MISSION: Ellis Early Learning partners with families to provide high-quality early childhood education in a warm, nurturing environment. A recognized leader in our field, we support children across the socio economic spectrum, treasure diversity in all forms, and celebrate the joy of childhood. 

Ellis (formerly known as Ellis Memorial) is a vibrant, Boston-based nonprofit with a rich history founded in 1885. Our goal is to help all children develop the social, emotional, and academic skills they need to be successful in school and life, regardless of their background. Ellis has earned numerous accolades and is ranked in the top 6% of all early childhood programs by the National Association for the Education of Young Children. Ellis is a local and national model for inclusive, equitable quality early education and stands out for being among the most socio-economically, racially, and culturally diverse organizations serving the children of Boston. 

Our many innovative partnerships include the New England Conservatory, which provides weekly onsite music instruction to all children, Boston Public Schools which funds four high-performing Universal Pre-Kindergarten (UPK) classrooms, JumpStart, Raising a Reader, and others. Ellis serves over 300 children annually at its flagship campus in the South End and a center in Jamaica Plain. Learn more about us at www.ellisearlylearning.org.

POSITION OVERVIEW:

The Preschool Teacher is responsible for the daily supervision, safety, and overall well-being of an assigned group of children. This role includes the planning and implementation of a high-quality, developmentally appropriate curriculum aligned with Preschool standards. The Teacher creates a structured, engaging, and inclusive classroom environment that supports children’s cognitive, social-emotional, language, and physical development.

Working collaboratively with the Lead Teacher, program leadership, and families, the Preschool Teacher supports each child’s individual learning needs through intentional instruction, observation, and assessment. The Preschool Teacher must demonstrate patience, consistency, and a trauma-informed approach when supporting children with a wide range of developmental, behavioral, and emotional needs, including children involved with DCF or other special needs. The Preschool Teacher ensures full compliance with all licensing and program requirements while fostering a positive, nurturing, and culturally responsive learning environment.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Plan and implement developmentally appropriate learning experiences aligned with the needs of the classroom group. 
• Facilitate engaging activities across content areas, including literacy, math, science, art, music, and social-emotional learning. 
• Create a positive, inclusive classroom environment that encourages exploration, independence, and cooperative play. 
• Observe, assess, and document each child’s growth and development; maintain accurate and up-to-date records. 
• Communicate regularly and professionally with staff, the VP of Programs, and families regarding children’s progress, needs, and classroom updates. 
• Assist in the completion of developmental progress reports in a timely manner, ensuring alignment with program and regulatory requirements. 
• Maintain a clean, safe, and organized classroom, including proper care, use, and storage of all materials and equipment. 
• Act as a mandated reporter and immediately report any suspected abuse, neglect, or safety concerns in accordance with state law and program policy. Maintain accurate documentation and incident reports as required.
• Support the developmental needs of all children, including those with individualized learning plans or requirements from external agencies. 
• Provide a patient, consistent, and nurturing approach that supports children with diverse developmental, behavioral, and emotional needs, including those receiving services through DCF or with diagnoses such as autism spectrum disorder or other special needs. 
• Use positive behavior guidance strategies and trauma-informed practices to support self-regulation, emotional development, and classroom participation. 
• Supervise children at all times, including during transitions, toileting, and outdoor play, ensuring safety and adherence to program policies. 
• Assist children with toileting routines and clothing changes as needed, supporting independence while maintaining dignity and hygiene. 
• Attend and actively participate in staff meetings, family conferences, professional development sessions, and all required BPS trainings. 
• Participate in regular one-on-one supervision meetings with the Program Director. 
• Follow all health, safety, and emergency procedures consistently and confidently.

• Minimum of one year of experience working with preschool-aged children, preferably in an early childhood setting. 
• Must meet EEC/DEEC certification requirements for Preschool Teacher. 
• Current certification in First Aid and CPR for children (or ability to obtain upon hire). 
• Strong verbal and written communication skills. 
• Demonstrated ability to manage time effectively, stay organized, prioritize tasks, and problem-solve in a dynamic environment. 
• Cultural competency and sensitivity to diverse backgrounds; multicultural training or experience preferred. 
• Demonstrated ability to remain patient, calm, and supportive when working with children who have diverse developmental, behavioral, and emotional needs.
• Ability to serve as a positive, professional role model for children and colleagues. 
• Exhibits sound judgment, initiative, flexibility, and resourcefulness. 
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds and perform physical tasks associated with caring for young children (e.g., bending, lifting, active supervision).

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS:

We offer a comprehensive and competitive benefits package designed to support the health, financial well-being, and work-life balance of our benefit eligible employees. Benefits include:

• Paid Time Off: Generous vacation and sick time, with vacation accrual prorated based on date of hire and increasing annually,      up to maximum accrual at your second anniversary. Employees also receive a paid birthday holiday. 
• Health & Wellness: Medical insurance, along with dental and vision coverage options. In addition, employees benefit from a generous Health Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA) to help offset eligible healthcare expenses. 
• Financial Benefits: 401(k) retirement plan with employer match to support long-term financial planning. Flexible Spending Account (FSA) options are also available for healthcare and dependent care expenses. 
• Employer-Paid Benefits: Company-paid life insurance and long-term disability (LTD) coverage for added financial security. 
• Employee Support: Access to an Employee Assistance Program (EAP), offering confidential resources for personal, family, and work-life support. 
• Childcare Benefit: Discounted childcare is available for employees with children enrolled in the program

The purpose of this description is to provide the major responsibilities of the position. It is not to be considered a complete statement of all elements of the work that may be performed.