SPECIAL EDUCATION TRANSPORTATION AIDE

Climax-Scotts Community Schools•Climax, MI

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Special Education Transportation Aide supports the safe, efficient, and compassionate transportation of students with disabilities and other specialized needs. This position assists students with boarding, riding, and exiting school transportation; monitors student safety and behavior; and supports the bus driver in maintaining a secure, respectful, and orderly environment. The successful candidate will demonstrate patience, dependability, sound judgment, and a commitment to protecting the dignity, privacy, safety, and well-being of every student.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.
Ability to understand and follow written and verbal directions, student transportation plans, safety procedures, and emergency protocols.
Ability to work patiently and effectively with students who have a variety of physical, behavioral, emotional, medical, communication, or developmental needs.
Ability to maintain student confidentiality and exercise sound professional judgment.
Ability to remain calm and respond appropriately during emergencies or challenging situations.
Ability to complete all district-required training and professional development.
Reliable attendance and punctuality.
Successful completion of all district-required background checks and employment requirements.

Nice To Haves

Previous experience working with students, individuals with disabilities, or individuals with specialized needs.
Previous experience in school transportation, special education, childcare, healthcare, or a related setting.
Current first aid, CPR, or other relevant safety certification.

Responsibilities

Assist students with safely boarding and exiting the school bus.
Provide physical assistance to students in accordance with their individual needs and established procedures.
Assist students with seating, positioning, seat belts, harnesses, car seats, and other required safety restraints.
Properly secure wheelchairs, mobility devices, medical equipment, and other student equipment using approved tie-downs and securement systems.
Confirm that students and their equipment are properly secured before the bus moves.
Follow individualized transportation plans, student safety procedures, emergency plans, and other assigned protocols.
Assist with student evacuation and emergency procedures when necessary.
Continuously monitor students’ safety, behavior, health, and well-being throughout the route.
Provide appropriate supervision, support, prompting, and redirection while preserving student dignity.
Respond calmly and appropriately to students’ behavioral, medical, physical, or emotional needs within the scope of assigned training.
Immediately notify the bus driver of any emergency, safety concern, significant change in a student’s condition, or situation requiring assistance.
Implement approved behavior-support and de-escalation strategies as directed by appropriate school personnel.
Maintain appropriate professional boundaries with students at all times.
Assist the bus driver as requested and support the safe and orderly operation of the route.
Help maintain a clean, organized, and hazard-free bus environment.
Ensure aisles, exits, and emergency equipment remain accessible.
Assist with pre-trip and post-trip checks as directed, including confirming that no student or personal item remains on the bus.
Follow assigned schedules and report to work consistently and punctually.
Remain attentive and prepared to respond throughout the entire route.
Communicate professionally and respectfully with students, families, drivers, transportation staff, teachers, administrators, and other school personnel.
Report student incidents, injuries, behavioral concerns, equipment problems, and transportation issues promptly to the bus driver and Transportation Director.
Complete required incident reports, transportation records, or other documentation accurately and promptly.
Maintain the confidentiality of student educational, medical, behavioral, and personal information in accordance with FERPA, district policy, and applicable law.
Refrain from discussing confidential student information with unauthorized individuals or in public settings.
Follow all district policies, transportation procedures, safety requirements, and applicable state and federal laws.
Participate in required training and professional development, including training related to student needs, emergency response, behavior support, confidentiality, first aid, and transportation safety.
Maintain any certifications or training required by the district or applicable law.
Demonstrate professional, ethical, and respectful conduct.
Work cooperatively with the bus driver and transportation team.
Perform other related duties as assigned by the Transportation Director or designee.