COTA

Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant position is an important position in the delivery of special education related services in the areas of Occupational Therapy and Sensory Integration.  We are fortunate the past two years to have a contract with Memorial Health Center and shared a COTA position.  Our OT caseload continued to remain at high levels throughout this process.  This year MHC was unable to find a suitable replacement.  CESA 10 did not have a COTA position for us to contract with them.  The administrative team decided to post for a COTA position.  We have since interviewed and offered the position to Kelli Elmhorst who has graciously accepted the position.  Pending Board of Education approval on her hiring and contract, Kelli will begin in three weeks.

COTA position will provide a unique role for the school district.  They will help assist our Occupational Therapist Caroline Radlinger in the carrying out and delivery of OT services per student IEPs.  Kelli will provide these services for all students from 3 years of age up to 21. Under our OT's supervision, Kelli will help students with sensory integration, fine motor skills, assistive technology, occupational skills, adaptive daily living, and many other skills.  We will be better to remain in compliance with IEPs and delivery of services for students with disabilities.

COTA position required a two year degree which Kelli has.  She has also worked for the past two years at a nursing home and she is excited to work with the school age population.  The district needed a COTA position due to OT caseloads over the state statutes requirement.