Head Start Class Aide/Bus Aide

Class Aide/Bus Aide

The Head Start Bus Aide/Class Aide will work together with the Head Start Bus Driver to provide safe transportation for the children in accordance with all state and local laws and Head Start transportation guidelines. The Bus Aide/Class Aide is also responsible for providing additional daily assistance in the Head Start classroom. A Class Aide may function as a disability aide, providing one-on-one attention to a child that has special needs or requires additional assistance. The Class Aide will work alongside the teacher and teacher aide to provide 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.
• Responsible for assisting with special needs children, as well as other children in the Head Start classroom. Assist in classroom, bathroom, mealtimes, playground, and field trips.
• Assist with documentation of required paperwork for children with special needs.
• Substitute as driver when needed, if qualified.
• Assist with maintaining safe driving habits and a positive atmosphere on the bus. Administer first aid in case of injury, handles all emergency situations including vehicle evacuation. Assist with maintaining current emergency information on all children and adults in the vehicle at all times.
• Never leave a child unattended on the vehicle at any time.
• Assist children and their parents on and off the bus. Make sure a responsible person is home to receive the child. Take a child into a child care center, if needed, and assure child is with responsible staff person.
• Responsible for controlling all passengers on the vehicle and for ensuring that safety restraints are used for everyone. There should be a positive atmosphere on the vehicle that will provide for learning in a safe and healthy environment.
• Assist with maintaining a clean and safe vehicle.
• Assist with conducting daily vehicle inspections, pre-trip and post trip inspections, and report all concerns to Site Supervisor.
• Obey all state, county and local driving regulations.
• Report all accidents to supervisor immediately.
• Assist with maintaining required documentation concerning mileage, maintenance costs, etc.
• Provide communication between staff and parents concerning children. Relay messages between parents and Center Staff. Be positive with parents and children as the program's first and last contact of the day.
• Participate in appropriate Head Start training. Attend parent committee meetings, center staff meetings, in-service training, and other training as required or requested by management staff and/or supervisor.
• Ensure that emergency supplies are maintained and properly stored in accordance with agency policy and procedures. Ensure that communication system is tested regularly and kept in working order. The communication system is utilized for Head Start business only.
• Work cooperatively with all Head Start staff.
• Plan the most efficient route, in cooperation with other center staff, taking weather conditions into consideration, and make all designated stops unless otherwise advised by Center Staff.
• Understand responsibility of being a mandated reporter for Child Abuse and Neglect. Read and understand Child Abuse and Neglect Policy. Failure to follow reporting procedures, including incidents involving other staff members, may result in termination.
• 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.
• Relate to children and parents in a positive, constructive manner.
• Develop and implement classroom activities based on children's individual needs.
• Work well with other center staff, parents, and managers.
• Knowledge of all applicable bus safety regulations and procedures. Knowledge of all Head Start transportation guidelines and standards.
• Knowledge of basic vehicle maintenance.
• Knowledge of basic child development, as well as child care and guidance knowledge.
• Maintain conduct that promotes a positive image to staff, parents, agency and community.
• Obtain initial medical exam and TB assessment within 30 days of employment. Complete a medical exam and TB assessment every five years following initial employment.
• 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 standards of the program, 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. Ability to fulfill responsibilities under pressure, including during emergencies.

Working Conditions: Risk of exposure to blood, body fluids, or tissues. Risk involved with travel on main highways, side streets and rural roads during the transportation of children. Risk of exposure to communicable diseases. Must be able to lift 55 pounds, many times a day, climb into the school bus, bend, kneel and squat frequently. Job requires standing for long periods of time, as well as stooping, squatting, running; and sitting in child sized chairs and/or on the floor.