Ellis Early Learning, “Ellis,” (formerly known as Ellis Memorial) is a vibrant, Boston-based nonprofit with a rich history founded in 1885. Ellis provides high quality early education and care for infants, toddlers and preschool children. Ellis is among the most socio-economically, racially, and culturally diverse organizations serving children in Boston and is accredited by the NAEYC. Through a partnership with Boston Public Schools, it also operates four (Universal) Boston Pre-K classrooms. Ellis operates two centers in the South End and a third center in Jamaica Plain and serves over 300 children annually.

The Department of Early Education and Care (EEC) recently granted Ellis a contract to launch a new Family Child Care (FCC) System to expand its impact on children, families, and micro-entrepreneurs. Ellis is thrilled to launch an innovative, educator-focused “Family Child Care Network”.

ELLIS VISION: Every child thrives, and every educator flourishes in an inclusive and equitable learning environment.

ELLIS MISSION : Ellis 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.

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Position Overview:

Ellis is seeking a mission-driven and entrepreneurial FCC Success Partner (Home Visitor) to support the launch of our new Ellis FCC Network (System) in Boston. This role is crucial in establishing relationships with FCC educators and helping them thrive. The FCC Success Partner will be instrumental in building the foundation of the new FCC Network and collaborating closely with the FCC educators to create high-quality environments for children and families. During regular visits to FCC educators, the FCC Success Partner will share best practices, observe, provide coaching, and assist educators with licensing requirements, and professional development goals. Visits will also focus on enriching learning environments, maintaining compliance, and supporting continuous quality improvement.

The ideal candidate will have lived experience in Family Child Care, either as an FCC educator or as part of an FCC System/Network, and will be comfortable working in a dynamic environment that involves navigating ambiguity and building new structures from the ground up.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

1.      Relationship Building and Recruitment

·        Serve as the primary point of contact for newly recruited educators, providing guidance and support as they join and adapt to the Ellis FCC Network.

·        Work with the Director of the Ellis FCC Network to identify prospective FCC educators for the network, whose mission and values align with Ellis.

2.      Program Development and Support

·        Offer mentorship and practical support to FCC educators, helping them create nurturing environments and developmentally appropriate programs, to deliver a high-quality learning experience for children.

·        Provide technical assistance, consultation, and coaching support to all affiliated FCC educators around business practices, compliance, and quality improvement.

3.      Growth and Quality Improvement

·        Conduct regular visits to FCC homes to observe, provide coaching, and offer goal-oriented feedback. Visits will include sharing best practices, focusing on compliance, EEC systems, and professional development.

·        Work with educators to develop and update a Continuous Quality Improvement Plan (CQIP), supporting their professional development and quality improvement.

·        Identify higher-need FCC educators (e.g., new FCCs or those struggling with compliance) to ensure they receive additional visits.

·        Ensure FCC educators adhere to Ellis’s standards and regulatory requirements, maintaining a consistent level of quality and safety.

4.      Community Engagement

·        Facilitate community-building activities for FCC educators to enhance engagement and a sense of belonging within the FCC Network.

·        Coordinate with Ellis colleagues (e.g., Early Relational Health experts, Family Support Staff) and external partners (e.g., EEC team, Food Program representatives) to support educators by bringing the best of Ellis's resources to help them meet program requirements effectively.

5.      Data Collection and Reporting

·        Track program data and document visits, progress, and educator needs, generating insights to improve the Network's impact on the FCC educators, children and families.

This job description outlines the core responsibilities of the role. As this exciting opportunity evolves, the person in this position will be instrumental in shaping the Ellis FCC Network. New responsibilities may emerge as the work progresses.

QUALIFICATIONS:

·        Lived experience in Family Child Care : Must have direct experience as an FCC Educator or within an FCC System/Network.

·        Certification requirements : Possession of at least an EEC Lead Teacher certification, a Child Development Associate (CDA) credential, or a Child Development Associate Home Visitor credential.

·        Preferred educational background : Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, Social Work, or a related field.

·        Entrepreneurial mindset : Passion for building something new, comfortable navigating ambiguity and taking initiative in a startup-like environment.

·        Relationship-oriented : Demonstrated ability to develop and maintain positive, supportive relationships with Family Child Care educators, families, and community partners.

·        Experience in early childhood education : Strong understanding of child development and quality early education practices, with the ability to support educators in creating high-quality learning environments.

·        Training in principles of adult learning, best practices in early childhood and out-of-school-time care, working with mixed-age groups, EEC licensing regulations , and approaches to professional learning

·        Effective communication skills : Ability to communicate clearly and with cultural humility, offering mentorship and support while respecting the unique needs of each educator and family.

·        Commitment to equity and inclusion : Deep commitment to equity and inclusion in education, with a passion for supporting the professional growth of early educators.

·        Bilingual preferred : Ability to speak languages commonly spoken by FCC educators and families in Boston (such as Spanish, or Haitian Creole) is a plus.

WHY ELLIS?

At Ellis, you will be part of an organization dedicated to creating high-quality learning environments where every child can thrive, and every educator can flourish. We value diversity, inclusion, and innovative approaches to early childhood education.

Ellis offers a competitive salary and benefits package—including vacation and sick time, health insurance, dental insurance, a 401(k) plan, life insurance, long-term disability insurance—along with opportunities for professional growth and making a lasting impact on children, families, and micro-entrepreneurs in the Boston area. Join us and help shape the future of early childhood education.

HOW TO APPLY?

If you are passionate about building a new FCC Network and supporting FCC educators in delivering high-quality early education, please send a cover letter and résumé detailing your experience and qualifications to