Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant

Job Juncture; Tuscaloosa (AL); On-site; USD 37,000 - 44,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation assistance

Job summary

Job Juncture seeks a dedicated Daycare-Based Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant in Tuscaloosa, AL. You will work under an OTR to help infants and preschoolers build fine motor, sensory, and self-help skills within daily routines and play.

Collaboration with daycare staff, progress tracking, and family engagement are essential. Requires COTA license in Alabama, NBCOT, and pediatric CPR/First Aid certification, with relocation assistance available.

Qualifications

• Graduate from an accredited OTA program and eligible for Alabama COTA license.
• Maintain NBCOT certification and pediatric CPR/First Aid credentials.
• Experience with infants, toddlers, or early childhood populations preferred.

Responsibilities

• Direct therapy delivery to support developmental goals.
• Integrate therapy into classroom and play activities.
• Collaborate with teachers and staff for accommodations.
• Document progress and contribute to updates.
• Set up adaptive seating and play aids for children.
• Engage families with home strategies and updates.

Skills

Communication

Patience

Play-based therapy

Early childhood

Education

OTA program graduate

Alabama COTA license

NBCOT certification

Pediatric CPR/First Aid

Job description

Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant

Salary: $$ 35 - $$ 40 per hour

Location: Tuscaloosa, Alabama

Posted: August 25 2026

Relocation Assistance: Available

We are seeking a dedicated, enthusiastic Daycare-Based Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) to join our early childhood care team in Tuscaloosa. 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:

Qualifications & Requirements

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 Tuscaloosa 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