Lead Preschool 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. Our preschool classrooms are intentional, inquiry-based learning communities where children develop school readiness, critical thinking, and social-emotional skills. Our credentialed educators implement the Creative Curriculum and align all instruction with Ohio's 2024 Early Learning and Development Standards.

Position Summary

The Lead Preschool Teacher - OTR leads a preschool classroom at our OTR campus, serving children ages 3 to 5. You will design and deliver intentional curriculum, conduct child assessments, mentor assistant teachers, and maintain the highest standards of documentation and compliance in our Gold-rated program. Strong curriculum expertise, leadership presence, and family engagement skills are essential.

Key Responsibilities

• Implement the Creative Curriculum aligned with Ohio's 2024 Early Learning and Development Standards
• Maintain a clean, safe, and engaging preschool classroom that supports all developmental domains
• Conduct ongoing child assessments using Teaching Strategies GOLD; document and share developmental progress with OTR families
• Build and maintain strong family relationships through regular updates, conferences, and responsive daily communication
• Mentor and lead assistant teachers; foster a collaborative, high-functioning OTR classroom team
• Ensure full compliance with all Ohio DCY licensing requirements and Step Up to Quality Gold standards
• Engage in paid professional development and maintain current knowledge of preschool best practices
• Maintain all required documentation, assessment portfolios, and compliance records

Qualifications

• Associate or Bachelor degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or related field
• Minimum 3 years as a lead teacher in a licensed early childhood program with Step Up to Quality experience
• Current CPR and First Aid certification required prior to working with children
• Expertise in Creative Curriculum implementation, child development, and preschool classroom leadership
• Proficiency in Brightwheel, Teaching Strategies GOLD, or equivalent platform
• Strong communication, organizational, and mentorship 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 credentials and experience
• Health, dental, and retirement benefits included
• Paid professional development and mentorship

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 nationally respected standard of excellence in Cincinnati ECE
• Paid professional development, mentoring, and pathways for advancement
• Mission-driven, team-oriented culture in a thriving Over-the-Rhine community
• Consistent scheduling and leadership that prioritizes educator well-being
• Help shape the lives of children and prepare them for kindergarten success