Job Description
ENIPLOYIVIENT OPPORTUNITIESJob Title: Preschool Teacher
Closing Date: 07/24/2025
DEADLINE: Attach any required documents, i.e., Transcripts, Certificates, diploma and Motor Vehicle
Record, to your online application by midnight on the closing date. Late Applications or documents will not
be considered.
Job Number: 25-457-4
Job Type: Full-Time Regular
Department: Tribal Education Department/Head Start Program
City: Sacaton, AZ
Location: 1467 W. Santan Rd. (District 4 Head Start Center)
Area of Interest: Education
Salary/ Hourly Rate: $45,969.60 - $70,969.60 Salary
Tribal Driving Permit Required: Yes3 Vacancies - Year Round Position - No Contract
DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS:
The Preschool Teacher is responsible for direct delivery of services designed to meet the physical and
developmental needs of preschool age children (ranging from birth to 5 years of age) of the Gila River Indian
Community. This position is responsible for compliance with the Head Start Performance Standards and Program
Area Plans to improve childrens educational, physical, and social skills to meet School Readiness and Family
Engagement outcomes for assigned children and their families.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
Provide for the care, safety, protection, and supervision of all children in the group at all times. Maintains
scheduled center activities; writes and follows lesson plans; documenting accordingly. Completes and
maintains all necessary documentation to demonstrate compliance with Head Start Program Performance
Standards and other regulations.Develops and implements a developmentally appropriate curriculum for children based on the individual
interests, needs, and abilities of the children in the classroom and the group as a whole. Considers goals and
Objectives for each child and for the group as a whole and develops realistic lesson plans responsive to the
needs of all. Creates an environment and implements the daily curriculum, which re?ects a developmentally
appropriate anti-bias, multicultural approach.Demonstrate verbally and through role modeling, a sound knowledge of appropriate child guidance, growth
and development.Participate in staff meetings, parent meetings, events and on-going professional and in-service training.
Provide information to parents regarding their children as well as general child development information;
including parent meetings and/or home visits.Required to report suspected abuse/neglect/maltreatment and other social service related incidents to Police
department and/or Child Protective Services (CPS); apprising supervisor of report.Make daily observations of children documenting behaviors and/or health problems, reports and referrals of
any conditions needing attention; does child assessments in accordance with the Head Start Program
Performance Standards.Adhere to program con?dentiality policies concerning information about children, families, and other staff
members;Promote cultural awareness and cultural diverse activities for children.Maintain daily attendance and meal count for Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP). Serve food to
children during meal/snack time observing appropriate portion sizes according to age.Maintains the cleanliness of the classroom, which includes, but is not limited to, putting materials away each
day and cleaning tables before and after meals and activities. Arranges the physical environment to make it
safe, healthy, interesting, and developmentally appropriate. Oversees maintenance and upkeep of classroom
supplies, materials, and equipment. Obtains needed supplies and materials for the classroom.Perform other related duties as assigned.REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE SKILL AND ABILITY:Knowledge and understanding of developmental characteristics of Head Start age children and how to respond
appropriately to their needs.Knowledge of nutrition, health, ?rst aid, and CPR.Knowledge of lesson plan development and implementation, setting up learning environments indoor and
outdoor for Head Start children.Knowledge of Head Start Performance Standards.Knowledge of the O'odham and/or Pee Posh culture.Ability to supervise other adults and carry out assigned tasks under supervision of the Director or designee.
Ability to follow directions, demonstrate competence in assigned task and use sound judgment.Ability to meet social/emotional, physical and development needs of the individual Head Start age children.
Ability to physically participate in childrens activities, lift children and equipment and get up and down with
ease.Ability to participate actively with children; getting up and down, lifting up to 50 pounds.Ability to maintain a safe, clean and pleasant environment.Ability to recognize signs of illness in children and environment safety hazards.Ability to maintain accurate records and documentation.Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other employees, Community Of?cials
and the public.Ability to perform all physical requirements of the position; agree to maintain a Drug-free workplace.REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:Bachelors degree from an accredited college or university in Early Childhood Education, Childhood
Development or closely related ?eld with equivalent coursework and one (1) year of experience working with
preschool children in a group setting; four (4) semester hours of supervised ?eld experience, practicum,
internship or student teaching setting serving children birth through grade 3 may be substituted for one (1)
year of experience working with preschool children in a group setting; orAssociates degree from an accredited college or university in Early Childhood Education, Childhood
Development or closely related ?eld with equivalent coursework and two (2) years of experience working
with preschool children in a group setting.
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENT:
- Candidates that do not have a Bachelors degree must be enrolled or willing to enroll in an accredited college
or university leading to a Bachelors degree in Early Childhood Education, Childhood Development or closely
related ?eld.
