LEAD INFANT TEACHER - OTR LOCATION
Creative Curriculum | Gold-Rated Step Up to Quality Program | Full-Time
About Us
Water Lily Learning Center - OTR is a premier early childhood education provider in Cincinnati, Ohio, located in the culturally vibrant Over-the-Rhine neighborhood. We are proud to be a Gold-rated Step Up to Quality program dedicated to nurturing, inclusive, and high-quality infant care. Our teaching team uses the Creative Curriculum for Infants, Toddlers & Twos to support responsive caregiving, relationship-based learning, and whole-child development.
Job Overview
Are you a nurturing and experienced educator with a heart for infant care? Join our team as a Lead Infant Teacher at Water Lily Learning Center - OTR.
In this role, you will lead a warm, predictable classroom where infants feel safe, secure, and supported in their developmental journey. You'll design responsive routines, implement curriculum plans, and partner closely with families-all while maintaining the highest standards of safety, documentation, and care.
Key Responsibilities
- Curriculum Development: Create individualized experiences using the Creative Curriculum for Infants, Toddlers & Twos, aligned with Ohio's Early Learning and Development Standards
- Classroom Management: Provide a safe, clean, and nurturing environment that supports each infant's physical, social-emotional, and cognitive development
- Assessment & Documentation: Observe and document developmental milestones using DCY-approved tools; maintain records of daily routines, feedings, and progress
- Family Engagement: Build trusting relationships with families through daily updates, parent-teacher conferences, and shared developmental goals
- Professional Development: Engage in ongoing training focused on infant brain development, attachment theory, and responsive caregiving
- Compliance & Safety: Ensure full adherence to all DCY licensing and Step Up to Quality standards, including sanitation, sleep safety, and infant feeding policies
Qualifications
- Education: Associate or Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education, Infant Development, or a related field
- Experience: At least 3 years of lead teaching experience in a licensed infant classroom
- Certifications: Must meet DCY licensing requirements, including current CPR/First Aid and infant-specific training
- Skills:
- Deep understanding of infant development, responsive caregiving, and routine-based care
- Ability to lead a team and support assistant teachers
- Familiarity with early childhood platforms such as Brightwheel or Teaching Strategies GOLD
- Strong observation, documentation, and communication skills
Why Join Us?
- Competitive Salary and Benefits: depending on experience; health, dental, and retirement plan included
- Professional Growth: Training and advancement opportunities for those specializing in infant/toddler development
- Supportive Culture: Collaborative team environment in a beautiful, high-quality urban program
- Work-Life Balance: Predictable full-time schedule and leadership that values wellness
- Impact: Be the first teacher in a child's life and help lay the foundation for lifelong development