Head Start Class Aide/Bus Aide

SCMCAA; Poplar Bluff (MO); On-site; USD 28,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

SCMCAA in the United States is hiring a Head Start Bus Aide/Class Aide to support safe transportation of children and assist in the Head Start classroom. The role works with the Head Start Bus Driver and classroom staff to provide a safe, educational environment for all children enrolled.

The position requires teamwork, adherence to bus safety guidelines, and the ability to support children with special needs as needed. Training and duties span in-vehicle supervision and classroom activities.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Possess or obtain a CDA credential; begin CDA classes within six months of hire date.
• Knowledge of Head Start transportation guidelines and safety standards.
• Ability to communicate with children, parents, and staff.
• Assist with classroom activities and supervision on bus.
• Pass background checks and drug screening.

Responsibilities

• Work as a team with other teaching staff and assist with daily activities in the Head Start center as required.
• Assist with special needs children and other children in the Head Start classroom; assist in classroom, bathroom, mealtimes, playground, and field trips.
• Assist with documentation of required paperwork for children with special needs.
• Substitute as driver when needed, if qualified.
• Maintain safe driving habits and a positive atmosphere on the bus; administer first aid and handle emergencies; keep emergency information current.
• Never leave a child unattended on the vehicle.
• Assist children and parents on and off the bus and ensure responsible pickup/drop-off.
• Control passengers and ensure safety restraints; maintain a learning-friendly vehicle environment.
• Maintain a clean and safe vehicle; conduct daily vehicle inspections and report concerns.
• Obey driving regulations; report accidents; document mileage and maintenance costs.
• Communicate with staff and parents; relay messages; be the program’s first/last contact of the day.
• Participate in Head Start training and meetings; assist with emergency supplies and testing communications.
• Work cooperatively with all Head Start staff; plan efficient routes considering weather; reassess as needed.
• Understand mandated reporting for Child Abuse and Neglect.

Skills

Teamwork

Communication skills

Patience

Observation skills

First aid knowledge

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

CDA credential (begin within 6 months)

Tools

Bus safety regulations knowledge

Basic vehicle maintenance

Job description

POSITION DESCRIPTION

JOB TITLE: Class Aide/Bus Aide SALARY RANGE: 5
SUPERVISES: N/A WORK STATION: Bus/Classroom

REPORTS DIRECTLY TO: Teacher
Site Supervisor
Education Manager
Transportation Manager

GENERAL DESCRIPTION:
The Head Start Bus Aide/Class Aide will work together with the Head Start Bus Driver to provide safe
transportation for the children in accordance with all state and local laws and Head Start transportation
guidelines. The Bus Aide/Class Aide is also responsible for providing additional daily assistance in the Head
Start classroom. A Class Aide may function as a disability aide, providing one-on-one attention to a child that
has special needs or requires additional assistance. The Class Aide will work alongside the teacher and
teacher aide to provide an educational environment for all children enrolled in the Head Start classroom.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Work as a team with other teaching staff and assist with daily activities in the Head Start center as
   required.
2. Responsible for assisting with special needs children, as well as other children in the Head Start
   classroom. Assist in classroom, bathroom, mealtimes, playground, and field trips.
3. Assist with documentation of required paperwork for children with special needs.
4. Substitute as driver when needed, if qualified.
5. Assist with maintaining safe driving habits and a positive atmosphere on the bus. Administer first aid in
   case of injury, handles all emergency situations including vehicle evacuation. Assist with maintaining
   current emergency information on all children and adults in the vehicle at all times.
6. Never leave a child unattended on the vehicle at any time.
7. Assist children and their parents on and off the bus. Make sure a responsible person is home to receive
   the child. Take a child into a child care center, if needed, and assure child is with responsible staff
   person.
8. Responsible for controlling all passengers on the vehicle and for ensuring that safety restraints are
   used for everyone. There should be a positive atmosphere on the vehicle that will provide for learning in
   a safe and healthy environment.
9. Assist with maintaining a clean and safe vehicle.
10. Assist with conducting daily vehicle inspections, pre-trip and post trip inspections, and report all
    concerns to Site Supervisor.
11. Obey all state, county and local driving regulations.
12. Report all accidents to supervisor immediately.
13. Assist with maintaining required documentation concerning mileage, maintenance costs, etc.
14. Provide communication between staff and parents concerning children. Relay messages between
    parents and Center Staff. Be positive with parents and children as the program's first and last contact of
    the day
15. Participate in appropriate Head Start training. Attend parent committee meetings, center staff meetings,
    in-service training, and other training as required or requested by management staff and/or supervisor.
16. Ensure that emergency supplies are maintained and properly stored in accordance with agency policy
    and procedures. Ensure that communication system is tested regularly and kept in working order. The
    communication system is utilized for Head Start business only.
17. Work cooperatively with all Head Start staff.
18. Plan the most efficient route, in cooperation with other center staff, taking weather conditions into
    consideration, and make all designated stops unless otherwise advised by Center Staff.
19. Understand responsibility of being a mandated reporter for Child Abuse and Neglect. Read and
    understand Child Abuse and Neglect Policy. Failure to follow reporting procedures, including incidents
    involving other staff members, may result in termination.
20. Perform additional duties as assigned by supervisors.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

1. High school diploma or equivalent.
2. Possess or obtain a Child Development Associate (CDA) credential. Must begin CDA classes within six
   months of hire date.
3. Knowledge of program curriculum, developmentally appropriate practice, and related program
   performance standards.
4. Relate to children and parents in a positive, constructive manner.
5. Develop and implement classroom activities based on children's individual needs.
6. Work well with other center staff, parents, and managers.
7. Knowledge of all applicable bus safety regulations and procedures. Knowledge of all Head Start
   transportation guidelines and standards.
8. Knowledge of basic vehicle maintenance.
9. Knowledge of basic child development, as well as child care and guidance knowledge.
10. Maintain conduct that promotes a positive image to staff, parents, agency and community.
11. Obtain initial medical exam and TB assessment within 30 days of employment. Complete a medical
    exam and TB assessment every five years following initial employment.
12. Pass background screen, child abuse/neglect screen, drug screen, and be subject to random drug
    testing.

Additional requirements:
Possess personal qualifications: emotional maturity, willingness to cooperate with the standards of the
program, respect for children and adults, flexibility, patience, good personal hygiene, and physical and mental
health which does not interfere with responsibilities. Must have good verbal communication skills and visual
ability to observe children. Ability to fulfill responsibilities under pressure, including during emergencies.

Working Conditions:
Risk of exposure to blood, body fluids, or tissues. Risk involved with travel on main highways, side streets and
rural roads during the transportation of children. Risk of exposure to communicable diseases. Must be able to
lift 55 pounds, many times a day, climb into the school bus, bend, kneel and squat frequently. Job requires
standing for long periods of time, as well as stooping, squatting, running; and sitting in child sized chairs and/or
on the floor.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by a
person in this position. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all duties that may be
performed in such a position, including changes in location, classroom, caseload, and hours. The
Executive Director may, at any time, for disciplinary purposes, the utilization of personnel, or for the
general good of the program, reassign an employee from one position to another position.

I accept the duties and responsibilities as outlined in this position description. This position is not exempt from
the overtime provision of the Fair Labor Standards Act.
_________________________________ ______________________
Signature of Employee Date
_________________________________ ______________________
Signature of Supervisor/Mentor

Rev 8-21