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Early Learning Center Jobs in Ohio (NOW HIRING)

Lead Toddler Teacher - OTR

Cincinnati, OH ยท On-site

$15 - $18/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... Center Water Lily Learning Center - OTR is a Gold-rated Step Up to Quality program in Cincinnati ... We implement the Creative Curriculum and align our practice with Ohio's 2024 Early Learning and ...

Preschool Lead Teacher

Cleveland, OH ยท On-site

$18 - $20/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

EARLY LEARNING CENTER Founded in 2001, the ELC provides high-quality early childhood education to families that have experienced homelessness and other traumatic occurrences through a two ...

Preschool Lead Teacher

Cleveland, OH ยท On-site

$18 - $20/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

EARLY LEARNING CENTER Founded in 2001, the ELC provides high-quality early childhood education to families that have experienced homelessness and other traumatic occurrences through a two ...

Teacher Assistant - Early Learning

Plainville, CT

$13.75 - $17.50/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

Maintains cleanliness and sanitation of the assigned classroom area, other areas in the center ... Our Early Learning Centers and programs provides high-quality care for children during the critical ...

Showing results 41-60

Early Learning Center information

See Ohio salary details

$9

$18

$29

How much do early learning center jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average hourly pay for early learning center in Ohio is $18.12, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.18 and $21.49 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an early learning center?

An Early Learning Center is a facility that provides care and educational programs for young children, typically from infancy through preschool age. These centers focus on fostering children's cognitive, social, emotional, and physical development through structured activities and play-based learning. Early Learning Centers are staffed by trained educators who create a nurturing and safe environment to support children's growth and prepare them for kindergarten and beyond.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an early learning center teacher, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Early Learning Center Teacher, you need a background in early childhood education, knowledge of child development, and often a relevant certification such as a CDA or state teaching license. Familiarity with classroom management systems, curriculum planning tools, and child assessment software is typically required. Patience, creativity, and strong interpersonal communication skills help foster a nurturing and engaging learning environment. These competencies are essential to support children's growth, ensure safety, and promote positive educational outcomes in early childhood settings.

What are the common challenges faced by educators working in an early learning center, and how can they be addressed?

Educators in Early Learning Centers often encounter challenges such as managing diverse learning needs, fostering social-emotional development, and maintaining effective communication with families. Adapting teaching methods to accommodate various developmental stages and backgrounds is crucial, as is creating an inclusive and supportive classroom environment. Regular collaboration with colleagues, ongoing professional development, and open dialogue with parents can help address these challenges and ensure each child's growth and well-being.

What is the difference between Early Learning Center vs Preschool Teacher?

AspectEarly Learning CenterPreschool Teacher
CredentialsChild development certifications, CDA or equivalentEarly childhood education degree or CDA
Work EnvironmentChildcare facilities, daycare centers, early learning programsPreschools, private or public early childhood classrooms
Employer & Industry UsageChildcare providers, early education organizationsPreschool programs, educational institutions
Common Search/ComparisonEarly Learning Center vs Preschool Teacher

While both roles focus on early childhood education, an Early Learning Center typically refers to the facility providing comprehensive care and early education, whereas a Preschool Teacher is a specific role within that setting, responsible for instructing children in preschool-aged programs. The main difference lies in the scope: the Early Learning Center is the environment, and the Preschool Teacher is the professional working within it.

What cities in Ohio are hiring for Early Learning Center jobs?

Cities in Ohio with the most Early Learning Center job openings:

Infographic showing various Early Learning Center job openings in Ohio as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 18% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $37,698 per year, or $18.1 per hour.

Lead Toddler Teacher - OTR

Water Lily Learning Center

Cincinnati, OH โ€ข On-site

$15 - $18/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 9 days ago


Job description

| Gold-Rated Step Up to Quality | Full-Time | 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 toddler classrooms are dynamic, sensory-rich environments where children build language, independence, and social-emotional skills. We implement the Creative Curriculum and align our practice with Ohio's 2024 Early Learning and Development Standards.

Position Summary

The Lead Toddler Teacher - OTR leads the toddler classroom at our OTR campus, guiding children ages 12 to 36 months through one of the most critical periods of early development. You will create structured, engaging environments, implement curriculum, mentor classroom staff, and maintain full Gold-level Step Up to Quality and DCY compliance.

Key Responsibilities

  • Create and implement developmentally appropriate lesson plans using the Creative Curriculum, aligned with Ohio's 2024 Early Learning and Development Standards
  • Manage a safe, organized toddler classroom with clear transitions, predictable routines, and sensory and language-rich activities
  • Conduct ongoing child assessments using DCY-approved tools; document milestones and communicate findings with OTR families
  • Build strong family partnerships through daily reports, formal conferences, and consistent responsive communication
  • Mentor and lead assistant teachers; model positive guidance and behavior support strategies
  • Maintain full compliance with all Ohio DCY licensing and Step Up to Quality Gold standards
  • Participate in ongoing professional development aligned with toddler development best practices
  • Maintain all required classroom records, assessment portfolios, and DCY compliance documentation

Qualifications

  • Associate or Bachelor degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or related field
  • Minimum 3 years working with toddlers in a licensed early childhood setting including lead teaching experience
  • Current CPR and First Aid certification required prior to working with children
  • Knowledge of toddler development, behavior management, and emotional regulation strategies
  • Proficiency with Brightwheel, Teaching Strategies GOLD, or equivalent digital platform
  • Strong communication, team leadership, and classroom organization 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 experience and credentials
  • Health, dental, and retirement benefits included
  • Paid professional development and advancement opportunities

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 credentialed, high-quality environment in Over-the-Rhine
  • Paid professional development with focus on toddler curriculum and child development
  • Collaborative, child-focused team with experienced, supportive leadership
  • Structured career pathway from lead teacher to senior or director roles
  • Play a vital role nurturing toddlers during one of the most important developmental stages