Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant

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

Job summary

NPAworldwide is seeking a Daycare-Based Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) to join our early childhood care team in Tuscaloosa, AL. Working under a Licensed Occupational Therapist (OTR), you will support infants, toddlers, and preschoolers in developing fine motor, sensory, and self-help skills through play and daily routines.

You will collaborate with teachers and staff, document progress, and adapt activities to meet each child’s milestones.

Qualifications

• Graduate of an accredited OTA program.
• Active (or eligibility for) COTA license from Alabama State Board.
• NBCOT certification and Pediatric CPR/First Aid certification.
• Experience with infants, toddlers, or early childhood pediatric populations preferred.
• Strong interpersonal skills and patience for working with young children and families.

Responsibilities

• Direct Therapy Delivery: implement targeted occupational therapy interventions to support developmental goals.
• Classroom & Play Integration: build functional skills through play, fine motor tasks, and self-care activities.
• Collaboration & Support: work with teachers and staff to implement sensory breaks and accommodations.
• Progress Tracking & Reporting: document child progress and log sessions under supervision.
• Equipment & Environmental Setup: assist with adaptive seating and play equipment for young children.
• Family Engagement: maintain warm communication with parents and caregivers, sharing home activity ideas.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Patience

Creative problem-solving

Early childhood development knowledge

Education

Accredited 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 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.

Job Description

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