The Atelierista is responsible for implementing a social constructivist philosophy through different mediums as they recognize that children have many languages of expression and ideas. In addition to working with children, staff, and families, this candidate is a part of the Educational Coordinating Team (ECT). The ECT catalyzes the school to reflect, innovate, and continuously contribute to its evolution. This position requires a candidate to be creative, organized, analytical, flexible, reflective, and collaborative; the candidate knows how to work with children in developmentally appropriate ways and fulfill the Growing Place's mission, philosophy, and pedagogy. This position requires the candidate to work at all three campuses.

Teaching and Learning

• Establish positive relationships with children, families, and colleagues, promoting open communication, mutual respect, and partnership in children's learning
• Develop and implement a comprehensive art curriculum that reflects the principles of the Reggio Emilia approach and supports children's holistic development
• Create a stimulating and inviting art studio environment that encourages exploration, experimentation, and imaginative expression
• Work at children’s physical level; engage in their interests
• Plan and facilitate activities and projects that inspire creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills among young children
• Foster a collaborative and inquiry-based learning environment where children feel empowered to explore their ideas, interests, and emotions through materials
• Collaborate with staff to design the “school as an atelier”; mini-studios in the classrooms
• Ensure that learning experiences are supplemented by rich learning opportunities about core materials, tools, and processes that develop into the languages of line, color, paper, clay, movement, sound, construction, etc.
• Support children in developing foundational skills, including drawing, painting, sculpting, and mixed media techniques, while honoring their unique styles and preferences
• Document children's experiences and progress through observation, documentation panels, and portfolios in accordance with GP documentation practices
• Curate environments and materials throughout the school with an eye for beauty and aesthetic presentation
• Collaborate with teachers and the ECT to schedule small groups, plan curricula, and determine materials
• Guide in ordering materials with the approval of the Campus Director
• Engage in ongoing professional development to deepen understanding of the Reggio Emilia philosophy and enhance teaching practices in art education

Research and Dissemination

• Regularly employ appropriate technology to plan, organize, observe, document, and make accessible the experiences of children and adults, including photographs, video/audio recordings, and scanned work
• Participate in the planning and implementation of professional development days as determined by the ECT
• Collaborate with families to engage them in children's educational journey, providing opportunities for involvement in activities and exhibitions
• Make connections between curricular work and events outside the school
• Contribute to workshops, committees, and publications on behalf of GP when in collaboration with the Director of Pedagogy/Campus Director

This job description is not meant to state or imply that these are the only duties the employee performs. Employees will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform other job-related duties requested by their supervisor.

Minimum Qualifications/Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree in Art Education, Fine Arts, or ECE
• 9 ECE units
• One year of experience in a school setting or working with children
• Artistic skills and proficiency in a variety of art mediums, techniques, and materials suitable for young children
• Demonstrated understanding of child development
• Demonstrates professionalism in attire, attitude, punctuality, and attendance

Competencies

• Communication and Interpersonal Skills: Articulates the principles and philosophy of the Reggio Emilia approach, including the belief in the child as a competent and capable learner; strong verbal and written communication skills to help others build an understanding of our pedagogical approach
• Organization and Planning: Ability to keep updated documentation for assigned school/team meetings with a system to record dates, insights, interpretations, and responsibilities
• Facilitation and Engagement: Ability to create a stimulating and supportive studio environment that fosters children's creativity, exploration, and expression through various art mediums and materials
• Collaboration and Teamwork: Skills in collaborating with other educators to create interdisciplinary learning opportunities and connections
• Differentiated Instruction: Skill in adapting activities and projects to meet the diverse needs, interests, and developmental levels of individual children while fostering inclusive and equitable learning experiences
• Community Engagement: Engagement in building connections with the broader community, including families, local artists, and cultural institutions, to enrich children's experiences and promote a sense of belonging and connection to the world around them

Working Conditions and Physical Requirements

• Standing and sitting in environments designed for children ages 3 months to 6 years
• Requires the ability to move rapidly from a sitting to a standing position and get down and up off the ground
• Ability to push, pull, or lift 50lbs
• Requires working in all weather conditions
• Requires the ability to respond quickly to auditory and visual cues