Assistant Toddler Teacher - Avondale

Gold-Rated Step Up to Quality | Full-Time | Cincinnati OH 45229 | Benefits Included

About Water Lily Learning Center

Water Lily Learning Center - Avondale is a Gold-rated Step Up to Quality program in Cincinnati's Avondale neighborhood. Our toddler classrooms are structured, nurturing spaces where children explore language, movement, and social connection. We implement the Creative Curriculum and maintain high standards of care rooted in family partnership and community values.

Position Summary

The Assistant Toddler Teacher - Avondale works alongside our Lead Toddler Teacher to support the daily operation of the toddler classroom at our Avondale campus. This role is built for someone who brings patience, reliability, and a genuine love for toddlers — and who wants to be part of a close-knit, Gold-rated, community-driven team.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist the Lead Teacher with Creative Curriculum activities, transitions, and daily toddler routines at Avondale
• Support structured activities, free play, outdoor time, meals, and rest periods
• Maintain a safe, organized, and developmentally appropriate toddler classroom per Ohio DCY and Gold standards
• Assist with diapering, toileting, hygiene routines, and classroom clean-up
• Build warm, consistent relationships with Avondale toddlers and their families
• Support developmental observation and record-keeping as directed by the Lead Teacher
• Respond calmly and appropriately to toddler behaviors using positive guidance strategies
• Follow all Water Lily Learning Center, DCY, and Step Up to Quality policies and safety expectations

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required; ECE coursework, CDA, or Associate degree preferred
• Prior experience with toddlers in a licensed childcare or preschool setting preferred
• Current CPR and First Aid certification required prior to working with children
• Genuine patience, warmth, and consistency with toddler-age children
• Strong teamwork skills and ability to take direction from the Lead Teacher
• Physical ability to support full classroom duties including floor-level engagement and lifting
• Must meet all Ohio DCY employment eligibility requirements including applicable clearances

Schedule and Compensation

• Full-time, Monday through Friday
• $13-$16/hr based on experience and qualifications
• Medical, dental, and retirement benefits included
• Paid professional development and training

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 program with deep community ties in Avondale
• Paid training and hands-on mentorship from experienced lead teachers
• Stable, supportive leadership team invested in staff growth
• Opportunity to advance toward lead teacher certification
• Make a real difference in toddlers' development and school readiness in Avondale