Western Avenue Children’s Center
Atelierista
Vision: The Atelierista works directly with children in small groups in the studios or
other center spaces, collaborates with teachers to integrate art experiences into
classroom curriculum and with the administrative team to plan and implement
meaningful Staff Development opportunities.
Preparation and Use of Studio Spaces:
● Arrange, organize and maintain the Art and Movement Studio spaces
● Inventory, order and organize art supplies for the center
● Create provocations in the movement/STEM studio for children’s exploration
● Plan and facilitate visits to the Art Studio for children and teachers to develop
competency with various art media and the ways they can be used to extend
children’s learning
Supporting Teachers:
● Collaborate with teachers to identify threads leading to long-term investigations
with small groups of children
● Meet with individual teachers or teaching teams to develop small group studio
experiences which connect to classroom curriculum
● Visit classrooms to observe, facilitate activities, offer curriculum support, and
work with teachers to evolve their classroom environments
● Collaborate with the administrative team to plan professional development and
determine the best means for supporting teams in their work
Supporting the Community
● Document the learning of individual children and groups of children in the Studio
for teachers, children, and families
● Invite families into the Art Studio through regular Open Studio sessions
throughout the year
● Float teacher responsibilities: On occasion, the Atelierista will be asked to cover for
absences of classroom teachers or support children needing extra assistance
Commitments:
● Put relationships at the center of your work by focusing classroom time on
getting to know children as individuals and in the social context of the classroom,
and building partnerships with families in order to provide an inspiring learning
context for the children
● Develop an anti-bias mindset, embracing the diversity of our community, and
committing to seeing your role as an educator as an opportunity to build a
classroom culture of acceptance, equity, and education
● Manage time to achieve necessary tasks (organization of spaces and materials,
communication with classroom teams and families)
● Take care of yourself by setting clear boundaries, organizing your time and space,
using the resources available, and relying on your colleagues
Model for supervision:
● The Atelierista role is a collaborative one, independent but accountable to
teachers and administrators. The studio teacher must maintain communication
with classrooms and administrators, by participating in team meetings and
working with individual teachers and children through multiple channels. The
role will be supported by the administrative team, in purchasing materials,
developing the art program and for any other purposes.
Physical requirements for the position:
● Routinely play on the floor, at small tables, outside, and in, on and around
various play equipment with the children in your care
● Lift a young child (up to 50 pounds) to a changing table or other adult level
surface to change diapers or clothing or to provide comfort or first aid when
necessary
Minimum Requirements for position: preferred candidates will have:
● significant experience with infants, toddlers and preschoolers
● evidence of Reggio-inspired teaching practice
● Bachelor’s degree in a related field
● Massachusetts EEC certified (or equivalent) for all age groups
● facility and comfort with a wide variety of art media
● past experience with adult learners helpful