Lead Toddler Teacher - OTR

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

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Retirement plan

Paid professional development

Weekly pay

Job summary

Water Lily Learning Center in Cincinnati’s Over-the-Rhine is seeking a Lead Toddler Teacher for ages 12 to 36 months. You will create structured, engaging classrooms, implement the Creative Curriculum, mentor staff, and ensure Gold-level Step Up to Quality and DCY compliance.

The position is full-time, with a competitive $15-$18/hr wage, health/dental/retirement benefits, paid professional development, and clear advancement opportunities within a supportive leadership team.

Qualifications

• Associate or Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education or related field.
• Minimum 3 years' experience with toddlers in licensed setting, including lead teaching.
• CPR and First Aid certification required before working with children.
• Knowledge of toddler development, behavior management, and emotional regulation.
• Proficiency with Brightwheel, Teaching Strategies GOLD, or equivalent platform.
• Strong communication, leadership, and classroom organization.
• Must meet Ohio DCY eligibility including clearances.

Responsibilities

• Create and implement developmentally appropriate lesson plans using the Creative Curriculum, aligned with Ohio's 2024 standards.
• Manage a safe, organized toddler classroom with routines and sensory activities.
• Conduct ongoing child assessments and document milestones for families.
• Build strong family partnerships through daily reports and conferences.
• Mentor and lead assistant teachers; model positive guidance.
• Maintain DCY and Step Up to Quality compliance documentation.
• Pursue ongoing professional development aligned with toddler development.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Classroom management

Curriculum implementation

Child development knowledge

CPR/First Aid

Education

Degree in ECE/Child Development

Tools

Brightwheel

Teaching Strategies GOLD

Job description

| Gold-Rated Step Up to Quality | Full-Time | 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 toddler classrooms are dynamic, sensory-rich environments where children build language, independence, and social-emotional skills. We implement the Creative Curriculum and align our practice with Ohio's 2024 Early Learning and Development Standards.

Position Summary

The Lead Toddler Teacher - OTR leads the toddler classroom at our OTR campus, guiding children ages 12 to 36 months through one of the most critical periods of early development. You will create structured, engaging environments, implement curriculum, mentor classroom staff, and maintain full Gold-level Step Up to Quality and DCY compliance.

Key Responsibilities

• Create and implement developmentally appropriate lesson plans using the Creative Curriculum, aligned with Ohio's 2024 Early Learning and Development Standards
• Manage a safe, organized toddler classroom with clear transitions, predictable routines, and sensory and language-rich activities
• Conduct ongoing child assessments using DCY-approved tools; document milestones and communicate findings with OTR families
• Build strong family partnerships through daily reports, formal conferences, and consistent responsive communication
• Mentor and lead assistant teachers; model positive guidance and behavior support strategies
• Maintain full compliance with all Ohio DCY licensing and Step Up to Quality Gold standards
• Participate in ongoing professional development aligned with toddler development best practices
• Maintain all required classroom records, assessment portfolios, and DCY compliance documentation

Qualifications

• Associate or Bachelor degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or related field
• Minimum 3 years working with toddlers in a licensed early childhood setting including lead teaching experience
• Current CPR and First Aid certification required prior to working with children
• Knowledge of toddler development, behavior management, and emotional regulation strategies
• Proficiency with Brightwheel, Teaching Strategies GOLD, or equivalent digital platform
• Strong communication, team leadership, and classroom organization 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 experience and credentials
• Health, dental, and retirement benefits included
• Paid professional development and advancement opportunities

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 credentialed, high-quality environment in Over-the-Rhine
• Paid professional development with focus on toddler curriculum and child development
• Collaborative, child-focused team with experienced, supportive leadership
• Structured career pathway from lead teacher to senior or director roles
• Play a vital role nurturing toddlers during one of the most important developmental stages