Our chess coaches: how we choose, check and review them
A good chess teacher for children needs more than chess skill. Here is how we choose our coaches, what we check before they teach, and how we keep the teaching good.
Before a coach teaches
What we check
Every one of these is done before a coach teaches our students. A new coach gets access to teach on our website only after our team has recorded each check.
- 1
Self-declaration
A signed statement of no convictions or pending cases, especially any involving children.
- 2
Two references
We call two references. One of them has seen the coach work with children.
- 3
Interview and demo class
Our team interviews the coach and watches them teach a demo class before they meet any student.
- 4
Child-safety code
Every coach reads, discusses and signs our child-safety code of conduct.
Every coach also signs an agreement with Daizen Services Private Limited. A coach who breaks the child-safety code is removed from teaching. The full rules are in our Child Safety Policy.
In class
One course, taught the same way by every coach
Your child's progress should not depend on which coach they get. So every coach teaches the same lessons, in the same order, with the same class plan.
One curriculum
7 levels with the same lessons, puzzles and homework in every batch.
One class plan
Every 60-minute class has the same five parts: homework review, a new idea, puzzles together, a short game and a recap.
Small batches
Up to 10 children in a batch, at a similar level and age, on the same days and time every week.
Your child's language
Classes are taught in English, Telugu or Hindi. Chess terms such as fork and pin are taught in English and explained in your child's language.
Homework that is checked
Coaches set homework after every class and look at it at the start of the next one.
Updates for parents
Parents get progress updates on WhatsApp and can see lessons, puzzles, homework and attendance on the website.
After a coach joins
Every coach is reviewed every month
We watch a class from every coach each month and score it on five things. Parents can rate their child's coach too.
- 1Clear lesson goalThe child knows which idea they are learning today.
- 2Explanation and board demosClear examples on the board, and the coach checks that children understood.
- 3Student thinking timeChildren think and talk through moves before they are told the answer.
- 4Pacing and use of timeThe class starts on time and follows the class plan.
- 5Feedback and homeworkMistakes are pointed out kindly, and puzzles or games are set to practise.
What happens after a review
- The coach gets the scores and notes, so they know what to improve.
- A coach whose scores stay low for two months in a row is put on a 30-day improvement plan.
- A parent rating on its own never decides a coach's future. We always look at the class as well.
Child safety
Rules every coach follows with children
These rules are part of the code each coach signs.
- Coaches talk to students in class, and through the website or official channels where a parent is included.
- Coaches do not message a child privately on personal phone numbers, social media or games.
- Coaches do not ask for personal photos, give gifts or arrange to meet a student in person.
- Coaches never ask a child to keep a secret from their parents.
- Homework, feedback and schedule changes go to the parent or through the website.
- With the consent parents give at sign-up, classes may be recorded for safety, quality checks and revision.
Worried about something? Write to hello@daizenchesschamps.com or read how to report a concern.
Meet a coach
The best way to judge a coach is to watch one teach
We do not list coach names and photos on this page. Instead, your child meets a coach in a free 30-minute demo class, and you are welcome to sit in. There is nothing to pay.
After the demo we suggest a batch for your child's level, age and language. See fees and plans or questions parents ask.
Keep reading
Meet a coach in a free demo class.
The free demo is a 30-minute live class on Microsoft Teams with a coach and a quick level check. No payment, no card, no obligation.