CPPI Occupational Therapist: Preschool - School Year

This position is part of the Commonwealth Preschool Partnership Initiative (CPPI) grant. The goals of this grant are expansion and access to quality preschool, building locally aligned quality, and equitable access to special education and inclusion.

The Occupational Therapist will observe all students to determine preschool learners with fine and gross motor skill needs, offer Tier 1/2 suggestions, and provide coaching, keep appropriate records, inform faculty about observed growth, and recommend specific opportunities for school/home growth with motor skills.

Qualifications: 

• Current license through the state board and certification through the National Board of Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT);
• Master's degree preferred;
• Early childhood and urban experience preferred;
• Knowledge of current education legislation/regulations;
• Ability to work effectively with teachers, support staff, and parents, and advocate for children to effectively problem-solve;
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and organizational skills and ability to work with all stakeholders;
• Belief in the commitment to increasing personal growth, both academic and social-emotional, to obtain the highest level of achievement for every student.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

• Collaborate with preschool itinerant teams, including Clinical Interventionists, SPED Teacher, and SLP;
• Travel is required between several sites in partnership with city preschools, including, but not limited to, YMCA, Busy Bees, FHS and Head Start;
• Provide learning experiences guided by the Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks and district standards and requirements, while creating an environment that is conducive to student learning;
• Differentiate instruction and provide appropriate opportunities for learning using Response to intervention (RTI) framework;
• Implement the district's mission, philosophy of education, and instructional standards and objectives as well as CPPI’s mission;
• Document the progress and/or concerns of students and seek the assistance of additional district specialists as required;
• Complete any necessary evaluations that measure progress according to professional guidelines.
• Monitor and supervise students through effective classroom management
• Promote high standards and expectations for student achievement
• Be responsible for using innovative approaches and instructional strategies, including the effective use of technologies, to increase student learning and confidence to learn
• Follow professional practices consistent with the district's policies in working with students, parents, and preschool colleagues;
• If appropriate, suggest activities families can do with their child to assist and supplement the student's fine and
• Serve as liaison and keep IEP current for students receiving IEP services in CBO locations gross motor skills.

Reports to:       CPPI Grant Coordinator/Director of Preschool

Evaluated by:   CPPI Grant Coordinator/Director of Preschool

Terms of Employment/Salary/Work Year:

• Prorated to start date and #of hours per week; NTE 19 hours per week;
• Not eligible for benefits
• Summer Continuation: This position may continue into the summer, contingent upon the availability of grant funding. 

Internal Candidates must include a cover letter and an updated resume.  Please follow the instructions on the internal application to upload the documents.  

An offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of NCBC (fingerprinting) and CORI before your start of employment. 

The responsibilities and duties listed are illustrations of the various types of work performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position. The information contained in this job description is for compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (A.D.A.) and is not an exhaustive list of the duties performed for this position. Additional duties may be assigned as required.

Notice of Non-Discrimination
The School Committee’s policy of nondiscrimination extends to students, employees, and the general public with whom it does business. Fitchburg Public Schools does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, or disability in admission to, access to, employment in, or equal treatment in its programs and/or activities in compliance with state and federal law.
Questions related to this policy must be addressed to: The Office of Human Resources, 376 South Street, Fitchburg, MA 01420, HR@Fitchburg.k12.ma.us

Salary : $58,445 - $108,891