Teacher Aide - District 4 Head Start

Job Title: Teacher Aide

Closing Date: 12/02/2025

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: 26-167

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: $14.71 - $21.91 / Hour

Distinguishing Features Of The Class

The Teacher Aide is responsible for assisting teachers in the direct delivery of services designed to meet the physical and developmental needs of children, ranging from birth to five years of age within the Gila River Indian Community.

Essential Functions

• Works closely with staff and volunteers in providing care, safety, protection, and the well-being of children in their group at the assigned times.
• Works closely with the staff, children, volunteers, and parents.
• Assists in maintaining scheduled center activities, follows lesson plans, and documents accordingly.
• Completes and maintains all necessary documentation to demonstrate compliance with Head Start Program Performance Standards and Tribal regulations.
• Verbally and through role modeling, apply a sound knowledge of child guidance, growth, and development.
• Required to report suspected abuse, neglect, maltreatment, and other social service-related incidents to Police department and/or Child Protective Services (CPS) and inform supervisor of report.
• Make daily observations of children documenting behaviors and/or health problems; report and make referrals of any condition needing attention to the teacher.
• Participate in staff meetings and ongoing professional training.
• Maintain daily attendance and meal count for Child and Adult Food Program (CACFP).
• Serve food to children during meal/snack time.
• Maintains the cleanliness of the classroom.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.
  
  

Required Knowledge, Skill And Ability

• Knowledge and understanding of developmental characteristics of children aged 0-5 and how to respond appropriately to their needs.
• Knowledge of lesson plan development and implementation includes setting up learning environments indoor and outdoor for preschool children.
• Knowledge of nutrition, health, and safety practices of indoor and outdoor areas.
• Ability to understand and follow verbal and written instructions.
• Ability to meet the social-emotional needs of children in assigned age group.
• Ability to be energetic, flexible, in good health with an ability to sit on floor, lift, carry, bend, and hold children as needed.
• Ability to maintain a safe, clean, and pleasant environment.
• Ability to recognize signs of illness in children and environmental safety hazards.
• Ability to maintain accurate records and documentation.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other employees, Community Officials and the general public.
• Ability to perform all physical requirements of the position; agree to maintain a Drug-free workplace.
  
  

Required Education/Experience

• Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential or comparable credential, or have equivalent coursework in early childhood development with a focus on infant and toddler development; and one (1) year experience working with infants/toddlers in a group setting.
• High School diploma or GED and willing to enroll in a CDA or an Associate’s degree in Early Childhood Education or Childhood Development to be completed in two (2) years from date of hire and one (1) year experience working with infants/toddlers in a group setting.
  
  

Additional Requirements

• Current Food Handler Certification (i.e., GRIC, ServSafe, etc.) or obtain within 60 days of employment.
• Maintain current CPR & First Aid Certification or obtain certification within 60 days of employment.
• Must pass an Initial Health Examination and a TB skin test; provide proof/results, including updated immunization records prior to hire date.
• Copy of current Fingerprint Clearance Card must be provided when applying for this position and must be maintained throughout employment.
• Required to pass a background check and fingerprint 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.
• Required mandatory reporter pursuant to Title 7, Chapter 2 (7.205), B.
• Required to attend Title 7 Mandatory Reporting training on a yearly basis.
  
  

Non-Supervisory, Hourly Position

Reports to Director or designee

Benefits

The Gila River Indian Community offers a comprehensive benefits package, which includes; vacation, holiday, and sick leave as well as medical, dental, vision, life, short and long term disability benefits.

Preference in filling vacancies is given to qualified Indian candidates in accordance with the Indian Preference Act (Title 25, U.S. 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