0 Current Food Handler Certi?cation (i.e., GRIC, SerVSafe, etc.) or obtain within 60 days of employment.
0 Maintain current CPR & First Aid Certi?cation or obtain certi?cation within 60 days of employment.
0 Copy of current Fingerprint Clearance Card must be provided when applying for this position and
must be maintained throughout employment.
0 Required to pass a background check and ?ngerprint clearance as a condition of employment and must
continue to maintain throughout duration of employment. Background checks are required for positions that
involve regular contact with or control over Community Children in accordance with The Indian Child
Protection and Family Violence Prevention Act, 25 U.S.C. Sections 3201 through 3210 and C.F.R. Part 63
and positions that have regular contact with the Elderly.
- Must pass an Initial Health Examination and a TB skin test; provide proof/results, including updated
immunization records prior to hire date.
0 Required mandatory reporter pursuant to Title 7, Chapter 2 (7.205), B.
0 Required to attend Title 7 Mandatory Reporting training on a yearly basis.
0 Required to obtain a Tribal Operators permit. Valid state drivers license with a current proof of driving
record for the past 39 months will be required to qualify for a tribal driving permit. Proof of driving record
must be submitted with application and must not be more than 60 days old from the date of submission
of the application.Non-Supervisory, Salaried Position
Reports to Director or designeeBENEFITS:
The Gila River Indian Community offers a comprehensive bene?ts package, which includes; Vacation, holiday,
and sick leave as well as medical, dental, Vision, life, short and long term disability bene?ts.Preference in ?lling vacancies is given to quali?ed Indian candidates in accordance with the Indian Preference
Act (Title 25, US. Code, Section 472 and 473). The Gila River Indian Community is also committed to achieving
the full and equal opportunity without discrimination because of Race, Religion, Color, Sex, National Origin,
Politics, Marital Status, Physical Handicap, Age or Sexual Orientation. In other than the above, the Gila River
Indian Community is an Equal Opportunity Employer.If you are claiming Preference in one or more of the following categories please attach a copy of the
required documentation to the completed Employment Application.Preference for Community Members (with proof of enrollment)Preference for Native Americans (must meet membership requirement of a federally recognized Tribe.)
Preference point for Spouse of Community Member (with proof of spouse enrollment)Preference point for Veteran (must meet statutory requirements)
HUMAN RESOURCES WILL NOT MAKE COPIES OF APPLICATIONS OR DOCUMENTS BEING
SUBMITTED.
Visit our GRIC website and apply online:
www.gilariver.org
Closing Date: 07/24/2025
DEADLINE: Attach any required documents, i.e., Transcripts, Certificates, diploma and Motor Vehicle
Record, to your online application by midnight on the closing date. Late Applications or documents will not
be considered.
Job Number: 25-457-4
Job Type: Full-Time Regular
Department: Tribal Education Department/Head Start Program
City: Sacaton, AZ
Location: 1467 W. Santan Rd. (District 4 Head Start Center)
Area of Interest: Education
Salary/ Hourly Rate: $45,969.60 - $70,969.60 Salary
Tribal Driving Permit Required: Yes3 Vacancies - Year Round Position - No Contract
DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS:
The Preschool Teacher is responsible for direct delivery of services designed to meet the physical and
developmental needs of preschool age children (ranging from birth to 5 years of age) of the Gila River Indian
Community. This position is responsible for compliance with the Head Start Performance Standards and Program
Area Plans to improve childrens educational, physical, and social skills to meet School Readiness and Family
Engagement outcomes for assigned children and their families.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
Provide for the care, safety, protection, and supervision of all children in the group at all times. Maintains
scheduled center activities; writes and follows lesson plans; documenting accordingly. Completes and
maintains all necessary documentation to demonstrate compliance with Head Start Program Performance
Standards and other regulations.Develops and implements a developmentally appropriate curriculum for children based on the individual
interests, needs, and abilities of the children in the classroom and the group as a whole. Considers goals and
Objectives for each child and for the group as a whole and develops realistic lesson plans responsive to the
needs of all. Creates an environment and implements the daily curriculum, which re?ects a developmentally
appropriate anti-bias, multicultural approach.Demonstrate verbally and through role modeling, a sound knowledge of appropriate child guidance, growth
and development.Participate in staff meetings, parent meetings, events and on-going professional and in-service training.
