Nature-Based Pediatric OT Group Play Aide
Therapeeps Occupational Therapy Services, Inc.
Location: Various parks in Cupertino and Redwood City, CA
Job Type: Part-Time
Hours: 5-8 hours per week
Schedule: Wednesdays and Thursdays, generally between 1:00–5:00 PM
About Therapeeps
Therapeeps Occupational Therapy Services is a pediatric occupational therapy practice in Mountain View, Ca that provides relationship-based, child-centered therapy in homes, schools, and outdoor community settings.
Our Therapeeps Outside OT program brings occupational therapy into nature through small therapeutic groups that support children's social-emotional development, sensory processing, motor skills, self-regulation, independence, and confidence.
We are looking for a Nature-Based OT Group Play Aide who loves working with children and enjoys being outdoors to join our growing program.
About the Position
The Nature-Based OT Group Play Aide will work alongside a licensed pediatric occupational therapist to support a small group of children in outdoor therapeutic settings.
This is a wonderful opportunity for someone with a background in child development, education, psychology, recreation, special education, child life, or a related field who is interested in learning more about pediatric occupational therapy.
We would especially love to meet individuals who are considering a career in occupational therapy or preparing to apply to OT school.
What You'll Do
- Support the OT in facilitating small-group therapeutic activities.
- Engage children in nature-based play, movement, sensory activities, and social experiences.
- Help children participate safely in outdoor activities.
- Provide encouragement, connection, and support during transitions and challenging moments.
- Help children practice social skills, emotional regulation, motor skills, and problem-solving.
- Follow the OT's direction regarding individualized strategies and supports.
- Help maintain a safe and welcoming group environment.
- Support children who may have sensory, developmental, behavioral, or emotional regulation challenges.
- Assist with setting up and cleaning up group materials.
- Gather materials
- Help with planning groups
- Communicate observations and concerns to the supervising OT.
- Be willing to get outside, get messy, and have fun!Who We're Looking For
The ideal candidate:
- Has a background in child development or a related field.
- Has experience working with children.
- Has experience working with children with developmental differences or special needs.
- Is patient, warm, playful, and comfortable building relationships with children.
- Is comfortable supporting children who may become dysregulated or need additional adult support.
- Enjoys being outdoors in a variety of weather conditions.
- Is dependable and able to commit to a consistent weekly schedule.
- Can take direction and work collaboratively with a pediatric OT.
- Is comfortable being active—walking, hiking, climbing, playing, and participating alongside children.
- Has strong communication and observation skills.
- Is interested in learning about sensory processing, child development, and occupational therapy.
A Great Opportunity for Future OTs
This position is particularly well suited for someone who is:
- Considering a career in pediatric occupational therapy.
- Preparing to apply to OT school.
- Currently completing prerequisite courses for OT school.
- Interested in gaining meaningful experience working with children with special needs.
- Interested in learning how occupational therapy principles can be applied in natural environments.
You will have the opportunity to observe a licensed pediatric occupational therapist working directly with children and learn about sensory processing, motor development, emotional regulation, social participation, and relationship-based intervention.
Schedule & Commitment
This is a part-time position of approximately 5-8 hours per week.
Days: Wednesdays and Thursdays
Hours: Generally between 1:00–5:00 PM
Locations: Various parks in Cupertino and Redwood City, CA
Because consistency is particularly important for the children in our groups, we are looking for someone who can make a reliable, ongoing commitment rather than someone seeking occasional or one-time work.
Additional hours may be available depending on programming and availability.
Qualifications
Required:
- Experience working with children.
- Background or education in child development, education, psychology, special education, recreation, child life, or a related field.
- Experience working with children with special needs or developmental differences.
- Reliable transportation to various outdoor group locations.
- Ability to work outdoors and participate in physical activities with children.
- Ability to pass required background screening.
Preferred:
- Experience in pediatric therapy, education, special education, behavioral support, or recreational programming.
- Interest in occupational therapy.
- Applying to or planning to apply to an OT program.
- Experience with sensory processing, neurodivergent children, or developmental disabilities.
Why Join Therapeeps?
This is more than a babysitting or childcare position. You will become part of a therapeutic team and gain hands-on experience supporting children in a unique nature-based occupational therapy environment.
You'll get to:
Work outside in beautiful natural environments
Learn about pediatric occupational therapy
Build meaningful relationships with children
Participate in movement and sensory-based activities
Work directly alongside a licensed pediatric OT Gain valuable experience for a future career in pediatric therapy
If you are passionate about children, love the outdoors, and are curious about occupational therapy, we'd love to hear from you!
To Apply
Please submit your resume and a brief description of your experience working with children, including any experience working with children with special needs. If you are interested in pursuing occupational therapy, please let us know where you are in that process.
Pay: $26.30 - $31.67 per hour
Benefits:
Work Location: In person
