Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant

Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) - Early Childhood Development | Birmingham, AL

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.

Key Responsibilities

• Direct Pediatric Therapy Delivery: Implement individualized occupational therapy interventions and early intervention plans to support toddlers' and preschoolers' developmental goals, focusing on age-appropriate skill acquisition
• Play-Based Classroom Integration: 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
• Interdisciplinary Collaboration & Support: 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
• Progress Monitoring & Documentation: 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
• Adaptive Equipment & Environmental Setup: 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
• Family-Centered Care & Communication: Establish warm, collaborative relationships with parents and caregivers, providing home activity recommendations, developmental strategies, and reinforcement techniques to support carryover of therapeutic goals

Qualifications & Requirements

• Education: Associate's degree from an ACOTE-accredited Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) program required
• State Licensure: Active COTA license from the Alabama State Board of Occupational Therapy, or eligibility for Alabama OTA licensure
• Professional Certification: Current NBCOT (National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy) certification in good standing
• Safety Certifications: Valid Pediatric CPR and First Aid certification (or willingness to obtain upon hire)
• Experience: Previous experience working with infants, toddlers, preschoolers, or early childhood pediatric populations strongly preferred; experience in daycare, preschool, or early intervention settings a plus
• Clinical Skills: Demonstrated knowledge of early childhood developmental milestones, pediatric assessment tools, sensory integration techniques, and play-based therapy approaches
• Interpersonal Abilities: Exceptional communication skills, patience, creativity in play-based problem-solving, cultural sensitivity, and ability to work effectively with young children, families, and multidisciplinary teams

About Birmingham, Alabama

Birmingham offers an exceptional quality of life with Southern charm, affordable living, and a thriving healthcare and education community. As Alabama's largest metropolitan area, Birmingham features diverse neighborhoods, excellent dining and entertainment options, numerous parks and outdoor recreation areas, and a rich cultural scene. The city's growing economy, family-friendly communities, and mild climate make it an ideal location for occupational therapy professionals seeking career growth and work-life balance. Birmingham's strong early childhood education infrastructure and commitment to pediatric services provide an excellent environment for COTA professionals passionate about child development.

Why This Is a Great Opportunity

• Meaningful Impact: Make a direct, lasting difference in young children's growth, development, and future success during critical early childhood years
• Specialized Pediatric Focus: Develop expertise in early intervention, infant development, toddler occupational therapy, and preschool-based practice
• Collaborative Environment: Work alongside passionate early childhood educators, therapists, and support staff dedicated to child-centered care
• Professional Growth: Receive ongoing mentorship from experienced Licensed Occupational Therapists and access continuing education opportunities in pediatric specialties
• Competitive Compensation: Earn $27-$32 per hour based on experience and qualifications
• Rewarding Work: Experience the joy of celebrating developmental milestones with children and families in a supportive daycare community

Apply Today

If you are a compassionate, dedicated Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant with a passion for early childhood development and pediatric care, we encourage you to apply today. Join our Birmingham early learning community and help young children build the foundational skills they need to thrive. Qualified candidates with COTA licensure, NBCOT certification, and a commitment to play-based, family-centered therapy are invited to submit their application. Take the next step in your pediatric occupational therapy career and make every day count for the children and families we serve!