Lead Infant Teacher

LEAD INFANT TEACHER – OTR LOCATION

Creative Curriculum | Gold-Rated Step Up to Quality Program | Full-Time

About Us
Water Lily Learning Center – OTR is a premier early childhood education provider in Cincinnati, Ohio, located in the culturally vibrant Over-the-Rhine neighborhood. We are proud to be a Gold-rated Step Up to Quality program dedicated to nurturing, inclusive, and high-quality infant care. Our teaching team uses the Creative Curriculum for Infants, Toddlers & Twos to support responsive caregiving, relationship-based learning, and whole-child development.

Job Overview
Are you a nurturing and experienced educator with a heart for infant care? Join our team as a Lead Infant Teacher at Water Lily Learning Center – OTR.

In this role, you will lead a warm, predictable classroom where infants feel safe, secure, and supported in their developmental journey. You’ll design responsive routines, implement curriculum plans, and partner closely with families—all while maintaining the highest standards of safety, documentation, and care.

Key Responsibilities

• Curriculum Development: Create individualized experiences using the Creative Curriculum for Infants, Toddlers & Twos, aligned with Ohio’s Early Learning and Development Standards


• Classroom Management: Provide a safe, clean, and nurturing environment that supports each infant’s physical, social-emotional, and cognitive development


• Assessment & Documentation: Observe and document developmental milestones using DCY-approved tools; maintain records of daily routines, feedings, and progress


• Family Engagement: Build trusting relationships with families through daily updates, parent-teacher conferences, and shared developmental goals


• Professional Development: Engage in ongoing training focused on infant brain development, attachment theory, and responsive caregiving


• Compliance & Safety: Ensure full adherence to all DCY licensing and Step Up to Quality standards, including sanitation, sleep safety, and infant feeding policies

Qualifications

• Education: Associate or Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education, Infant Development, or a related field


• Experience: At least 3 years of lead teaching experience in a licensed infant classroom


• Certifications: Must meet DCY licensing requirements, including current CPR/First Aid and infant-specific training


• Skills:
  
  
  
  • Deep understanding of infant development, responsive caregiving, and routine-based care
  
  
  • Ability to lead a team and support assistant teachers
  
  
  • Familiarity with early childhood platforms such as Brightwheel or Teaching Strategies GOLD
  
  
  • Strong observation, documentation, and communication skills
  
  
  
  

Why Join Us?

• Competitive Salary and Benefits: depending on experience; health, dental, and retirement plan included


• Professional Growth: Training and advancement opportunities for those specializing in infant/toddler development


• Supportive Culture: Collaborative team environment in a beautiful, high-quality urban program


• Work-Life Balance: Predictable full-time schedule and leadership that values wellness


• Impact: Be the first teacher in a child’s life and help lay the foundation for lifelong development