Lead Infant Teacher - OTR

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. We deliver relationship-based, responsive infant care using the Creative Curriculum for Infants, Toddlers and Twos, aligned with Ohio's Early Learning and Development Standards. Our OTR team is mission-driven, collaborative, and recognized as a leader in Cincinnati early childhood education.

Position Summary

The Lead Infant Teacher - OTR leads our infant classroom (ages 6 weeks to 12 months) at the OTR campus. You will design individualized care plans, maintain Gold-level documentation standards, partner with families daily, and mentor assistant teachers — all within a highly regulated, high-quality environment. This role requires a warm, experienced educator who holds themselves and their team to the highest standard of infant care.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and implement individualized routines and experiences using the Creative Curriculum for Infants, Toddlers and Twos, aligned with Ohio Early Learning and Development Standards
• Lead a safe, sanitary, and nurturing infant classroom in full compliance with Ohio DCY licensing and Step Up to Quality Gold standards
• Conduct developmental observations and document infant milestones using Teaching Strategies GOLD or Brightwheel
• Communicate with OTR families daily through digital platforms; facilitate scheduled parent-teacher conferences
• Mentor and guide assistant infant teachers; model responsive, attachment-based caregiving practices
• Follow all infant sleep safety, feeding, diapering, and sanitation protocols per Ohio DCY regulations
• Participate in ongoing professional development focused on infant brain development and responsive caregiving
• Maintain all classroom documentation, attendance, and health records required by DCY and Step Up to Quality

Qualifications

• Associate or Bachelor degree in Early Childhood Education, CDA, or related field
• Minimum 3 years of lead teaching experience in a licensed infant classroom
• Current CPR and First Aid certification required prior to working with children
• Demonstrated knowledge of infant development, attachment theory, and routine-based care
• Proficiency with Brightwheel, Teaching Strategies GOLD, or equivalent documentation platform
• Strong team leadership, family communication, and classroom management 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 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 — a recognized leader in Cincinnati early childhood education
• Paid professional development including infant-specific training and credential support
• Collaborative, mission-driven team culture with supportive leadership
• Clear advancement pathway within Water Lily Learning Center
• Be the first educator in a child's life during the most critical window of development