Bus Aide

Bus Aide

Under the guidance of the Bus Driver, this position requires the ability and willingness to assist in various assigned areas. The primary focus is to ensure the health and safety of children during bus transportation.

Key areas of responsibility on the bus:

• Assist the Bus Driver in maintaining the safety and well-being of children, by providing direct supervision and actively engaging with children.
• Ensure accurate sign-in and sign-out of each child on the Daily Bus Sign In/Sign Out form, tracking the number of children on the bus. Submit completed forms to the Office Manager every Monday for the previous week's logs.
• Properly use seat harnesses, securely loading and unloading children while following safety procedures. Conduct counts using the Daily Children Sign In/Out Form and perform the Bus Unloading Procedure.
• Maintain constant accountability on the bus, releasing children only to authorized individuals. Conduct a final check at the end of each route to ensure no children are left behind.
• Independently count children upon arrival at the center before unloading, remaining on the bus until receiving confirmation that all children are accounted for.
• Conduct a thorough visual check of the bus interior, under seats, and in every seat, ensuring no child is left behind. Perform the Post Trip Inspection procedure before moving the bus from the loading zone.
• Foster a positive, warm, caring, and respectful environment on the bus, promoting positive interactions with children.
• Demonstrate awareness and responsiveness to children's needs, encouraging freedom of expression. Implement age-appropriate learning activities based on the curriculum and School Readiness Plan.
• Set clear behavioral expectations, using positive methods to prevent and redirect misbehavior. Handle disciplinary issues immediately and appropriately without resorting to yelling or threats.
• Serve as a good language model, using correct grammar, appropriate voice levels, and clear speech, as trained.
• Assist in implementing learning activities for special needs children with IFSPs/IEPs, as trained.
• Take primary responsibility for maintaining bus cleanliness and sanitation according to Centro's Transportation Manual.
• Complete child incident reports occurring on the bus, submitting them to the child's Family Service Specialist.
• Demonstrate proficiency in emergency evacuation procedures and be aware of the location of emergency equipment.
• Maintain confidentiality regarding family and children matters.
• Fulfill other duties in support of the center as requested.

At Centro de la Familia, we are not just educators, we are dream builders. Our warm, vibrant environment is designed to cultivate curious minds, explore boundless possibilities, and create lasting memories. We believe that every child is a unique story waiting to be written, and we take pride in walking alongside families as trusted partners in early learning and development.

Just as we nurture the potential of every child, we are deeply committed to supporting the growth and success of our staff. At Centro, you're more than an employeeyour part of a mission-driven family that values your voice, your expertise, and your well-being.

Why you'll love working with us:

• Great Pay & Benefits We offer strong compensation and comprehensive benefits to support your health and financial well-being.
• Professional Growth Access to continuous training, certifications, and clear career development opportunities.
• Supportive Mentorship Work alongside experienced mentors and coaches who are invested in your success.
• Work-Life Harmony A positive, respectful workplace that values balance and healthy boundaries.
• Wellness & Inclusion Thrive in a culture that prioritizes wellness, connection, and a strong sense of belonging.
• Recognition & Appreciation Your dedication doesn't go unnoticed we celebrate your contributions regularly.

We are passionate about our work and the incredible children and families we have the privilege to support. We have been dedicated to Community and Family Engagement since 1975, have been operating Head Start Programs since 1991, and have experience managing programs in challenging, isolated, and underserved areas. Our curricula and programs are rooted in science, and we are committed to the professional growth of minority communities. Plus, our team includes bilingual and bicultural staff to ensure inclusive and culturally sensitive care.

Requirements:

Qualifications:

• Must be at least 18 years old
• Completion of 4 hours of training required before starting bus duties
• Entry-level position: no prior education or experience required
• High School Diploma or GED is highly desirable
• Must currently hold or be able to obtain upon hire the following certifications:

• First Aid
• CPR
• Food Handler's Permit

Must be able to work effectively with:

• Children with special needs
• Children who speak little or no English
• Bilingual in Spanish and English is a plus

Physical requirements:

• Ability to walk, stand, kneel, and crouch for extended periods
• Ability to lift and move up to 50 pounds