Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant

Canton Public Schools; San Jacinto (CA); On-site; USD 48,000 - 56,000; Full time

Job summary

Canton Public Schools seeks a skilled Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) to support students' access, participation, independence, and success within the educational environment through school-based occupational therapy services.

The COTA will work under the supervision of a licensed Occupational Therapist to implement services for the 2026–2027 school year at district-wide level; requires CT licensure and NBCOT eligibility with pediatric experience preferred.

Qualifications

• Strong communication, organization, documentation, and collaborative skills.
• Ability to work effectively with students with a range of developmental, physical, sensory, behavioral, and learning needs.
• License and licensure requirements per Connecticut standards.
• OTA program completion from an accredited institution.
• NBCOT certification/eligibility per CT licensure rules.
• School-based or pediatric experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Implement occupational therapy interventions and treatment plans developed under supervision of the District Occupational Therapist.
• Provide individual and small-group services aligned with students' IEP goals and educational needs.
• Support development of fine‑motor, visual‑motor, sensory‑motor, self‑care, adaptive, and functional school skills.
• Collect data and maintain accurate documentation of services and student progress.
• Collaborate with teachers, paraeducators, families, and related service providers to support student participation across school environments.
• Assist with adaptive equipment, assistive technology, positioning, and environmental supports as directed by the Occupational Therapist.
• Participate in PPT/IEP and team meetings as appropriate.
• Maintain confidentiality and comply with district procedures and applicable state and federal requirements.
• Participate in supervision, professional learning, and required district training.

Skills

Strong communication

Documentation

Collaborative skills

Adaptability

Education

Connecticut OT Assistant license

Graduate of an accredited OTA program

Job description

Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant JobID: 1177

• Position Type:
  Student Support Services
• Date Posted:
  8/28/2026
• Location:
  District-Wide
• Date Available:
  Immediately

Canton Public Schools

Job Description

Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA)

Canton Public Schools seeks a skilled, collaborative, and student-centered Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) to join our Pupil Personnel Services team for the 2026–2027 school year.

The COTA will work under the supervision of a licensed Occupational Therapist to support students' access, participation, independence, and success within the educational environment through the implementation of school-based occupational therapy services.

Position (Non - Union)

• Work Year: 185 days
• Compensation: $35.00-$41.00 per hour, based on experience
• Location: Districtwide

Reports to: Director of Pupil Personnel Services/Designee and Supervising Occupational Therapist

Responsibilities

• Implement occupational therapy interventions and treatment plans developed under supervision of the District Occupational Therapist.
• Provide individual and small-group services aligned with students' IEP goals and educational needs.
• Support the development of fine‑motor, visual‑motor, sensory‑motor, self‑care, adaptive, and functional school skills.
• Collect data and maintain accurate documentation of services and student progress.
• Collaborate with teachers, paraeducators, families, and related service providers to support student participation across school environments.
• Assist with adaptive equipment, assistive technology, positioning, and environmental supports as directed by the Occupational Therapist.
• Participate in PPT/IEP and team meetings as appropriate.
• Maintain confidentiality and comply with district procedures and applicable state and federal requirements.
• Participate in supervision, professional learning, and required district training.

Qualifications

• Current Connecticut Occupational Therapy Assistant license required.
• Graduate of an accredited Occupational Therapy Assistant program.
• NBCOT certification/eligibility consistent with Connecticut licensure requirements.
• School-based or pediatric experience preferred.
• Strong communication, organization, documentation, and collaborative skills.
• Ability to work effectively with students with a range of developmental, physical, sensory, behavioral, and learning needs.

Physical Requirements

Must be able to perform the physical responsibilities associated with school-based occupational therapy services, including standing, walking, sitting, bending, kneeling, reaching, and transitioning between floor and standing positions. Must be able to lift, carry, push, pull, position, and/or assist students and equipment weighing up to 50 pounds, with assistance or adaptive equipment when appropriate.

The COTA works within the scope of Connecticut licensure and under the supervision of a licensed Occupational Therapist. The position does not independently conduct occupational therapy evaluations, interpret evaluation results, determine eligibility, establish plans of care, or independently recommend or discontinue occupational therapy services.

Canton Public Schools is an Equal Opportunity Employer.