Lead Teacher (Pre-K)

Description:

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 Pre-K Lead Teacher is responsible for the overall leadership, management, and implementation of a high-quality preschool classroom aligned with Universal Pre-K (UPK) expectations and the Boston Public Schools Focus on Pre-K curriculum. This role ensures the safety, well-being, and developmental growth of all children while maintaining a nurturing, inclusive, and developmentally appropriate learning environment.

The Lead Teacher oversees daily classroom operations, curriculum planning, assessment, and documentation of children’s progress. In addition, this role provides supervision and guidance to classroom staff and works closely with families, support staff, and program leadership to ensure individualized support for each child. The UPK Lead Teacher is also responsible for full compliance with DEEC licensing regulations, UPK requirements, and all applicable safety and reporting standards, including mandated reporting responsibilities.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Curriculum & Instruction

• Plan, implement, and evaluate developmentally appropriate instruction aligned with the BPS Focus on Pre-K curriculum and UPK expectations.
• Design engaging, hands-on learning experiences across all domains, including literacy, math, science, social-emotional learning, art, and play-based exploration.
• Differentiate instruction to meet the individual needs of all children, including those with special needs, trauma histories, or behavioral challenges.

Child Assessment & Documentation

• Conduct ongoing observations of each child (minimum two per child per month) and maintain accurate developmental records.
• Complete timely progress reports, assessments, and documentation in accordance with UPK, BPS, and DEEC requirements.
• Prepare and lead quarterly family conferences with support from teaching staff and program leadership.

Classroom Leadership & Supervision

• Lead daily classroom operations, including supervision, routines, transitions, and learning environments.
• Supervise, coach, and support assistant teachers, substitutes, volunteers, and interns in the classroom.
• Coordinate staff assignments, responsibilities, and breaks to ensure smooth classroom functioning.
• Maintain a safe, organized, and developmentally appropriate classroom environment, including all materials and equipment.
• Identify and communicate facility or maintenance needs to program leadership promptly.

Family & Team Communication

• Maintain consistent, professional communication with families, teaching staff, program leadership, and support personnel regarding child development and classroom updates.
• Collaborate closely with families, social workers, family navigators, and support services to meet individual child and family needs.
• Participate in and help facilitate staff meetings, team meetings, and family engagement opportunities.

Health, Safety & Compliance

• Maintain full compliance with DEEC licensing regulations, UPK requirements, and all program policies.
• Follow and enforce all health, safety, and emergency procedures at all times.
• Document and report all incidents, accidents, behavioral concerns, and suspected abuse or neglect; act as a mandated reporter and ensure timely reporting to appropriate authorities and program leadership.
• Support children’s physical, emotional, and developmental well-being, including those with individualized education or protection plans.

Professional Responsibilities

• Participate in monthly staff meetings, professional development sessions, and all required BPS/UPK trainings.
• Attend bi-monthly individual supervision meetings with the Program Director.
• Participate in classroom observations and video review of teaching practices as part of coaching and quality improvement processes.
• Demonstrate ongoing reflection and commitment to professional growth and best practices in early childhood education.

Requirements:

• Must be at least 21 years of age.
• Bachelor’s degree required, preferably in Early Childhood Education or a related field.
• Minimum of two years of experience working with preschool and/or kindergarten-aged children in a licensed early childhood setting.
• Current DEEC Lead Teacher Preschool certification required.
• Current certification in CPR and First Aid for infants and children (or ability to obtain upon hire).
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to manage time effectively, prioritize responsibilities, stay organized, and problem-solve in a fast-paced environment.
• Experience working with diverse populations, including children with special needs, behavioral challenges, and trauma histories; ability to respond with patience, consistency, and a trauma-informed approach.
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to supervise, support, and mentor other staff.
• Commitment to culturally responsive practice and respect for families from all backgrounds.
• Sound professional judgment, initiative, flexibility, and resourcefulness.
• Warm, nurturing, professional, and dependable presence in the classroom.

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 significant responsibilities of the position. It is not to be considered a complete statement of all elements of the work that may be performed.