Bus Driver – Whitehall Head Start

Leap Services; New York, Northern (NY, KY); Hybrid; USD 20,689,000 - 27,924,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Employee assistance program

Paid time off

Professional development assistance

Job summary

Leap Services in Whitehall, NY is seeking a part-time Bus Driver to provide safe transportation for children and families enrolled in the Head Start program.

This in-person role requires a NYS CDL/Passenger Endorsement, a clear OCFS background check, and the ability to meet physical requirements. 20 hours per week, 44 weeks per year, with benefits including PTO and an EAP. Salary is $20.05 per hour.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• NYS CDL/Passenger Endorsement required.
• OCFS background check completed and updated every 5 years.
• Understanding of young children and low-income families.

Responsibilities

• Adhere to the agency’s policy on confidentiality and program procedures.
• Work with program staff to provide integrated services for children and families.
• Ensure transportation of all passengers conforms to Head Start policy and procedures.
• Prioritize passenger safety at all times.
• Maintain interior and exterior bus cleanliness and fuel levels.
• Supervise bus volunteers during routes and ensure compliance with regulations.
• Operate buses according to state and Head Start transportation rules.
• Comply with random drug and alcohol screening requirements.
• Ensure passengers are secured in restraints.
• Communicate pertinent information to appropriate staff.
• Support School Readiness and PFCE goals.

Skills

Safe driving

Family service

Safety compliance

Education

High School diploma or GED

NYS CDL/Passenger Endorsement

OCFS background check

Understanding of children and families

Job description

Location: Whitehall Head Start Center, Whitehall, NY Posted 6/29/2026

The Bus Driver is responsible for providing safe transportation to all children and families in the program. It is the understanding and expectation of this organization that all employees will take the opportunity to contribute to the overall success and mission of the agency above and beyond the basic requirements of their job.

Salary: $20.05/HR Weeks Per Year: 44Hours Per Week: 20

• Job Type: Part-time
• Pay: $20.05 per hour
• Expected hours: 20 per week

Benefits:

• Employee assistance program
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance

Work Location:

In person

L.E.A.P. reserves the right to revise or change job duties as the need arises. This job description does not constitute a written or implied contract of employment.

Work Weeks Per Year: 44 Classification: Non-Exempt

Responsibilities

• Adhere to the agency’s policy on confidentiality both within the agency and the community and adhere to all program policies and procedures.
• Work closely with all program staff to ensure an integrated approach and provide comprehensive services to children and families.
• Ensure that the transportation of all children, parents and staff conforms to Head Start/Early Head Start policy and procedures.
• Ensure the safety of the passengers at all times as a primary responsibility.
• Ensure the interior and exterior cleanliness of buses on a regular basis.
• Ensure that buses and other appropriate vehicles have an adequate supply of gas and oil at all times.
• Supervise all bus volunteers during their participation in transportation routes.
• Ensure that all buses are operated in compliance with state, federal and Head Start transportation regulations.
• Adhere to all requirements for random drug and alcohol screenings.
• Ensure that all passengers are securely fastened in appropriate restraints at all times.
• Communicate to the Family Services Coordinator, or Family Services Worker or other appropriate staff pertinent information regarding a child/family.
• Promote and support the program’s School Readiness goals and the Parent, Family, and Community Engagement (PFCE) goals.
• Utilize professional reading, writing and communication skills in order to call our necessary job requirements.
• Assist in the annual revision of the Comprehensive Program, policies and procedures, Community Assessment and in the Program Self Assessment.
• Attends upon request all staff and other appropriate meetings, trainings and conference.Some of which may necessitate out-of-county travel and evening/overnight attendance.

Qualifications

QUALIFICATIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed are representative of the knowledge, skills, and/or abilities required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• 1. High School Diploma or GED
• 2. A valid NYS CDL/Passenger Endorsement (Commercial Driver’s License).
• 3. A comprehensive OCFS background check is completed and updated every 5 years.
• 4. An understanding of young children and low-income families, and an appreciation of parents as the primary educators of their children.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Ability to meet the following physical requirements with or without reasonable accommodation:

• 1. Ability to regularly lift up to 50 lbs.
• 2. Use hands to manipulate, handle, feel, and control items or equipment, including motor vehicles
• 3. Stand, sit, walk, bend, stoop, kneel, and reach;
• 4. Climb up or down stairs;
• 5. Able to reach above or below shoulders;
• 6. This position requires the person to frequently board and exit a bus

Benefits

Generous Employee Benefits Accruing From Day One! (Benefit plans vary for 52 week employees and less than 52 week employees.)

• Vacation Time is earned based on your years/hours of service
• Sick Time – feel better, we’ve got you covered
  • New Employees – vacation and sick time is accrued with each pay period!
• Personal Time is available upon hire
• Paid Holidays
• Health Plans available to choose from with Vision, Dental, Life, Accident & Cancer options
• Profit Sharing 401(K) Plan and Trust
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) can help you when times get tough at home or work