Lead Teacher - Infant Classroom

REPORTS TO: Infant & Toddler Site Director

LOCATION: 58 or 66 Berkeley Street, Boston, MA 02116

UPDATED: April 2024

MISSION: Ellis partners with families to provide high-quality early childhood education and out-of-school programs 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. Ellis provides high-quality early education and care for infants, toddlers, and preschool children, and out-of-school time programs for youth in grades K through 8. Ellis is among the most socio-economically, racially, and culturally diverse organizations serving children in Boston. Through a partnership with Boston Public Schools, it operates two high performing community-based K-1 classrooms. Ellis operates out of two historic buildings in the South End and will be opening an additional site in Jamaica Plain in September 2021. Ellis serves over 200 children annually. Learn more about us at www.ellisearlylearning.org.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

The Lead Teacher is responsible for the development and implementation of his/her program including day-to-day activity and learning plans, progress, safety and well-being of the children as well as the knowledge of and compliance of all regulations as required by licensing agencies.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Provide planning and execution of appropriate art, music, literature, science, etc., activities
• Provide individual time for each child in playing, holding, and talking
• Provide feeding according to a child's individual schedules
• Provide diaper and clothing changes on a regular basis and as needed
• Maintain records of the progress of each child's growth and development
• Maintain communication regarding the child's growth and development with staff members, Infant & Toddler Assistant Director, Early Education Center Director, and parents
• Complete progress reports on all children in a timely manager, in accordance with DEEC regulations, and with the assistance of Teachers
• Maintain classroom and all educational equipment and materials
• Maintain records of all accidents, concerns regarding children, unusual behavior of children, suspected incidents of abuse and/or neglect, and communicate information to the Infant & Toddler Assistant Director
• Ensure adequate nurturing of the child's developmental tasks, including any special needs mandated by Protective Services
• Schedule and participate in all staff/parent meetings
• Schedule and facilitate team meetings
• Coordinate classroom staff, staff responsibilities, and staff breaks
• Coordinate all meal schedules, set-up, and clean-up
• Know DEEC regulations as they pertain to your program and maintain the program in accordance with regulations
• Knowledge of all emergency procedures
• Attend and participate in monthly staff meetings/workshops
• Participate in individual meetings with Early Education Center Director every two months

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

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Must have a minimum of 12 credits in Early Childhood Education, if you have an advanced degree (i.e. Associate, Bachelor's Degree) additional compensation is offered
• At least one-year work experience with the appropriate age group
• DEEC certification for age-appropriate group
• Must be at least 18 of age
• At least one-year work experience with the appropriate age group
• Certified in First Aid and CPR for children
• Able to communicate effectively orally and in writing
• Demonstrated ability to practice effective time management, organizational skills, priority management, and analytical ability
• Sensitivity to multi-cultural issues, multi-cultural training preferred
• Good role model
• Sound personal judgment, initiative, and resourcefulness
• Must be able to lift 25 lbs, stand for long periods of time, and move consistently throughout the day with the children.

Competitive salary and benefits package including vacation and sick time, health insurance, dental insurance, 401k.