Early Childhood Educator

Virginia Museum of Fine Arts; Northern (KY); Hybrid; USD 42,000 - 54,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Free admission to special exhibitions

Preview exhibits for staff

Employee pricing for programs

Discounts at VMFA Shop

Job summary

Virginia Museum of Fine Arts (VMFA) in Richmond seeks an Early Childhood Educator for the Education Department. The role focuses on curriculum development and teaching for toddlers and preschool groups, including Tots of Art and Young @ Art programs, and coordinating with Curiosity Camp activities.

Primary duties include refining lessons, supervising materials and interns, and collaborating with staff to support Family Day programs and annual exhibitions. Weekend work is required.

Qualifications

• Experience working with toddlers and preschool children in teaching environments.

Responsibilities

• Refine curriculum and teach classes for toddlers 15–30 months, Young @ Art for ages 2.5–5, and Group Visits.

Skills

Studio art

Toddler care

Child development

Safety protocols

Student conversations

Office software

Google Drive

Excel basics

Organization

Weekend availability

Tools

Photoshop

InDesign

Job description

Post closes on Monday, October 5, 2026 at 11:55 PM EST.

About Virginia Museum of Fine Arts:

The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts in Richmond is one of the largest comprehensive art museums in the United States. VMFA’s growing encyclopedic collection houses more than 50,000 works of art spanning 6,000 years of world history.

Our holdings include the largest public collection of Fabergé outside of Russia, the finest collection of Art Nouveau outside of Paris and one of the nation’s finest collections of American art. VMFA is also home to important collections of Chinese art, English silver, French Impressionism, Postimpressionism, British sporting art, and modern and contemporary art, as well as renowned South Asian, Himalayan, and African art.

Recently named the 11th-best art museum in the United States by The Washington Post, VMFA is the only US art museum open 365 days a year with free general admission.

VMFA is a state-supported, privately endowed educational institution created for the benefit of the citizens of the Commonwealth of Virginia. Its purpose is to collect, preserve, exhibit, and interpret art, to encourage the study of the arts, and thus to enrich the lives of all.

About Education Department:

VMFA’s Education Department centers on the core values of Quality, Collaboration, and being Community-centered. Through art and shared experiences, we invite an exchange of diverse perspectives to uncover layers of meaning and in turn, support discovery, learning, and deeper connections.

The Early Childhood Education (ECE) Program at VMFA is an inquiry based, experiential program for children ages 3 months to 5 years old, and their caregivers. ECE programs connect early learning to the museum’s world-renowned collection. Participants enjoy play, music, and movement activities, gallery walks, and multisensory art projects. While building self-awareness and social skills, a wide array of subjects are explored, including world cultures, science, literature, and mathematics. The Early Childhood Education team at VMFA is committed to creating quality experiences that engage the whole child and to facilitating a supportive community for the adults that join them.

General Information:

We are currently seeking applications for a highly motivated, action-oriented individual, with a flexible and collaborative mindset, to join our Early Childhood Education Department as Early Childhood Educator.

The hired applicant will develop, refine, and teach lessons for Tots of Art (ages 15-30 months, Young @ Art, and Preschool Group visits, and collaborate with colleagues to support the Curiosity Camp program and the Early Childhood Annual Exhibition.

This is a wage, non-exempt position. This position works 27.5 hours weekly/1450 hours annually.

VMFA staff also enjoy agency benefits like free admission to special exhibitions, previews of special exhibitions, employee pricing for selection museum programs and classes, and discounts at Amuse Restaurant, Best Café, and VMFA Shop.

Duties Include:

• The selected candidate’s primary responsibilities are to refine curriculum and teach classes for toddlers age 15 to 30 months, Young @ Art for children ages 2.5-5 years old and Group Visits.
• The hired individual’s duties involve studio upkeep and maintenance, material organization, and tracking of art materials, learning manipulatives and creative play items.
• Seasonal responsibilities include assisting in the execution of Curiosity Camps and the Early Childhood Education Annual Exhibition.
• This individual must be able to work one Saturday a month, supervising adjunct faculty instructors for Wee-Kids Workshops and supporting Family Day programs.
• The hired candidate will collaborate with other Early Childhood Education staff to manage and mentor interns, volunteers, and adjunct faculty.
• Early Childhood Educators utilize a lesson bank of lessons created based on the Museum’s collection, Reggio-inspired pedagogy, positive classroom discipline strategies, music and movement activities, and children's literature when building of curriculum for Early Childhood Education Programs.
• The hired candidate will be committed to professional growth and stay up to date with best practices in the field of early learning and art education and refine those skills through attending conferences and VMFA programs as provided and able.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Experience working in studio art disciplines, including incorporation of the fine arts and art materials into prior teaching lessons.
• Previous experience in working with toddler and preschool age children in a teaching environment.
• Demonstrated knowledge of childhood development, preferably children ages 3 months-5 years of age.
• Demonstrated use of sound judgment, decision-making, and knowledge regarding safety and security protocols for supervising student groups.
• Demonstrated ability to facilitate student directed conversations.
• Fluency in Microsoft office suite and Google Drive, with experience using basic formulas in excel.
• Having excellent organizational skills, the ability to work as part of a small, connected team, as well as independently.
• Ability to work weekends is required. Three professional references are required.

Additional Considerations:

• Demonstrated knowledge and teaching experience with Reggio-inspired and inquiry-based pedagogy.
• Past experience working with young and emerging professionals, including high school and/or college students.
• Prior professional experience in the Early Childhood or Museum Education field.
• Prior or related experience with graphic design software including Photoshop or InDesign, or similar software.
• Experience installing fine art exhibitions.
• Certification in Adult and Pediatric CPR/AED.

Special Instructions:

Selected candidates must pass a criminal history background check.

Conditions of Employment:

Employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a criminal background check. E-Verify Notice: After accepting employment, new hires are required to complete an I-9 form and present documentation of their identity and eligibility to work in the United States. Virginia Museum of Fine Arts uses the E-Verify system to confirm identity and work authorization.

In support of the Commonwealth’s commitment to inclusion, we are encouraging individuals with disabilities to apply through the Commonwealth Alternative Hiring Process. To be considered for this opportunity, applicants will need to provide their AHP Letter (formerly COD) provided by the Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS), or the Department for the Blind & Vision Impaired (DBVI). Service-Connected Veterans are encouraged to answer Veteran status questions and submit their disability documentation, if applicable, to DARS/DBVI to get their AHP Letter. Requesting an AHP Letter can be found at AHP Letter or by calling DARS at 800-552-5019.

Each agency within the Commonwealth of Virginia is dedicated to recruiting, supporting, and maintaining a competent and diverse work force. Equal Opportunity Employer

Experience a world-class art museum with hometown hospitality. The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts houses a remarkable permanent collection of more than 50,000 works of art from almost every major world culture.

We’re open 365 days a year and general admission is always free.