Pioneer our brand-new "My First GAK" program for 2.5-3 year olds! Create a bridge between home and school where separation anxiety transforms into artistic confidence and tentative toddlers bloom into brave creators.
My First GAK Program
Why Lead at My First GAK?
This isn't just another preschool position—you'll be pioneering our brand-new program for 2.5-3 year olds who are taking their very first independent steps into the world of learning. "My First GAK" is where separation anxiety transforms into artistic confidence, where "mine!" becomes "let's share," and where tentative toddlers bloom into brave creators.
At Gabriel's Art Kids, we've built something magical across our multi-campus organization. We just brought back the Procession of the Species to thunderous community applause (1,000+ attendees!), and now we're crafting an entirely new experience for Bellingham's tiniest artists. This is your chance to shape a program from its creative core.
Who This Role Is For:
You're perfect for this if you:
See the profound learning in a preschoolers 20-minute exploration of a single paintbrush
Can gracefully navigate the emotional rollercoaster of first-time school experiences
Believe that mess is evidence of discovery, not disaster
Have mastered the art of making transitions feel like adventures
Can communicate in the universal languages of: silly faces, gentle redirection, and enthusiastic celebration
Know that teaching 2.5-year-olds is equal parts educator, artist, comedian, and loving guardian
Find magic in those breakthrough moments when a clingy child finally lets go of mom's hand
This isn't for you if:
You need immediate results and clear progress metrics
Potty training conversations make you uncomfortable
You prefer working with children who can already tie their shoes
Repetition and routine feel monotonous rather than comforting
You think "curriculum" means worksheets and sitting still
Tears, tantrums, and occasional chaos overwhelm you
You believe there's such a thing as "too much" finger paint
The Role:
As Lead Teacher for My First GAK, you'll create a bridge between home and school for our newest little artists. This is where first friendships form over shared playdough, where independence blooms through choosing their own art materials, and where every day holds a dozen tiny victories worth celebrating.
Your Daily Canvas Includes:
Program Leadership:
Design and implement developmentally perfect activities for the 2.5-3 crowd
Create an environment that whispers "you're safe, you're loved, you can explore"
Guide your teaching team with patience and creative vision
Document those precious firsts (first painting, first friend, first "I did it myself!")
The Art of Early Learning:
Transform everyday moments into sensory adventures
Lead circle times that capture wandering attention spans
Facilitate process art that's more about the journey than any destination
Introduce pre-academic concepts through play, movement, and creativity
Master the delicate dance of fostering independence while providing security
Family Partnership:
Guide parents through the emotional journey of first-time separation
Share daily victories and growth moments
Create a classroom community where families feel welcomed and valued
Provide resources for extending creativity at home
Team Collaboration:
Mentor assistant teachers in the unique needs of this age group
Partner with our other programs to create smooth transitions as children grow
Contribute to GAK's overall vision of arts-integrated education
Model the patience, creativity, and joy that define our culture
Requirements:
Must-Haves:
ECE Lead Teacher qualification per Washington State requirements
Minimum 2 years experience with the 2.5-3 age group
Deep understanding of toddler development and attachment
Valid driver's license
Current First Aid/CPR certification
Food Worker card
Clear DCYF background check
The emotional stamina for 20+ "why?" questions per hour
Genuine delight in tiny humans and their big feelings
Bonus Points For:
Degree in Early Childhood Education
Experience launching new programs
Background in arts education or creative curriculum
Expertise in separation anxiety and attachment transitions
Bilingual abilities
Experience with potty training (yes, we're going there!)
Portfolio of creative toddler activities
What Success Looks Like:
Parents linger at pickup because their child "isn't ready to leave yet"
Former clingers become classroom helpers
Paint-covered smiles outnumber tears by week three
Your teaching team feels supported and inspired
Families recommend My First GAK before their friends even ask
What We Offer:
Beyond competitive compensation, you'll have the rare opportunity to shape a program from its inception. You'll be supported by an organization that values creativity over conformity, process over product, and celebrates the beautiful chaos of early childhood.
Join a team that navigates transitions with grace, celebrates every milestone, and truly understands that today's fingerpaint artists are tomorrow's innovators. We provide professional development opportunities and the resources to bring your creative vision to life.
The My First GAK Difference:
This isn't daycare with an art corner. It's a carefully crafted experience where:
Separation becomes exploration
Parallel play evolves into collaboration
Sensory experiences build neural pathways
Every texture, color, and sound is a teaching tool
"I can't" transforms into "I'll try"
Ready to Lead the Littlest Artists?
If you're ready to create magic for Bellingham's newest independent learners, we want to hear from you.
Apply at gabrielsartkids.com/hiring
Gabriel's Art Kids: Where first steps become creative leaps!
This position begins as we launch My First GAK. You'll have input in shaping policies, designing the space, and creating the culture.
This is more than a job—it's a chance to build something beautiful from the beginning.
We strongly encourage applications from those who view early childhood education as both an art and a science, and who understand that the smallest students often teach us the biggest lessons.