Lead Toddler Teacher - Avondale

Job Description

Job Description

Salary: $14-$17

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 toddler classrooms offer structured, nurturing environments where children build language, motor skills, and social confidence. We implement the Creative Curriculum and are committed to consistent, relationship-based care for every child and family we serve.

Position Summary

The Lead Toddler Teacher - Avondale leads the toddler classroom at our Avondale campus. This role is built for an educator who values consistency, developmental structure, and warm responsive caregiving. You will design lesson plans, support milestone achievement, model best practices for assistant teachers, and build lasting partnerships with Avondale families.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement Creative Curriculum lesson plans aligned with Ohio's 2024 Early Learning and Development Standards
• Establish a nurturing, well-structured toddler classroom with consistent routines and developmentally appropriate transitions
• Conduct regular child assessments using DCY-approved tools; document growth and communicate findings with Avondale families
• Build collaborative relationships with parents through daily communication, formal updates, and ongoing family support
• Supervise and coach assistant teachers; foster a positive and productive Avondale toddler classroom team
• Maintain compliance with all Ohio DCY licensing requirements and Step Up to Quality Gold standards
• Stay current on early childhood best practices with emphasis on toddler behavior and language development
• 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 experience in a licensed early childhood program with specific toddler lead experience
• Current CPR and First Aid certification required prior to working with children
• Deep understanding of toddler development, behavior, and age-appropriate learning styles
• Strong communication skills and ability to build rapport with diverse children and families
• Familiarity with technology platforms for documentation and family communication
• 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 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 program with strong family and community roots in Avondale
• Supportive, stable leadership committed to staff growth and long-term retention
• Paid training and professional development opportunities
• Consistent, structured environment with reliable scheduling
• Help shape the early years and preschool readiness of Avondale's toddlers