What are the responsibilities and job description for the Director of Ellis Family Child Care (FCC) Network position at Ellis Early Learning?

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 start 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.

Learn more at

Position Overview :

Ellis is seeking an experienced, mission-driven, and entrepreneurial leader to serve as the Director of the Ellis Family Child Care (FCC) Network. This leadership role will be crucial in building and scaling the FCC Network, driving the vision, strategy, and operational excellence for the program. The FCC Network Director will lead a team to establish a network of high-quality FCC educators, forge strong relationships, and ensure that the FCC Network delivers on Ellis's mission.

The ideal candidate will have lived experience in Family Child Care, and a deep understanding of early childhood education, experience in leading teams, and an entrepreneurial spirit that enables them to build structures from the ground up. The Director will lead a team, and collaborate with other Ellis departments and external partners, to ensure that FCC educators are well-supported and children receive high-quality education and care.

RESPONSIBILITIES :

1. FCC Network Strategy Development and Implementation

Develop and execute the strategy for the Ellis FCC Network, that aligns with Ellis's mission and goals.
Establish operational goals and benchmarks for success, ensuring the network's growth and quality.
Lead the development of policies and processes that support the effective functioning of the FCC Network.

2. FCC Educator Recruitment and Relationship Building

Identify and recruit FCC educators whose mission and values align with Ellis.

Build trusting relationships with FCC educators, ensuring they feel supported and integrated into the Ellis community.

Establish a supportive and thriving network of FCC educators, developing strong partnerships across the network.

3. Team Leadership and Staff Development

Hire, manage, and mentor a team that includes FCC Success Partners (Home Visitors) and Family Focused Staff (e.g., FCC Early Relational Health Specialist)—to support the FCC educators, children and families.

Establish goals, provide regular feedback, and support professional growth for team members.

Foster a collaborative team culture that values diversity, inclusion, and a commitment to the Ellis mission.

4. Program Quality and Compliance

Ensure the FCC Network meets Ellis’s standards of quality in early childhood education and care.

Oversee the implementation of quality standards, compliance with EEC regulations, and continuous quality improvement initiatives e.g., supporting Ellis FCC Success Partners in helping FCC educators create and maintain Continuous Quality Improvement Plans (CQIPs).

5. Community Engagement and Partnerships

Develop partnerships with community organizations, early education experts, and public agencies to enhance the resources available to FCC educators in the Network.

Coordinate with Ellis colleagues and external partners (e.g., EEC team, Food Program representatives) to provide the best possible support to FCC educators.

Advocate for Family Child Care at local and state levels, representing Ellis in relevant coalitions and forums.

6. Data Collection and Reporting

Oversee data collection by the team to track program performance, educator needs, and the impact of the FCC Network on children and families.

Use data to inform decision-making, report on progress, and identify areas for improvement.

Lead discussions with Ellis leadership and key stakeholders to communicate program impact and needs.

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.

Leadership experience in early childhood education : At least 8-10 years of experience in early childhood education or family child care, with at least 3 years in a leadership or management role (preferred).

Knowledge of FCC and early education standards : Deep understanding of family child care and early childhood education standards, including EEC regulations.

Preferred educational background : Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in early childhood education, child development, or a related field.

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

Team leadership : Strong experience in managing, coaching, and developing a diverse team, with the ability to foster a positive and inclusive team culture.

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

Effective communication skills : Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to represent Ellis externally and advocate for the needs of FCC educators.

Commitment to equity and inclusion : Deep commitment to advancing equity in early childhood education, with a passion for supporting the success and 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—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 hr@ellisearlylearning.org.

Apply for this job

Receive alerts for other Director of Ellis Family Child Care (FCC) Network job openings

Director of Ellis Family Child Care (FCC) Network

What are the responsibilities and job description for the Director of Ellis Family Child Care (FCC) Network position at Ellis Early Learning?

What is the career path for a Director of Ellis Family Child Care (FCC) Network?

Job openings at Ellis Early Learning

Not the job you're looking for? Here are some other Director of Ellis Family Child Care (FCC) Network jobs in the Boston, MA area that may be a better fit.

We don't have any other Director of Ellis Family Child Care (FCC) Network jobs in the Boston, MA area right now.

AI Assistant is available now!