FCC Early Relational Health Partner

Job Description

Job DescriptionDescription:

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 Boston Pre-K classrooms (formerly known as UPK). Ellis operates in two centers in the South End

and a third center in Jamaica Plain 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. We are recognized leader in our field, we support children across the socio-economic spectrum, treasure diversity in all forms, and celebrate the joy of childhood. Learn more at www.ellisearlylearning.org

Position Overview:

Ellis is seeking a mission-driven Early Relational Health Partner to support the launch of our new Ellis FCC Network (System) in Boston. The ideal candidate is a collaborative team player who thrives in a dynamic, fast-paced environment. You will work closely with colleagues across departments, adapting quickly to changing priorities while maintaining a positive, solution-focused attitude to achieve shared goals This role is crucial in establishing relationships with FCC educators and families and helping them thrive. The FCC Early Relational Health Partner will be instrumental in continuing to build 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 Early Relational Health

Partner will share best practices, observe children, provide coaching to support educators in managing challenging behaviors and any disabilities/issues that arise, and help support professional development goals. Visits will focus on child and educator well-being and related family communications.

We are looking for someone with lived experience in Family Child Care, either as an FCC educator or as part of an FCC System/Network, who is comfortable working in a vibrant environment that involves navigating ambiguity and building new structures from the ground up. This person will bring a deep understanding of the importance of responsive, attuned caregiving and be passionate about supporting FCC educators in strengthening the relationships they build with children and families. They should be skilled at helping educators and families navigate relational stressors, fostering environments where early relational health can flourish as the foundation for child well-being and development.

WHO WE ARE

Ellis Early Learning (Ellis) is a vibrant nonprofit with a proud history dating back to 1885. We are redefining what it means to deliver inclusive, equitable, and high-quality early education. Ellis is among only 6% of early childhood programs accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC).

Ellis is more than a learning center—we’re a nationally recognized model for diversity and innovation in early childhood education. Serving more than 300 children annually across two vibrant campuses in the South End and Jamaica Plain, we ensure every child, regardless of their background, develops the social, emotional, and academic skills to thrive in school and life.

WHY ELLIS?

At Ellis, you will join a dynamic team leading bold initiatives to shape the future of early education. As a result of our first seven-figure transformative gift, we’ve recently launched a Center of Excellence, and are making groundbreaking improvements in fundraising, leadership, programming, and evidence-based practices, setting new benchmarks for early learning outcomes.

Our partnerships are as innovative as our mission! Imagine working with organizations like the New England Conservatory, where weekly onsite music instruction ignites creativity in our classrooms, or collaborating with Boston Public Schools on four high-performing Boston Pre-Kindergarten (formerly UPK) classrooms. Programs like Raising a Reader add even more depth to our work.

WHAT SETS US APART?

? A Rich Legacy and Visionary Future: With over a century of impact, Ellis combines tradition with trailblazing initiatives that inspire and lead.

? A Thriving, Inclusive Community: Ellis is a socio-economically, racially, and culturally diverse

organization serving Boston’s children.

? Recognition and Results: Ellis’s commitment to quality and inclusion has earned us widespread

accolades and positioned us as a leader in the early education field.

Ellis does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, gender, gender expression, age, national origin, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, homelessness, or military status. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all team members.

Requirements:

• Conduct regular FCC home visits to support educators in addressing challenging behaviors and fostering Early Relational Health (ERH).
• Observe children and collaborate with educators to model strategies that strengthen relational connections, emotional regulation, and social-emotional development.
• Coach FCC educators on trauma-informed, relationship-based approaches that promote secure attachments and child well-being.
• Facilitate strengths-based communication with families to support continuity of care and aligned strategies at home and in care.
• Conduct occasional home visits to support parents with early relational health concerns and introduce early intervention or other wraparound services.
• Assist families with Boston Public Schools (BPS) registration, including online support, in-person assistance on designated registration days, and accompanying families to the BPS Welcome Center as needed.
• Support parents in understanding and completing the Ages & Stages Questionnaire (ASQ) developmental screening tool, including guidance on completion and scheduling evaluations.
• Identify signs of relational stress or developmental concerns and connect families and educators with appropriate resources.
• Support FCC educators in achieving professional development goals related to ERH, child development, and responsive caregiving. Assist FCC educators to reach goals and requirements set by the Department of Early Education and Care Continuous Quality Improvement initiative.
• Collaborate with the FCC Network team to foster a culture of relational health, continuous learning, and inclusive practice.
• Track program data, document visits, and generate insights to improve outcomes for educators, children, and families.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in early childhood education, Social Work, Psychology, Human Development, or a related field; Master’s degree preferred or equivalent experience.

• At least 5 years of experience working in Family Child Care, early childhood education, mental health, or home visiting, with a strong understanding of child development and family systems.

• Deep knowledge of Early Relational Health principles, including responsive caregiving, trauma-informed care, and family engagement.

• Proven ability to coach or mentor caregivers/educators, especially in navigating challenging behaviors and supporting social-emotional development.

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with cultural humility and the ability to build trusting relationships with diverse educators and families

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

• Fluency in Spanish and English strongly preferred.

HOW TO APPLY?

If you are passionate about promoting early relational health principles and supporting FCC educators in delivering high-quality early education, please send a cover letter and résumé detailing your experience and qualifications to CBortolotto@ellisearlylearning.org

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

Ellis does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, gender, gender expression, age, national origin, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, homelessness, or military status. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all team members.