Head Start Teacher Aide / Bus Driver

Scmcaa Head Start; Missouri; On-site; USD 24,000 - 26,000; Full time

Job summary

Scmcaa Head Start in Missouri is hiring a Teacher Aide/Bus Driver to assist in children's developmental activities while ensuring their safe transportation. The ideal candidate must relate positively to children and parents and possess a valid CDL license.

This position includes responsibilities like developing weekly lesson plans, maintaining vehicle safety, and collaborating with center staff. The role requires emotional maturity, flexibility, and effective communication skills.

Working conditions may involve exposure to various health risks; candidates must be able to lift 55 pounds regularly.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• CDA credential must be obtained within six months of hire.
• Knowledge of child development and program curriculum.

Responsibilities

• Assist with daily activities at the Head Start center.
• Transport children safely to and from the center.
• Develop and implement lesson plans.

Skills

Child Development

Classroom Management

Vehicle Operation

Positive Communication

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Child Development Associate (CDA) credential

Job description

Job Title: Teacher Aide/Bus Driver

Salary Range: 7

Supervisor(s): N/A

Workstation: Classroom/Bus

Reports To: Teacher, Site Supervisor, Education Manager, Transportation Manager

Job Summary

The Head Start Teacher Aide/Bus Driver assists the Teacher in carrying out daily activities designed to support the physical, emotional, nutritional, social, and intellectual development of children in a safe, healthy learning environment and safely transports Head Start children to and from the center following predetermined routes while maintaining vehicle safety.

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. Develop weekly lesson plans and activities as needed to meet children’s individual needs.
3. Perform teaching tasks as outlined in curriculum and performance standards.
4. Assist with all requirements of teaching position, including home visits, screening and assessment of children and other required documentation and duties.
5. Perform duties of the teacher, when necessary due to teacher’s absence.
6. Maintain safe driving habits and an atmosphere on the bus conducive to safety. Post and explain passenger regulations and enforce them.
7. Administer first aid in case of injury, handle all emergency situations including vehicle evacuation, and maintain current emergency information on all children and adults in the vehicle at all times.
8. Control all passengers on the vehicle and ensure that safety restraints are used for everyone; maintain a positive atmosphere for learning.
9. Never leave a child unattended on the vehicle at any time.
10. Assist children and their parents on and off the bus; ensure that a responsible person approved to pick up a child is present; take a child into a child care center if needed and assure the child is with responsible staff.
11. Maintain a clean and safe vehicle.
12. Conduct daily vehicle inspections, pre‑trip and post‑trip inspections, and report concerns to Area Supervisor.
13. Obey all state, county, and local driving regulations.
14. Prohibit cell phone usage while driving.
15. Report all accidents to supervisor immediately.
16. Maintain required documentation concerning mileage, maintenance costs, etc.
17. Provide communication between staff and parents concerning children; relay messages; be positive as the program’s first and last contact of the day.
18. Drive bus for field trips and other trips.
19. Use the bus for official Head Start and agency business only; no personal errands.
20. Participate in appropriate Head Start training; attend parent committee meetings, center staff meetings, in‑service training, and other training as required.
21. Ensure emergency supplies are maintained, properly stored, and communication system is tested and kept in working order.
22. Work cooperatively with all Head Start staff.
23. Plan the most efficient route in cooperation with other center staff, taking weather conditions into account, and make all designated stops unless advised otherwise.
24. Understand responsibility as a mandated reporter for Child Abuse and Neglect; read and understand policy; failure may result in termination.
25. 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; 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 positively and constructively.
5. Develop and implement classroom activities based on children’s individual needs.
6. Work well with other center staff, parents, and managers.
7. Operate assigned vehicle and possess current CDL license with all required endorsements.
8. Knowledge of all applicable bus safety regulations and procedures; Head Start transportation guidelines and standards.
9. Knowledge of basic vehicle maintenance.
10. Knowledge of basic child development as well as child care and guidance knowledge.
11. Maintain conduct that promotes a positive image to staff, parents, agency, and community.
12. 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.
13. Pass background screen, child abuse/neglect screen, drug screen, and be subject to random drug testing; maintain conduct that promotes a positive image to staff, parents, agency, and community.

Additional Requirements

Possess personal qualifications: emotional maturity, willingness to cooperate with program standards, respect for children and adults, flexibility, patience, good personal hygiene, physical and mental health that does not interfere with responsibilities; good verbal communication skills; 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, stooping, squatting, running, and sitting in child‑sized chairs and/or on the floor.

This position is not exempt from the overtime provision of the Fair Labor Standards Act.