Assistant Director-OTR

Water Lily Learning Center

Assistant Director – Early Childhood Education

Cincinnati, OH  |  Full-Time  |  $19–$22/hour

📍 Cincinnati, OH

⏰ Full-Time

💵 $19–$22 / Hour

🎓 ECE Leadership Role

❤️  About Water Lily Learning Center

Water Lily Learning Center is a licensed, family-centered early childhood program serving infants, toddlers, and preschoolers at two locations in Cincinnati, Ohio. We are committed to high-quality early education, strong community relationships, and joyful, developmentally appropriate learning.

We run on a culture called WaterLilySTRONG — built on Structure, Teamwork, Responsibility, Optimism, Nurturing, and Gratitude. These values aren't posted on a wall — they shape how we hire, lead, and show up every day.

We are growing and we are looking for an Assistant Director who is self-directed, high-energy, and ready to lead with consistency and care from the moment they walk in the door.

🌟  Position Overview

The Assistant Director is a working leadership role. You will be in the building every day — visible on the floor, supporting teachers, managing compliance, building family relationships, and keeping operations running smoothly. This is not a desk job.

You will work closely with the Director and owner to ensure the center meets its enrollment, quality, licensing, and culture goals. Your leadership directly shapes what families and staff experience every single day.

🌼  What You'll Do

STAFF LEADERSHIP & COACHING

• Provide daily coaching and support to lead teachers, assistant teachers, and floaters


• Conduct regular classroom observations and deliver specific, actionable feedback


• Assist with hiring, onboarding, and training new staff using our structured process


• Hold staff accountable to Water Lily performance standards with professionalism and consistency


• Step into classrooms as needed to maintain licensing ratios — this is a working director role

ODJFS LICENSING & SUTQ COMPLIANCE

• Conduct daily licensing compliance walkthroughs across all classrooms


• Ensure ratios, documentation, health records, and active supervision standards are maintained at all times


• Support SUTQ quality improvement initiatives and maintain our current 4-star rating


• Manage licensing files including JFS forms, staff credentials, and health training records


• Be prepared for unannounced ODJFS visits — your team should never be caught off guard

ENROLLMENT, FAMILY RELATIONS & RETENTION

• Conduct family tours and manage enrollment inquiries to maintain 85%+ occupancy


• Build and maintain strong relationships with enrolled families — you are often their first point of contact


• Resolve parent concerns and complaints with professionalism, empathy, and follow-through


• Manage waitlists, re-enrollment, and family communication through Brightwheel


• Partner with the Director on enrollment forecasting and retention strategies

OPERATIONS & FINANCIAL OVERSIGHT

• Assist with budget monitoring, supply ordering, and cost management


• Support tuition collection communications and follow up on past-due accounts


• Maintain accurate CACFP, CPP, and EHS documentation and reporting as applicable


• Manage daily scheduling, classroom assignments, and staff coverage decisions


• Support opening and closing procedures and ensure the building meets safety standards daily

📊  What You'll Be Measured On

Target

Enrollment occupancy

At or above 85% consistently

Daily compliance walkthroughs

Completed every day with documented follow-up

Parent response time

Same business day for all inquiries and concerns

Classroom quality & supervision

All rooms meet ODJFS and SUTQ standards

Staff culture & morale

Visible improvement in retention and engagement

Documentation accuracy

Zero licensing violations from incomplete records

💛  Who You Are

•     Self-directed — you don't need to be pushed

•     High energy and consistently present

•     Calm under pressure and frustration

•     Strong communicator with families and staff

•     Organized and detail-oriented

•     Warm, professional, and confident as a leader

•     Committed to high-quality early childhood education

•     Comfortable giving and receiving feedback

•     Adaptable — no two days are the same

•     Accountable — you own your results

•     Team-oriented AND able to work independently

•     Passionate about children, families, and community

🎓  Qualifications

Required:

•     Minimum 5 years experience working in a licensed childcare center

•     Prior supervisory, lead teacher, or leadership experience

•     Knowledge of Ohio ODJFS childcare licensing rules 

•     High school diploma or GED required; AA, BA, CDA, or Career Pathways Level 3+ a MUST

•     Ability to pass Ohio background check and meet all ODJFS staff requirements

•     Ability to lift up to 40 lbs. and be physically present on the floor daily

Preferred:

•     Experience with SUTQ, Cincinnati Preschool Promise (CPP), or Early Head Start (EHS)

•     Familiarity with TS Gold assessment and Creative Curriculum

•     Experience with Brightwheel, BambooHR, or similar childcare management platforms

•     Prior Assistant Director or Director title in a licensed ECE program a PLUS

🌱  Why You'll Love Working With Us

We know the childcare field is demanding — we built our benefits package to reflect that. Water Lily offers a level of support that is rare in early childhood education:

💵  Competitive pay: $19–$22/hour based on experience

🏥  Health Insurance — comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage options

📈  401(k) with Profit Sharing — retirement savings program for full-time employees

🌴  Generous PTO — paid vacation, sick time, personal days, and your birthday off

🎉  10 Paid Holidays throughout the year

📚  Training & Development — ongoing professional development and career growth opportunities

💸  Weekly pay with direct deposit

🤝  Supportive ownership that values your voice and ideas

💚  A team that actually lives its values — WaterLilySTRONG is real here

Most childcare employers don't offer health insurance, retirement savings, or PTO at this level. We do — because we want to keep great people.

💚  Our Culture — WaterLilySTRONG

Structure

Teamwork

Responsibility

Optimism

Nurturing

Gratitude

🌟  Ready to Lead With Us?