Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant

NPAworldwide; Birmingham (AL); On-site; USD 37,000 - 44,000; Full time

Job summary

NPAworldwide in Birmingham, AL seeks a dedicated Daycare-Based Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) to join our early childhood care team. You will work under the supervision of a Licensed Occupational Therapist (OTR) to help infants, toddlers, and preschoolers build fine motor, sensory, visual-motor, and self-help skills during daily play and routines.

This role emphasizes play-based therapy, collaboration with daycare teachers, progress tracking, and family engagement.

Qualifications

• Education: Graduate of an Accredited OTA program.
• Licensure: Active (or eligibility) COTA license with Alabama state board.
• Certifications: NBCOT certification and Pediatric CPR/First Aid.
• Experience: Prior work with infants/toddlers/early childhood pediatric populations preferred.
• Skills: Strong interpersonal skills, patience, and play-based problem-solving.

Responsibilities

• Direct therapy delivery to support developmental goals and early intervention plans.
• Classroom and play integration focusing on fine motor, sensory regulation, self-feeding, dressing, and safe play.
• Collaborate with lead daycare teachers and support staff to implement sensory breaks and accommodations.
• Progress tracking and documentation of therapy sessions and milestones for team updates.
• Assist with equipment setup and adaptive seating for infants, toddlers, and young children.
• Engage with families to provide home activity ideas and reinforce strategies.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Patience

Creative play-based problem-solving

Knowledge of early childhood dev. Mil.

Education

OTA program graduate

Job description

Job Description

We are seeking a dedicated, enthusiastic Daycare-Based Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) to join our early childhood care team in Birmingham. Working under the supervision of a Licensed Occupational Therapist (OTR), you will help infants, toddlers, and preschoolers build the fine motor, sensory, visual‑motor, and self‑help skills necessary to participate fully in daily play, routines, and early learning environments.

We are seeking a dedicated, enthusiastic Daycare-Based Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) to join our early childhood care team in Birmingham. Working under the supervision of a Licensed Occupational Therapist (OTR), you will help infants, toddlers, and preschoolers build the fine motor, sensory, visual‑motor, and self‑help skills necessary to participate fully in daily play, routines, and early learning environments.

Key Responsibilities

• Direct Therapy Delivery: Implement targeted occupational therapy interventions to support toddlers' and preschoolers' individualized developmental goals and early intervention plans.
• Classroom & Play Integration: Focus on functional skill‑building through play, including fine motor grasp, tool use (crayons, safety scissors, eating utensils), sensory regulation, self‑feeding, dressing, and navigating play spaces safely.
• Collaboration & Support: Work closely with lead daycare teachers, early childhood aides, and support staff to implement sensory breaks, flexible seating modifications, and developmental accommodations during circle time and routine activities.
• Progress Tracking & Reporting: Document child progress toward specific developmental milestones, log therapy sessions, and contribute data for progress updates and team meetings under OTR guidance.
• Equipment & Environmental Setup: Assist with adaptive seating, floor‑time support equipment, and assistive play devices tailored for infants, toddlers, and young children.
• Family Engagement: Maintain warm, open communication with parents and caregivers to provide home activity ideas and reinforce daily developmental strategies.

Qualifications

• Education: Graduate of an accredited Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) program.
• Licensure: Active (or eligibility for) COTA license from the Alabama State Board of Occupational Therapy.
• Certifications: Current NBCOT certification and Pediatric CPR/First Aid certification.
• Experience: Prior experience working with infants, toddlers, or early childhood pediatric populations preferred.
• Skills: Strong interpersonal skills, patience, creative play‑based problem‑solving, and deep knowledge of early childhood developmental milestones.

Why Is This a Great Opportunity

Join our early learning community in Birmingham and make a direct, positive impact on young children's growth and development!

Salary Type : Hourly

Salary Min : $ 27

Salary Max : $ 32

Currency Type : USD