Art Teacher

Child Development Center at Wyndham • Glen Allen, VA

5d • Onsite

About The Position

We are seeking a passionate, reflective, and child-centered Art Teacher / Atelierista to join our team. This role is ideal for a creative educator who sees children as capable, curious thinkers and believes that art is about honoring children’s process and ideas—not producing identical projects. Your role spans both our preschool and school-age programs. In the morning, you will design and facilitate open-ended art experiences rooted in the Reggio Emilia philosophy for our preschool program (Ages 2.5–5), curating a thoughtful atelier environment and observing children closely to document thinking and inform future experiences. You will collaborate with classroom teachers to bridge investigations into studio exploration. In the afternoon, you will plan and implement project-based art lessons across a range of media and techniques for our school-age program (Ages 5–12), teaching technical skills in painting, drawing, sculpture, collage, ceramics, mixed media, and more, and supporting students in completing longer-term, process-focused projects. Additionally, you will lead a daily afternoon homeroom group through outdoor/active play, homework time, and snack, facilitating smooth transitions into afternoon Explorations and fostering a nurturing, respectful, and inclusive group environment. You will also communicate with families via our Parent Engagement app, Playground.

Requirements

• Experience working with children; early childhood experience preferred.
• Experience with multiple art media: painting, drawing, sculpture, collage, mixed media, ceramics, and more.
• Ability to differentiate instruction for varying age groups (2.5–12 years).
• Strong classroom management skills rooted in respect and positive guidance.
• Ability to plan lessons in advance and manage time effectively.
• Understanding of child development and developmentally appropriate practices.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills with staff and families.
• An understanding of the Reggio Emilia approach, specifically the role of the Atelierista.
• Comfortable taking ownership, working independently, and building your own routine, schedule, and plans.

Nice To Haves

• Degree or coursework in Art Education, Fine Arts, Early Childhood Education, or a related field preferred.
• Experience with open-ended, process-based art approaches in early childhood preferred.

Responsibilities

• Design and facilitate open-ended art experiences rooted in the Reggio Emilia philosophy for preschool children (Ages 2.5–5).
• Curate a thoughtful atelier environment with diverse and accessible materials.
• Observe children closely to document thinking and inform future experiences.
• Collaborate with classroom teachers to bridge investigations into studio exploration.
• Plan and implement project-based art lessons across a range of media and techniques for school-age children (Ages 5–12).
• Teach technical skills in painting, drawing, sculpture, collage, ceramics, mixed media, and more.
• Support students in completing longer-term, process-focused projects.
• Communicate with families via our Parent Engagement app, Playground.
• Lead a daily afternoon homeroom group through outdoor/active play, homework time, and snack.
• Facilitate smooth transitions into afternoon Explorations.
• Foster a nurturing, respectful, and inclusive group environment.

Benefits

• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• 401(k)
• Paid time off including holidays
• Ongoing professional development and training in the Reggio Emilia approach
• A collaborative, values-driven team that genuinely supports your growth as an educator
• A dedicated studio space and the creative autonomy to bring your vision to life

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level