A children’s gymnastic instructor has many different roles and responsibilities depending on the type of gym or gymnastics organization that they work for or in. For those gymnastic instructors that are self-employed their responsibilities include training and hiring staff, ensuring appropriate safety procedures and protocols are strictly followed, as well as marketing the gymnastics facilities and the various classes and individual services provided. It also involves developing lessons, planning for competitions, and evaluating and teaching students at various levels of ability.

For children’s gymnastic instructors that work within a facility the responsibilities focus more specifically on teaching the students, following safety procedures and practices, talking to parents regarding student progress as well as planning daily lessons with the support and supervision of the facilities manager. The key factor for most children’s gymnastic instructors is the safety and learning aspect of the job, as well as knowing reasonable expectations for children of different ages and abilities.

Most children’s gymnastic instructors have a background in gymnastics and athletics themselves. They often have competition background and may even have competed at state, national or international levels. The children’s gymnastic instructor should have an ability to communicate and interact with children while still providing education and a fun learning environment. Most instructors will attend competitions with their students and may also be involved in organizing and hosting gymnastic events.

Common work activities include:

• Managing, training and scheduling staff for various group and individual classes taught at the gym.

• Teach gymnastic classes to students of various ages and ability levels.

• Work with children and their parents to teach the fundamentals of gymnastics while following all safety procedures and protocols as developed by the gym.

• Managing all paperwork including accident reports, schedules, competition applications or consent forms for participation.

• Assisting in planning, organizing and hosting local, state, national or even international events depending on the type of gymnastics club and the level of expertise.

• Assisting and helping children develop a sense of accomplishment and self-awareness of their athletic abilities.