Occupational Therapist, Early Childhood Special Education (Ages 3–5)

TITLE: Occupational Therapist, Early Childhood Special Education (Ages 3–5)

POSITION OVERVIEW:

Portland Public Schools seeks a licensed Occupational Therapist (OT) to provide occupational therapy services for young children ages 3–5 within the district's Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE) programs. The Occupational Therapist will work as part of a multidisciplinary team to support children's participation, independence, developmental growth, and access to learning within inclusive preschool environments, community-based settings, and natural environments.

The OT will collaborate closely with families, educators, related service providers, and community partners to support children with developmental delays and disabilities through evidence-based, relationship-centered practices that promote functional participation in daily routines and early learning experiences.

The Occupational Therapist assesses, plans, and implements occupational therapy services for preschool-aged children receiving special education services. The OT provides direct intervention, consultation, and coaching to families and educational teams to support children's participation in school routines, play, self-care, sensory regulation, social engagement, and early learning activities across natural and inclusive environments.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Conducts screenings, evaluations, and assessments for children ages 3–5 to determine eligibility and service needs related to occupational therapy
• Develops and implements individualized occupational therapy goals and interventions aligned with children's IEPs and functional participation in early childhood environments
• Provides direct and consultative occupational therapy services within preschool classrooms, community partner sites, homes, and other natural learning environments, as appropriate
• Supports children's development in areas including fine motor skills, visual motor integration, sensory processing and regulation, self-help/adaptive skills, play skills, social participation, and classroom engagement
• Collaborates with teachers, educational technicians, speech-language pathologists, physical therapists, social workers, psychologists, and administrators to support integrated and inclusive programming for young children
• Provides coaching and consultation to educators and families regarding strategies, environmental adaptations, assistive tools, sensory supports, and accommodations that promote participation and independence
• Assists teams in identifying appropriate supports and modifications to facilitate access to classroom routines, peer interactions, and early learning activities
• Maintains ongoing communication with families regarding student progress, developmental needs, and strategies to support skill development across settings
• Completes required documentation including evaluations, service logs, progress reports, Medicaid documentation, and other records in a timely and compliant manner
• Participates in IEP meetings, transition planning meetings, parent conferences, and multidisciplinary team meetings
• Supports transitions into preschool programs and kindergarten settings through collaboration with families and receiving teams
• Participates in ongoing professional development related to early childhood development, inclusive practices, sensory integration, trauma-informed care, and special education
• Performs other related duties as assigned

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Strong knowledge of occupational therapy practices, child development, developmental disabilities, and early childhood special education
• Knowledge of IDEA regulations, early intervention systems, and preschool special education service delivery models
• Understanding of evidence-based practices related to sensory processing, self-regulation, play-based intervention, adaptive development, and participation in natural environments
• Ability to apply school-based and family-centered occupational therapy practices within inclusive early childhood settings
• Ability to collaborate effectively within multidisciplinary teams and community partnerships
• Strong consultation, coaching, interpersonal, organizational, and communication skills
• Ability to establish positive and supportive relationships with young children and families from diverse backgrounds
• Ability to manage schedules, documentation, and service delivery across multiple sites

EDUCATION, TRAINING, AND EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Occupational Therapy from an accredited college or university
• Experience in pediatrics, early childhood, school-based occupational therapy, and/or sensory integration preferred
• Experience working with children ages 3–5 and their families strongly preferred
• Knowledge of inclusive preschool practices and community-based early childhood programming preferred

CREDENTIAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Current licensure from the Maine State Board of Occupational Therapy Practice
• Maine State CHRC authorization (cost is $70 - more info here)

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• Frequent sitting on the floor, kneeling, crouching, bending, stooping, and standing while engaging with young children in classroom and therapy settings
• Ability to lift, position, and assist young children and move therapy/adaptive equipment as needed
• Ability to support students with mobility, sensory, and self-care needs throughout the school day

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Travel between school sites, community preschool partner locations, and home/community settings may be required

EMPLOYMENT DETAILS:

• Schedule: School Year, Full Time (1.0 FTE)
• Assignment: Permanent
• Contract: Part of PEA union (see 2025-2028 CBA here)
• Salary: Based on education and experience, as outlined in CBA
• Overtime: Not eligible for overtime
• Benefits: Eligible for benefits as outlined here

ABOUT PORTLAND PUBLIC SCHOOLS:

Portland Public Schools is one of the most diverse district's north of Boston, MA, with more than 50 languages spoken by our students and their families. It is the largest district in the state of Maine, serving almost 7,000 students from Pre-K to 12th grade, spread across 20 building and partner sites.

--

Portland Public Schools is committed to maintaining a work and learning environment free from discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, pregnancy, gender, sexual orientation, marital/civil union status, ancestry, place of birth, age, citizenship status, veteran status, political affiliation or disability, as defined and required by state and federal laws.