Head Start Teacher Aide / Bus Driver

Scmcaa; Poplar Bluff (MO); On-site; USD 10,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a dedicated team as a Teacher Aide/Bus Driver, where you will play a crucial role in the development and safety of children. This position combines classroom assistance with the responsibility of safely transporting children, ensuring a nurturing environment that promotes their growth. You will collaborate with educators to create engaging lesson plans and maintain high standards of safety on the bus. If you are passionate about child development and enjoy working in a supportive team atmosphere, this opportunity is perfect for you. Make a difference in the lives of children while enjoying a fulfilling career in education and transportation.

Qualifications

• High school diploma required; CDA credential preferred.
• Ability to operate a vehicle and possess a current CDL license.

Responsibilities

• Assist in daily activities and transport children safely.
• Develop lesson plans and maintain vehicle safety.

Skills

Child Development Associate (CDA)

Vehicle Operation

First Aid Administration

Classroom Activity Development

Communication Skills

Team Collaboration

Knowledge of Bus Safety Regulations

Basic Vehicle Maintenance

Education

High School Diploma or Equivalent

Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential

Tools

School Bus

Job description

POSITION DESCRIPTION

JOB TITLE: Teacher Aide/Bus Driver
SALARY RANGE: 7
SUPERVISES: N/A
WORK STATION: Classroom/Bus
REPORTS TO: Teacher, Site Supervisor, Education Manager, Transportation Manager

GENERAL DESCRIPTION:
The Head Start Teacher Aide/Bus Driver is responsible for assisting the Teacher in carrying out daily activities designed to provide for the physical, emotional, nutritional, social, and intellectual development of the children within an environment that is safe, healthy, and conducive to learning. The Head Start Teacher Aide/Bus Driver is responsible for safely transporting the Head Start children to and from the center following a pre-determined route, monitoring the passengers and their safety, maintaining cleanliness, and monitoring 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. Posts and explains passenger regulations and is responsible for enforcing 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.
9. Never leave a child unattended on the vehicle at any time.
10. Assist children and their parents on and off the bus, ensuring a responsible person is home to receive the child.
11. Maintain a clean and safe vehicle.
12. Conduct daily vehicle inspections, pre-trip and post-trip inspections, and report any concerns to Area Supervisor.
13. Obey all state, county, and local driving regulations.
14. Report all accidents to supervisor immediately.
15. Maintain required documentation concerning mileage, maintenance costs, etc.
16. Provide communication between staff and parents concerning children and relay messages between parents and Center Staff.
17. Drive bus for field trips and other trips.
18. Use the bus for official Head Start and agency business only.
19. Participate in appropriate Head Start training and attend required meetings.
20. Ensure that emergency supplies are maintained and properly stored in accordance with agency policy and procedures.
21. Work cooperatively with all Head Start staff.
22. Plan the most efficient route, taking weather conditions into consideration.
23. Understand responsibility of being a mandated reporter for Child Abuse and Neglect.
24. 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.
3. Knowledge of program curriculum and developmentally appropriate practice.
4. Relate to children and parents in a positive manner.
5. Develop and implement classroom activities based on children’s individual needs.
6. Work well with other center staff, parents, and managers.
7. Ability to operate assigned vehicle and possess current CDL license.
8. Knowledge of bus safety regulations and procedures.
9. Knowledge of basic vehicle maintenance.
10. Knowledge of basic child development and child care guidance.
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.
13. 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 program standards, 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.

Working Conditions:
Risk of exposure to blood, body fluids, or tissues. Risk involved with travel on highways and rural roads during transportation of children. Must be able to lift 55 pounds, climb into the school bus, bend, kneel, and squat frequently. The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by a person in this position.