What are the responsibilities and job description for the Lead Preschool Teacher - OTR position at Water Lily Learning Center?
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
Salary : $15 - $18