TODDLER LEAD TEACHER

Water Lily Learning Center; Cincinnati (OH); On-site; USD 25,000 - 33,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Full benefits

Professional growth

Stable environment

Community impact

Job summary

Water Lily Learning Center in Cincinnati, OH seeks a Lead Toddler Teacher for its Avondale location to guide a group of toddlers through daily routines, design lesson plans, and support milestone achievement.

You will partner with families, model best practices for assistants, and foster independence and social-emotional growth in a warm, structured environment.

Qualifications

• Deep understanding of toddler development, behavior, and learning.
• Strong communication and team-building abilities.
• Ability to adapt to the needs of a diverse group of children and families.
• Familiarity with technology for documentation and communication.

Responsibilities

• Curriculum Development: Develop and implement Creative Curriculum lesson plans aligned with Ohio's 2024 Early Learning and Development Standards
• Classroom Management: Establish a nurturing, safe, and well-structured toddler environment with consistent routines and developmentally appropriate transitions
• Assessment & Documentation: Conduct regular child assessments using DCY-approved tools; document growth and communicate with families
• Family Engagement: Build collaborative relationships with parents through daily communication, formal updates, and ongoing support
• Professional Development: Participate in training opportunities and stay informed on early childhood trends, especially in toddler care
• Compliance & Safety: Maintain compliance with all DCY licensing and internal safety requirements

Education

Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or a related field

Job description

TODDLER LEAD TEACHER - AVONDALE LOCATION

Creative Curriculum | Community-Based Program | Full-Time

About Us

Water Lily Learning Center - Avondale is a trusted provider of early childhood education in Cincinnati, Ohio, serving families in a community-centered and relationship-based environment. While not currently Step Up to Quality rated, we are fully licensed and committed to delivering high standards of care. Our toddler classrooms follow the Creative Curriculum, offering rich opportunities for sensory exploration, movement, and language development.

Job Overview

We are seeking a dedicated and compassionate Lead Toddler Teacher to join our Avondale team. This role is ideal for an educator who values consistency, developmental structure, and warm, responsive caregiving.

As the Lead Toddler Teacher, you’ll guide a group of toddlers through daily routines that foster independence and social-emotional growth. You’ll design lesson plans, support milestone achievement, and maintain strong partnerships with families while modeling best practices for assistant teachers.

Key Responsibilities

• Curriculum Development: Develop and implement Creative Curriculum lesson plans aligned with Ohio's 2024 Early Learning and Development Standards
• Classroom Management: Establish a nurturing, safe, and well-structured toddler environment with consistent routines and developmentally appropriate transitions
• Assessment & Documentation: Conduct regular child assessments using DCY-approved tools; document growth and communicate with families
• Family Engagement: Build collaborative relationships with parents through daily communication, formal updates, and ongoing support
• Professional Development: Participate in training opportunities and stay informed on early childhood trends, especially in toddler care
• Compliance & Safety: Maintain compliance with all DCY licensing and internal safety requirements

Qualifications

• Education: Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or a related field
• Experience: Minimum 3 years of experience in a licensed early childhood program, with specific experience working with toddlers
• Certifications: Must meet DCY licensing requirements, including current CPR and First Aid certifications
• Skills:
  • Deep understanding of toddler development, behavior, and learning
  • Strong communication and team-building abilities
  • Ability to adapt to the needs of a diverse group of children and families
  • Familiarity with technology for documentation and communication

Why Join Us?

• Competitive Salary and Benefits: $18-$24/hour depending on qualifications, with full medical, dental, and retirement benefits
• Supportive Culture: Family-focused, consistent, and rooted in community values
• Professional Growth: Opportunities for training, mentorship, and advancement
• Stability: Work in a structured, nurturing environment with reliable leadership
• Impact: Help shape the early years of development for toddlers and support their transition into preschool readiness