Lead Infant 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 serving families in Cincinnati's Avondale neighborhood. We deliver high-quality, relationship-based infant care through the Creative Curriculum for Infants, Toddlers and Twos. Our Avondale program is deeply rooted in family partnership, consistent caregiving, and community connection.

Position Summary

The Lead Infant Teacher - Avondale leads the infant classroom (ages 6 weeks to 12 months) at our Avondale campus. This role is built for an experienced, warm educator who can build strong family relationships, implement structured care routines, guide assistant teachers, and maintain full DCY and Step Up to Quality Gold compliance at the Avondale location.

Key Responsibilities

• Plan and implement individualized infant routines and curriculum using the Creative Curriculum for Infants, Toddlers and Twos, aligned with Ohio Early Learning and Development Standards
• Maintain a safe, calm, and developmentally appropriate infant environment following all DCY health, safety, and Step Up to Quality Gold standards
• Conduct regular developmental observations; document infant progress using DCY-approved tools and share updates with Avondale families
• Communicate with Avondale families daily through app-based reporting and written updates; build strong caregiver partnerships
• Supervise and guide assistant teachers; establish consistent, high-quality caregiving practices across the Avondale infant room
• Follow all infant protocols: safe sleep, proper feeding, diapering, and hygiene in accordance with DCY regulations
• Participate in ongoing professional development and apply best practices to the Avondale infant program
• Maintain all required classroom records, health logs, and DCY compliance documentation

Qualifications

• Associate or Bachelor degree in Early Childhood Education, CDA, or Infant and Toddler Development
• Minimum 3 years of experience in a licensed infant classroom including prior lead teaching experience
• Current CPR and First Aid certification required prior to working with children
• Strong understanding of infant development, attachment, and milestone-based caregiving
• Excellent written and verbal communication with families and classroom staff
• Confident use of technology platforms for documentation and family communication
• Must meet all Ohio DCY employment eligibility requirements including applicable clearances

Schedule and Compensation

• Full-time, Monday through Friday
• $15-$17/hr based on experience and credentials
• 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 — high-quality program with strong community ties in Avondale
• Supportive leadership committed to staff growth, retention, and wellness
• Paid training and professional development opportunities
• Meaningful work in a close-knit, family-centered community program
• Shape the earliest stages of development for Avondale's youngest children