Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant

Great Bay Staffing Group•Birmingham, AL

4d•Onsite

About The Position

Join our dedicated early childhood care team as a Daycare-Based Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) in Birmingham, Alabama. In this rewarding pediatric occupational therapy role, you will work under the supervision of a Licensed Occupational Therapist (OTR) to help infants, toddlers, and preschoolers develop essential fine motor skills, sensory processing abilities, visual-motor integration, and self-help skills. Your expertise will empower young children to participate fully in daily play, routines, and early learning environments, setting the foundation for lifelong success.

Requirements

Associate's degree from an ACOTE-accredited Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) program required.
Active COTA license from the Alabama State Board of Occupational Therapy, or eligibility for Alabama OTA licensure.
Current NBCOT (National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy) certification in good standing.
Valid Pediatric CPR and First Aid certification (or willingness to obtain upon hire).
Demonstrated knowledge of early childhood developmental milestones, pediatric assessment tools, sensory integration techniques, and play-based therapy approaches.
Exceptional communication skills, patience, creativity in play-based problem-solving, cultural sensitivity, and ability to work effectively with young children, families, and multidisciplinary teams.

Nice To Haves

Previous experience working with infants, toddlers, preschoolers, or early childhood pediatric populations strongly preferred.
Experience in daycare, preschool, or early intervention settings a plus.

Responsibilities

Implement individualized occupational therapy interventions and early intervention plans to support toddlers' and preschoolers' developmental goals, focusing on age-appropriate skill acquisition.
Deliver functional skill-building through developmentally appropriate play activities, including fine motor grasp development, tool use (crayons, safety scissors, eating utensils), sensory regulation strategies, self-feeding techniques, dressing skills, and safe navigation of play environments.
Partner with lead daycare teachers, early childhood educators, classroom aides, and support staff to implement sensory breaks, flexible seating modifications, adaptive equipment, and developmental accommodations during circle time, transitions, and routine activities.
Maintain detailed documentation of child progress toward specific developmental milestones, log therapy sessions accurately, and contribute assessment data for progress updates and interdisciplinary team meetings under OTR supervision.
Select, implement, and adjust adaptive seating solutions, floor-time support equipment, assistive play devices, and sensory tools tailored for infants, toddlers, and young children in daycare settings.
Establish warm, collaborative relationships with parents and caregivers, providing home activity recommendations, developmental strategies, and reinforcement techniques to support carryover of therapeutic goals.