Lead Preschool Teacher - OTR

Water Lily Learning Center; Cincinnati (OH); On-site; USD 21,000 - 25,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health Insurance

401(k) Retirement Savings Plan

Dental

Vision

Life Insurance

Long-Term Disability

Short-Term Disability

NexGenEAP

Working Advantage

Job summary

Water Lily Learning Center in Cincinnati’s OTR is seeking a Lead Preschool Teacher for ages 3–5. You will design and deliver intentional curriculum, assess children, mentor assistants, and ensure high standards of documentation and compliance in a Gold-rated program.

The role requires strong curriculum expertise, leadership presence, and active family engagement with Ohio standards alignment.

Qualifications

• Associate or Bachelor degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or related field.
• Current CPR and First Aid certification.
• Experience as a lead teacher in an licensed program with Step Up to Quality.
• Proficiency with Creative Curriculum and preschool leadership.

Responsibilities

• Implement the Creative Curriculum aligned with Ohio's 2024 standards.
• Maintain a safe, engaging preschool environment for 3–5 year olds.
• Conduct ongoing child assessments and share progress with families.
• Foster strong family relationships through updates and conferences.
• Mentor and lead assistant teachers; promote teamwork.
• Ensure licensing compliance and Gold standards.
• Pursue paid professional development and maintain documentation.

Skills

Leadership presence

Mentorship

Communication

Team coordination

Education

Associate or Bachelor degree in Early Childhood Education

Licensed educator credentials

Tools

Brightwheel

Teaching Strategies GOLD

Job description

Gold-Rated Step Up to Quality | Full-Time | OTR Cincinnati OH 45214 | Benefits Included

About Water Lily Learning Center

Water Lily Learning Center - OTR is a Gold-rated Step Up to Quality program in Cincinnati's Over-the-Rhine neighborhood. Our preschool classrooms are intentional, inquiry-based learning communities where children develop school readiness, critical thinking, and social-emotional skills. Our credentialed educators implement the Creative Curriculum and align all instruction with Ohio's 2024 Early Learning and Development Standards.

Position Summary

The Lead Preschool Teacher - OTR leads a preschool classroom at our OTR campus, serving children ages 3 to 5. You will design and deliver intentional curriculum, conduct child assessments, mentor assistant teachers, and maintain the highest standards of documentation and compliance in our Gold-rated program. Strong curriculum expertise, leadership presence, and family engagement skills are essential.

Key Responsibilities

• Implement the Creative Curriculum aligned with Ohio's 2024 Early Learning and Development Standards
• Maintain a clean, safe, and engaging preschool classroom that supports all developmental domains
• Conduct ongoing child assessments using Teaching Strategies GOLD; document and share developmental progress with OTR families
• Build and maintain strong family relationships through regular updates, conferences, and responsive daily communication
• Mentor and lead assistant teachers; foster a collaborative, high-functioning OTR classroom team
• Ensure full compliance with all Ohio DCY licensing requirements and Step Up to Quality Gold standards
• Engage in paid professional development and maintain current knowledge of preschool best practices
• Maintain all required documentation, assessment portfolios, and compliance records

Qualifications

• Associate or Bachelor degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or related field
• Minimum 3 years as a lead teacher in a licensed early childhood program with Step Up to Quality experience
• Current CPR and First Aid certification required prior to working with children
• Expertise in Creative Curriculum implementation, child development, and preschool classroom leadership
• Proficiency in Brightwheel, Teaching Strategies GOLD, or equivalent platform
• Strong communication, organizational, and mentorship skills
• Must meet all Ohio DCY employment eligibility requirements including applicable clearances

Schedule and Compensation

• Full-time, Monday through Friday
• $15-18/hr based on credentials and experience
• Health, dental, and retirement benefits included
• Paid professional development and mentorship

Health and Wellness Benefits:

• Health Insurance
• 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan
• Dental
• Vision
• Life Insurance
• Long-Term Disability
• Short-Term Disability
• NexGenEAP (Employee Assistance Program)
• Working Advantage (Employee Discount and Reward Program)
• Balance Care
• FinFit Financial Wellness
• Cancer Advocate
• Long-Term Care Insurance
• Pay on Demand
• Staff Meetings:Monthly paid meetings
• 11 Paid Holidays
• Paid Time Off (PTO):
• Paid Professional Development
• Weekly Pay
• Employee Referral Program
• Plus More

Why Join Water Lily?

• Gold-rated Step Up to Quality — a nationally respected standard of excellence in Cincinnati ECE
• Paid professional development, mentoring, and pathways for advancement
• Mission-driven, team-oriented culture in a thriving Over-the-Rhine community
• Consistent scheduling and leadership that prioritizes educator well-being
• Help shape the lives of children and prepare them for kindergarten success