Provide information to parents regarding their children as well as general child development information;
including parent meetings and/or home visits.Required to report suspected abuse/neglect/maltreatment and other social service related incidents to Police
department and/or Child Protective Services (CPS); apprising supervisor of report.Make daily observations of children documenting behaviors and/or health problems, reports and referrals of
any conditions needing attention; does child assessments in accordance with the Head Start Program
Performance Standards.Adhere to program con?dentiality policies concerning information about children, families, and other staff
members;Promote cultural awareness and cultural diverse activities for children.Maintain daily attendance and meal count for Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP). Serve food to
children during meal/snack time observing appropriate portion sizes according to age.Maintains the cleanliness of the classroom, which includes, but is not limited to, putting materials away each
day and cleaning tables before and after meals and activities. Arranges the physical environment to make it
safe, healthy, interesting, and developmentally appropriate. Oversees maintenance and upkeep of classroom
supplies, materials, and equipment. Obtains needed supplies and materials for the classroom.Perform other related duties as assigned.REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE SKILL AND ABILITY:Knowledge and understanding of developmental characteristics of Head Start age children and how to respond
appropriately to their needs.Knowledge of nutrition, health, ?rst aid, and CPR.Knowledge of lesson plan development and implementation, setting up learning environments indoor and
outdoor for Head Start children.Knowledge of Head Start Performance Standards.Knowledge of the O'odham and/or Pee Posh culture.Ability to supervise other adults and carry out assigned tasks under supervision of the Director or designee.
Ability to follow directions, demonstrate competence in assigned task and use sound judgment.Ability to meet social/emotional, physical and development needs of the individual Head Start age children.
Ability to physically participate in childrens activities, lift children and equipment and get up and down with
ease.Ability to participate actively with children; getting up and down, lifting up to 50 pounds.Ability to maintain a safe, clean and pleasant environment.Ability to recognize signs of illness in children and environment safety hazards.Ability to maintain accurate records and documentation.Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other employees, Community Of?cials
and the public.Ability to perform all physical requirements of the position; agree to maintain a Drug-free workplace.REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:Bachelors degree from an accredited college or university in Early Childhood Education, Childhood
Development or closely related ?eld with equivalent coursework and one (1) year of experience working with
preschool children in a group setting; four (4) semester hours of supervised ?eld experience, practicum,
internship or student teaching setting serving children birth through grade 3 may be substituted for one (1)
year of experience working with preschool children in a group setting; orAssociates degree from an accredited college or university in Early Childhood Education, Childhood
Development or closely related ?eld with equivalent coursework and two (2) years of experience working
with preschool children in a group setting.
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENT:
- Candidates that do not have a Bachelors degree must be enrolled or willing to enroll in an accredited college
or university leading to a Bachelors degree in Early Childhood Education, Childhood Development or closely
related ?eld.
0 Current Food Handler Certi?cation (i.e., GRIC, SerVSafe, etc.) or obtain within 60 days of employment.
0 Maintain current CPR & First Aid Certi?cation or obtain certi?cation within 60 days of employment.
0 Copy of current Fingerprint Clearance Card must be provided when applying for this position and
must be maintained throughout employment.
0 Required to pass a background check and ?ngerprint clearance as a condition of employment and must
continue to maintain throughout duration of employment. Background checks are required for positions that
involve regular contact with or control over Community Children in accordance with The Indian Child
Protection and Family Violence Prevention Act, 25 U.S.C. Sections 3201 through 3210 and C.F.R. Part 63
and positions that have regular contact with the Elderly.
- Must pass an Initial Health Examination and a TB skin test; provide proof/results, including updated
immunization records prior to hire date.
0 Required mandatory reporter pursuant to Title 7, Chapter 2 (7.205), B.
0 Required to attend Title 7 Mandatory Reporting training on a yearly basis.
0 Required to obtain a Tribal Operators permit. Valid state drivers license with a current proof of driving
record for the past 39 months will be required to qualify for a tribal driving permit. Proof of driving record
must be submitted with application and must not be more than 60 days old from the date of submission
of the application.Non-Supervisory, Salaried Position
Reports to Director or designeeBENEFITS:
The Gila River Indian Community offers a comprehensive bene?ts package, which includes; Vacation, holiday,
and sick leave as well as medical, dental, Vision, life, short and long term disability bene?ts.Preference in ?lling vacancies is given to quali?ed Indian candidates in accordance with the Indian Preference
Act (Title 25, US. Code, Section 472 and 473). The Gila River Indian Community is also committed to achieving
the full and equal opportunity without discrimination because of Race, Religion, Color, Sex, National Origin,
Politics, Marital Status, Physical Handicap, Age or Sexual Orientation. In other than the above, the Gila River
Indian Community is an Equal Opportunity Employer.If you are claiming Preference in one or more of the following categories please attach a copy of the
required documentation to the completed Employment Application.Preference for Community Members (with proof of enrollment)Preference for Native Americans (must meet membership requirement of a federally recognized Tribe.)
Preference point for Spouse of Community Member (with proof of spouse enrollment)Preference point for Veteran (must meet statutory requirements)
HUMAN RESOURCES WILL NOT MAKE COPIES OF APPLICATIONS OR DOCUMENTS BEING
SUBMITTED.
Visit our GRIC website and apply online:
www.gilariver.org
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