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Location: Birmingham, AL | Schedule: Full-time, on-site

Overview

An early childhood care center in Birmingham, AL is seeking a dedicated Daycare-Based Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) to join its early childhood care team. Working under the supervision of a Licensed Occupational Therapist (OTR), this role supports infants, toddlers, and preschoolers in building the fine motor, sensory, visual-motor, and self-help skills necessary to participate fully in daily play, routines, and early learning environments.

What you'll do

• Implement targeted occupational therapy interventions to support toddlers' and preschoolers' individualized developmental goals and early intervention plans
• Support functional skill-building through play, including fine motor grasp, tool use (crayons, safety scissors, eating utensils), sensory regulation, self-feeding, dressing, and safely navigating play spaces
• Collaborate 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
• Document child progress toward specific developmental milestones, log therapy sessions, and contribute data for progress updates and team meetings under OTR guidance
• Assist with adaptive seating, floor-time support equipment, and assistive play devices tailored for infants, toddlers, and young children
• Maintain warm, open communication with parents and caregivers to provide home activity ideas and reinforce daily developmental strategies

Required qualifications

• Graduate of an accredited Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) program
• Active (or eligibility for) COTA license from the Alabama State Board of Occupational Therapy
• Current NBCOT certification
• Current Pediatric CPR/First Aid certification
• Strong interpersonal skills, patience, creative play-based problem-solving, and deep knowledge of early childhood developmental milestones

Preferred qualifications

• Prior experience working with infants, toddlers, or early childhood pediatric populations preferred

Why this role

This position offers the opportunity to make a direct, positive impact on young children's growth and development within an early learning community in Birmingham.