Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant

Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) - Pediatric Daycare Setting | Tuscaloosa, AL

We are seeking a compassionate and skilled Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) to join our dynamic early childhood development team in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. This pediatric occupational therapy position offers the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of infants, toddlers, and preschoolers by helping them develop essential developmental skills in a nurturing daycare environment. Working under the supervision of a Licensed Occupational Therapist (OTR/L), you will deliver play-based therapy interventions that support children's fine motor skills, sensory processing, and daily living abilities.

Key Responsibilities

• Pediatric Therapy Implementation: Deliver evidence-based occupational therapy interventions to support individualized early childhood development goals and early intervention treatment plans for infants, toddlers, and preschool-aged children
• Play-Based Therapy & Functional Skills: Facilitate developmental skill-building through therapeutic play activities, including fine motor coordination, pencil grasp development, scissor skills, sensory regulation techniques, self-feeding abilities, dressing skills, and safe playground navigation
• Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Partner with daycare teachers, early childhood educators, classroom aides, and childcare staff to integrate sensory breaks, adaptive seating solutions, and developmental accommodations into daily routines, circle time, and classroom activities
• Clinical Documentation & Progress Monitoring: Maintain accurate therapy documentation, track developmental milestones, record treatment session notes, and contribute data for progress reports and individualized education program (IEP) team meetings under OTR supervision
• Adaptive Equipment & Environmental Modifications: Set up and maintain adaptive seating systems, positioning equipment, assistive technology devices, and therapeutic play materials designed for early childhood populations
• Parent Education & Caregiver Support: Communicate effectively with families and caregivers, providing home exercise programs, developmental activity suggestions, and strategies to reinforce occupational therapy goals in natural environments

Qualifications & Requirements

• Education: Associate degree or certificate from an ACOTE-accredited Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) program
• Licensure: Current Alabama COTA license issued by the Alabama State Board of Occupational Therapy, or eligibility to obtain licensure
• Certification: Active NBCOT (National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy) certification as a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant
• CPR/First Aid: Current Pediatric CPR and First Aid certification required
• Experience: Previous experience with pediatric populations, early intervention services, infant development, toddler therapy, or preschool-aged children strongly preferred
• Skills: Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities, patience and empathy when working with young children, creative problem-solving skills, play-based therapy techniques, and comprehensive understanding of early childhood developmental milestones and pediatric occupational therapy best practices

About Tuscaloosa, Alabama

Tuscaloosa is a vibrant college town located along the beautiful Black Warrior River in west-central Alabama. Home to the University of Alabama, this growing city of approximately 100,000 residents offers an excellent quality of life with affordable housing, Southern charm, and a strong sense of community. Tuscaloosa provides diverse dining and entertainment options, outdoor recreation opportunities including parks and riverfront trails, rich cultural attractions, and excellent schools. The city combines small-town friendliness with big-city amenities, making it an ideal place for healthcare professionals to build both their careers and their lives.

Why This Is a Great Opportunity

• Make a Lasting Impact: Play a vital role in shaping young children's developmental trajectories during critical early childhood years
• Competitive Compensation: Hourly wage ranging from $27 to $32 per hour (USD), commensurate with experience
• Specialized Pediatric Experience: Gain valuable hands-on experience in early intervention and pediatric occupational therapy within an authentic daycare setting
• Collaborative Environment: Work alongside dedicated early childhood educators and therapy professionals who share your passion for child development
• Professional Growth: Develop expertise in play-based therapy, sensory integration techniques, and family-centered early intervention practices
• Meaningful Work: Witness daily progress and celebrate developmental milestones with children and their families in a rewarding, nurturing environment

Apply Today

If you are a dedicated Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant with a passion for pediatric therapy and early childhood development, we want to hear from you! Join our Tuscaloosa early learning community and help young children build the foundational skills they need to thrive. Qualified candidates are encouraged to apply today to begin making a difference in the lives of children and families in our community.