Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant

Mission Edge • San Diego, CA

38d • Onsite

About The Position

Includ(Ed) is seeking a neurodiversity-affirming, passionate, and dedicated Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) to join their inclusive preschool team. This role is designed for a COTA who enjoys working directly within the classroom and collaborating closely with teachers, therapists, and families to support children’s participation and success throughout the school day. The COTA will provide a combination of individual and small-group occupational therapy intervention, classroom-based support, team consultation, and staff training within their inclusive childcare program. Rather than providing therapy in isolation, this role is embedded within the natural classroom environment and focuses on helping children access, participate in, and engage meaningfully in everyday routines, play, learning, and social experiences. As part of the team, you will have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on children and families while working alongside a multidisciplinary team committed to inclusion, collaboration, and neurodiversity-affirming care. Includ(Ed)'s mission is to increase access to quality, inclusive early childhood education, providing inclusive preschool and childcare where all are welcome. Their multidisciplinary team works collaboratively within the classroom to support children’s participation and development across the school day, emphasizing relationships, access, autonomy, and collaboration rather than separating children from their peers for therapy whenever possible.

Requirements

• Associate’s degree from an accredited Occupational Therapy Assistant program.
• Current certification as a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) through NBCOT.
• Current California licensure/registration as required.
• Experience working with young children, preferably in a preschool, childcare, or pediatric setting.
• Knowledge of developmentally appropriate pediatric occupational therapy practices.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build positive relationships with children, teachers, and families.
• Ability to collaborate effectively within a multidisciplinary team.
• Comfortable providing support and training to teachers and classroom staff.
• Strong understanding of play-based, relationship-based, and neurodiversity-affirming approaches.
• Passion for working with young children and supporting their participation, independence, and quality of life.
• Ability to work independently while also seeking and incorporating feedback from the supervising OT and classroom team.
• Standing and walking throughout the school day.
• Frequent stooping, bending, kneeling, and moving between floor- and table-level activities.
• Ability to actively participate in play and classroom activities with young children.
• Lifting up to 40 pounds.

Nice To Haves

• Experience providing occupational therapy services in a classroom or other school-based environment preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provide direct occupational therapy intervention within the classroom through individual and small-group activities.
• Support children’s participation in classroom routines, play, learning activities, transitions, self-care, and social experiences.
• Provide push-in occupational therapy support within the natural classroom environment.
• Collaborate closely with teachers and other therapists to integrate occupational therapy strategies into everyday classroom activities and routines.
• Consult with classroom teams regarding individual student needs, classroom participation, sensory regulation, fine motor development, self-help skills, and environmental supports.
• Provide practical strategies, modeling, and training to teachers and classroom staff to support children throughout the school day.
• Help develop and implement classroom-based supports, adaptations, and accommodations that promote access and participation.
• Observe classroom routines and collaborate with the team to identify opportunities to increase independence, engagement, and participation.
• Participate in multidisciplinary team meetings and student planning as needed.
• Communicate regularly with the supervising Occupational Therapist regarding student progress, needs, and intervention strategies.
• Maintain brief and accurate documentation related to services and student progress.
• Support a neurodiversity-affirming, strengths-based approach that prioritizes autonomy, connection, participation, and inclusion.
• Contribute to a collaborative team culture where therapists and teachers learn from one another and work together to support the whole classroom.

Benefits

• Comprehensive health insurance coverage if working 30+ hours per week.
• Paid time off and holidays.
• Professional development opportunities.
• Supportive and collaborative multidisciplinary team environment.
• Opportunity to work directly within an inclusive childcare setting alongside teachers, therapists, and families.
• Clinical supervision and ongoing collaboration with Occupational Therapists.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Associate degree