids who have often felt different finally feel like they belong. We maintain a 10:1 student-to-coach ratio and will bring on an additional assistant coach if needed to ensure every child receives the focused attention and encouragement they deserve.

Our model is grounded in Dr. John Ratey's research showing that aerobic movement measurably improves attention and academic performance — with an especially strong effect for kids with ADHD. We are not a competitive swim team. We are a development program designed to help kids focus better, regulate more easily, and show up more confident — in the water and in life.

About the Role

We are looking for a warm, patient, and adaptable Learn to Swim Director to lead our after-school session for beginner swimmers ages 6–9 with ADHD, anxiety, and/or learning differences. This is a program for young children who may know some basics in the water but are not yet swimming full laps. The environment needs to feel safe, fun, and encouraging at every turn.

Sessions run a couple of afternoons per week and consist of 45 minutes in the pool followed by 15 to 20 minutes of fun, executive functioning exercises on the pool deck.

The Ideal Candidate

The right person for this role has years of experience working with young children who have ADHD, anxiety, and/or learning differences — and genuinely loves it. They are adaptable, fun, endlessly patient, and the kind of person who lights up when a child finally gets something they've been struggling with. Experience or certification in adaptive aquatics is a strong plus. This is not just a qualification — it is the heart of what we are looking for.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience instructing young children ages 6–9
• Years of experience working with children who have ADHD, anxiety, and/or learning differences
• Experience or certification in adaptive aquatics strongly preferred
• CPR/AED certification
• First Aid certification
• Lifeguard certification (required by some rec center facilities)
• USA Swimming coach membership and background check
• Safe Sport certification
• Proof of liability insurance or willingness to work under Headwater Athletics' coverage

To Apply

Please send a letter of interest and resume to Rebecca Zweig, Founder, at rebecca@headwaterathletics.com

Headwater Athletics — Building Focus, Strong Bodies, and Kind Hearts.