Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant

Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant

Department: Managed Services

Employment Type: Full Time

Location: San Diego, CA

Compensation: $30.00 - $38.00 / hour

Description

Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA)

Company: Includ(Ed)

Location: Various Locations Throughout San Diego

Includ(Ed) Campuses

• Pacific Beach Campus: 4761 Cass Street, San Diego, CA 92109
• Point Loma Campus: 3598 Talbot St, San Diego, CA 92106

We are seeking a neurodiversity-affirming, passionate, and dedicated Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) to join our 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 our 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 our 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.

Our Mission and Vision

At Includ(Ed), our philosophy is simple: all children deserve access to community, care, and education. We are on a mission to increase access to quality, inclusive early childhood education.

What is it that we do?

Includ(Ed) provides inclusive preschool and childcare where all are welcome. Collectively, our staff provides the support, care, and education that enable typically developing children and children with disabilities to learn, play, and thrive together.

Our multidisciplinary team works collaboratively within the classroom to support children's participation and development across the school day. Our model emphasizes relationships, access, autonomy, and collaboration rather than separating children from their peers for therapy whenever possible.

Key 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.

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

Physical Requirements of the Job:

• 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.

Compensation and Benefits

Job Type: Hourly, 30- 40 hours per week

Pay: $30.00-$38.00/hour based on experience and education

• 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.

To Apply:

Please submit your resume, transcripts, and a letter of intent outlining your relevant experience and interest in working at Includ(Ed) to jobs@includedsd.org. In the subject line, please include "COTA - School-Based."

Join our dedicated team at Includ(Ed) and help us create nurturing, inclusive classroom environments where every child can learn, play, participate, and thrive. Your expertise and passion will make a meaningful impact on the children, teachers, and families we serve.

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement:

EEOC Statement

Includ(Ed) is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.