Lead Preschool 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. Our preschool program is built on strong family relationships, cultural responsiveness, and a deep commitment to school readiness. We implement the Creative Curriculum and maintain high standards of care grounded in community connection and Gold-level quality.

Position Summary

The Lead Preschool Teacher - Avondale leads the preschool classroom at our Avondale campus, serving children ages 3 to 5. This role requires an experienced, credentialed educator who brings structure, warmth, and professionalism to a close-knit community setting. You will implement curriculum, conduct child assessments, mentor classroom staff, and engage Avondale families in line with DCY and Step Up to Quality Gold expectations.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and implement Creative Curriculum lesson plans aligned with Ohio's 2024 Early Learning and Development Standards


• Create a consistent, safe, and developmentally supportive preschool learning environment for Avondale families


• Use DCY-approved assessment tools including Teaching Strategies GOLD to document progress and share results with families


• Build trusting family relationships through daily communication, goal-setting, and scheduled conferences


• Supervise and coach assistant teachers; foster a positive and productive Avondale classroom team


• Maintain full compliance with Ohio DCY licensing requirements and Step Up to Quality Gold standards


• Participate in ongoing training and apply current early childhood best practices to the Avondale preschool program


• Maintain all required classroom records, assessment documentation, and compliance files

Qualifications

• Associate or Bachelor degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or related field


• Minimum 3 years of lead teaching experience in a licensed early childhood program


• Current CPR and First Aid certification required prior to working with children


• Strong knowledge of preschool child development and age-appropriate instructional practices


• Excellent family engagement, communication, and team leadership skills


• Proficiency with technology platforms for attendance, documentation, and assessment


• Must meet all Ohio DCY employment eligibility requirements including applicable clearances

Schedule and Compensation

• Full-time, Monday through Friday


• $14-$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 program with deep community ties in Avondale


• Positive, stable culture where educators build lasting relationships with children and families


• Ongoing training and mentorship to support your growth as a lead teacher


• Work with leadership that values your voice, experience, and long-term goals


• Be part of a center deeply connected to the families and community it serves