Head Start Class Aide/Bus Aide

SCMCAA•Poplar Bluff, MO

41d

About The Position

The Head Start Class Aide/Bus Aide works with the Head Start Bus Driver to transport children safely in accordance with state and local laws and Head Start transportation guidelines. The position also provides daily assistance in the Head Start classroom, working alongside teachers and teacher aides to support an educational environment for all children. A Class Aide may serve as a disability aide, providing one-on-one attention to a child with special needs or who requires additional assistance. The role supports children and families on and off the bus, assists with classroom and center activities, maintains a safe and positive environment, and carries out transportation, documentation, communication, and emergency-response tasks. The position reports directly to the Teacher, Site Supervisor, Education Manager, and Transportation Manager.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
Possess or obtain a Child Development Associate (CDA) credential and begin CDA classes within six months of hire.
Knowledge of program curriculum, developmentally appropriate practices, and related program performance standards.
Ability to relate to children and parents in a positive, constructive manner.
Ability to develop and implement classroom activities based on children’s individual needs.
Ability to work well with center staff, parents, and managers.
Knowledge of applicable bus safety regulations, procedures, and Head Start transportation guidelines and standards.
Knowledge of basic vehicle maintenance.
Knowledge of basic child development, child care, and guidance.
Maintain conduct that promotes a positive image to staff, parents, the agency, and the community.
Obtain an initial medical exam and TB assessment within 30 days of employment and complete a medical exam and TB assessment every five years thereafter.
Pass background, child abuse/neglect, and drug screenings; subject to random drug testing.
Demonstrate emotional maturity, willingness to cooperate with program standards, respect for children and adults, flexibility, patience, good personal hygiene, and physical and mental health that does not interfere with job responsibilities.
Have good verbal communication skills and visual ability to observe children.
Ability to fulfill responsibilities under pressure, including during emergencies.
Ability to lift 55 pounds many times a day; climb into a school bus; bend, kneel, and squat frequently; stand for long periods; stoop, squat, and run; and sit in child-sized chairs or on the floor.

Responsibilities

Work as a team with teaching staff and assist with daily Head Start center activities as required.
Assist children with special needs and other children in the classroom, bathroom, during meals, on the playground, and on field trips.
Assist with paperwork required for children with special needs.
Substitute as a driver when needed, if qualified.
Help maintain safe driving practices and a positive atmosphere on the bus; administer first aid, respond to emergencies including vehicle evacuations, and keep current emergency information for everyone in the vehicle.
Never leave a child unattended on the vehicle.
Help children and parents board and exit the bus; verify that a responsible person is available to receive each child, and, when needed, take a child into a child care center and ensure the child is with a responsible staff member.
Control passengers and ensure everyone uses safety restraints, while maintaining a positive, safe, healthy, and supportive environment on the vehicle.
Help maintain a clean and safe vehicle.
Assist with daily pre-trip and post-trip vehicle inspections and report concerns to the Site Supervisor.
Follow state, county, and local driving regulations.
Report all accidents to a supervisor immediately.
Help maintain required records, including mileage and maintenance costs.
Communicate between staff and parents about children and relay messages between parents and Center Staff; interact positively with parents and children as the program’s first and last contact of the day.
Participate in appropriate Head Start training and attend parent committee meetings, center staff meetings, in-service training, and other training as required or requested.
Maintain emergency supplies in accordance with agency policy and procedures; regularly test and maintain the communication system, which is for Head Start business only.
Work cooperatively with all Head Start staff.
Plan efficient routes with other center staff, consider weather conditions, and make designated stops unless otherwise advised by Center Staff.
Understand mandated-reporter responsibilities for Child Abuse and Neglect and follow the applicable policy and reporting procedures.
Perform additional duties as assigned by supervisors.