The Ellis Early Education Center
The Ellis Early Education Center’s Infant/Toddler and Preschool/Kindergarten Programs are licensed to serve 117 children a day between the ages of 2 months and 5 years. The Center is open from 8am to 6pm, Monday through Friday. It has three infant rooms, four toddler classrooms and three preschool classrooms. All are accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children. Two of the preschool classrooms operate in partnership with the Boston Public Schools to expand their K-1 capacity. Each age group operates on a structured yet flexible schedule so children can learn through play while building strong relationships with caregivers and other children. The safe and nurturing environment is enriched by the multicultural diversity of children and families.
The Infant/Toddler Program
The Infant/Toddler Program provides care for 57 children each day between the ages of 2 months and 2.9 years. Trained staff provide care and activities throughout the day which are structured according to the age of the child, and include playing, eating, dressing, diapering, indoor and outdoor activities and sleep/nap/rest time. The day’s activities unfold in a relaxed, reassuring, and individualized manner. The safe, warm, and nurturing environment allows children to fully explore their space, enhance skills, and build independence. Learning materials are selected to ensure that children are able to play and learn at the same time.
The Preschool/Kindergarten Program
The Preschool/Kindergarten Program provides care and early education to 60 children from 2.9 years to 5 years. PSK is a pilot program through the Universal Preschool Kindergarten (UPK) in recognition of its strong curriculum and assessment process. Programming focuses heavily on early literacy and includes math, science, arts and music and movement. Two of the Pre-K classroom operate in partnership with the Boston Public School to expand their capacity. Children graduate from the Ellis Early Education Center socially, emotionally, and academically ready for the next level of learning.
Our Staff
The Ellis staff has the educational qualifications, knowledge and professional commitment necessary to promote children’s learning. All educators are trained in infant and child CPR and participate in on-going professional development, training and workshops throughout the year.
The Parent Engagement Program
The Parent Engagement Program works to establish and maintain strong collaborative relationships with each child’s family to ensure all are working together to support early education, development and learning. Information about resources at Ellis and in the community is shared with parents to help meet their needs and address any challenges they may be facing. Ellis teachers hold workshops, organize events to bring families together, create volunteer opportunities, and hold regular parent/teacher conferences to maintain strong working partnerships in support of children’s development.