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