LEAD INFANT TEACHER (Early Head Start) at Water Lily Learning Center

Job DescriptionJob DescriptionSalary: $13.00-$17.00About UsWater 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 OverviewAre 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. Youll design responsive routines, implement curriculum plans, and partner closely with familiesall while maintaining the highest standards of safety, documentation, and care.Key ResponsibilitiesCurriculum Development: Create individualized experiences using the Creative Curriculum for Infants, Toddlers & Twos, aligned with Ohios Early Learning and Development StandardsClassroom Management: Provide a safe, clean, and nurturing environment that supports each infants physical, social-emotional, and cognitive developmentAssessment & Documentation: Observe and document developmental milestones using DCY-approved tools; maintain records of daily routines, feedings, and progressFamily Engagement: Build trusting relationships with families through daily updates, parent-teacher conferences, and shared developmental goalsProfessional Development: Engage in ongoing training focused on infant brain development, attachment theory, and responsive caregivingCompliance & Safety: Ensure full adherence to all DCY licensing and Step Up to Quality standards, including sanitation, sleep safety, and infant feeding policiesQualificationsEducation: Associate or Bachelors degree in Early Childhood Education, Infant Development, or a related fieldExperience: At least 3 years of lead teaching experience in a licensed infant classroomCertifications: Must meet DCY licensing requirements, including current CPR/First Aid and infant-specific trainingSkills:Deep understanding of infant development, responsive caregiving, and routine-based careAbility to lead a team and support assistant teachersFamiliarity with early childhood platforms such as Brightwheel or Teaching Strategies GOLDStrong observation, documentation, and communication skillsWhy Join Us?Competitive Salary and Benefits: depending on experience; health, dental, and retirement plan includedProfessional Growth: Training and advancement opportunities for those specializing in infant/toddler developmentSupportive Culture: Collaborative team environment in a beautiful, high-quality urban programWork-Life Balance: Predictable full-time schedule and leadership that values wellnessImpact: Be the first teacher