Head Start Class Aide/Bus Aide

POSITION DESCRIPTION JOB TITLE: Class Aide/Bus Aide SALARY RANGE: 5 SUPERVISES: N/A WORK STATION: Bus/Classroom REPORTS DIRECTLY TO: Teacher Site Supervisor Education Manager Transportation Manager GENERAL DESCRIPTION The Head Start Bus Aide/Class Aide works with the Head Start Bus Driver to provide safe transportation for children in accordance with all state, local laws and Head Start transportation guidelines. The Aide also provides daily assistance in the Head Start classroom and may serve as a disability aide, offering one‑on‑one attention to children who need additional help. Working alongside the teacher and teacher aide, the Class Aide helps create an educational environment for all children enrolled in the Head Start classroom. DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Work as a team with other teaching staff and assist with daily activities in the Head Start center as required. Assistance with special needs children and routine classroom tasks, including bathroom, mealtimes, playground, and field trips. Documentation of required paperwork for children with special needs. Substitute as driver when needed, if qualified. Maintain safe driving habits and a positive atmosphere on the bus; administer first aid and handle emergency situations including vehicle evacuation. Never leave a child unattended on the vehicle at any time. Assist children and their parents on and off the bus, ensuring a responsible person is home to receive the child, and escort children to a child care center if needed. Control all passengers on the vehicle and enforce use of safety restraints; create a positive learning environment on the bus. Maintain a clean and safe vehicle. Conduct daily vehicle inspections (pre‑trip and post‑trip) and report concerns to the Site Supervisor. Obey all state, county, and local driving regulations. Report all accidents to the supervisor immediately. Maintain documentation concerning mileage, maintenance costs, and related travel records. Communicate between staff and parents concerning children; relay messages between parents and center staff as the program’s first and last contact of the day. Participate in Head Start training, including parent committee meetings, center staff meetings, in‑service training, and other training as required by management or supervisors. Ensure emergency supplies are maintained, properly stored, and tested regularly; keep communication systems operational for Head Start business only. Work cooperatively with all Head Start staff. Plan efficient routes in collaboration with other center staff, considering weather conditions and making all designated stops unless otherwise advised. Act as a mandated reporter for Child Abuse and Neglect; read, understand, and follow reporting procedures. Perform additional duties as assigned by supervisors. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES High school diploma or equivalent. Possess or obtain a Child Development Associate (CDA) credential; must begin CDA classes within six months of hire date. Knowledge of program curriculum, developmentally appropriate practice, and related program performance standards. Positive, constructive relationship with children and parents. Develop and implement classroom activities based on children’s individual needs. Collaborate well with center staff, parents, and managers. Knowledge of bus safety regulations, Head Start transportation guidelines, and applicable procedures. Basic vehicle maintenance knowledge. Basic child development, child care, and guidance knowledge. Behavior that promotes a positive image to staff, parents, agency, and community. Initial medical exam and TB assessment within 30 days of employment; periodic exams thereafter. Pass background, child abuse/neglect, and drug screens; be subject to random drug testing. Additional requirements Emotional maturity and willingness to cooperate with program standards. Respect for children and adults, flexibility, patience, and good personal hygiene. Physical and mental health that does not interfere with responsibilities. Good verbal communication skills and visual observation of children. Ability to fulfill responsibilities under pressure, including during emergencies. Working Conditions Risk of exposure to blood, body fluids, or tissues. Risk associated with travel on main highways, side streets, and rural roads during transport of children. Risk of exposure to communicable diseases. Physical demands include lifting 55 pounds, climbing into the bus, bending, kneeling, squatting, standing for long periods, stooping, running, and sitting in child‑sized chairs or on the floor. The above statements describe the general nature and level of work performed in this position. They are not intended to be exhaustive. The Executive Director may, at any time, reassign an employee to another position for disciplinary, personnel, or program needs. Employee and supervisor signatures acknowledge acceptance of the duties and responsibilities. This position is not exempt from the overtime provision of the Fair Labor Standards Act. #J-18808-Ljbffr