School Bus Driver 3/27/2026

Head Start Preschool Bus Driver

South Central Child Development, Inc. (SCCD) provides Head Start preschool and family services within 16 counties in South Central South Dakota since 1986.

The Head Start Preschool Bus Driver is responsible for the safe transportation of children participating in the Head Start Preschool program. The Bus Drivers work collaboratively with the Bus Monitor to ensure compliance with Head Start Program Performance Standards and all transportation safety regulations, maintains a safe and positive environment on the bus, and supports children's social, emotional and physical well-being during transportation.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Responsible for the safe transportation of children to/from their home or an approved alternate location and to/from the Head Start Preschool Center
• Work collaboratively with the Bus Monitor to ensure active supervision of children during transportation
• Obey all driving and safety regulations
• Ensure no child is left on the bus at the end of each route
• Reports transportation incidents immediately (accidents, injuries and health concerns)
• Support children's social-emotional development while on the bus
• Ensure the bus is kept in proper running condition at all times by following the bus safety checklist (pre-trip and post-trip inspections)
• Maintain an orderly and safe bus environment
• Follows emergency evacuation procedures and participates in required drills
• Attend all required training and staff meetings (inclusive of annual bus driver training)
• Comply with required reporting procedures and record keeping
  • Includes maintaining a log of all miles driven, gas and oil purchased and maintenance performed
• Maintain emergency supplies in the bus and know their use (first aid kit, seat belt cutter, etc.)
• Pick up prepared meals from Avera Queen of Peace and deliver to the Head Start Preschool Center.

This position is located in Mitchell, SD and typically works Monday through Thursday from 7:15am to 8:45am, 10:30am to 1:30pm, and 3:15pm to 4:45pm. Fridays are only required for make-up school days, training or when bus maintenance is required. This position pays 23.49/hr.

Qualifications and Skills

Required:

• Must have a valid commercial driver's license with the P (passenger) and S (school bus) endorsements
• Must have a safe driving record and be insurable
• Must be dependable and flexible to work various days and hours
• Must be able to administer CPR/First Aid and maintain CPR/First Aid certification
• Must work with a variety of people in a professional and courteous manner
• Must be able to establish a positive relationship with children and their families
• Must be able to maintain confidential information
• Must be able to work cooperatively with the team, agency leadership and administrative personnel
• Must be able to sit, bend, lift up to 50 pounds and respond in emergency situations
• Must document and report suspected child abuse and neglect by following the program's reporting procedures
• Must successfully complete all required background screenings, including State and FBI fingerprinting, sex offender registry and reports of abuse and neglect
• Must pass the annual health examination

Preferred:

• Have basic knowledge of auto mechanics
• Previous experience as a school bus driver
• Previous experience with preschool children
• Basic computer skills

Benefits

• Employee 401(k) with both Traditional and Roth options available
  • Direct Access to a financial expert for retirement investment information
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for employees, their spouses and dependent children
• Priority Enrollment for children of SCCD employees
• Student Loan Forgiveness: SCCD is a qualified employer under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program. See PSLF for details.