Preschool (Head Start) Bus Monitor/Classroom Aide

JOB TITLE: Bus Monitor

CLASSIFICATION: Non Exempt Employee

REPORTS TO: Teacher

RESPONSIBILTIES:

• Works directly under the classroom teacher in administering the Head Start Performance Standards and implementing the program’s transportation policies and procedures.

• Maintains an effective working relationship with supervisors, staff, Head Start children, and families.

• Exercises extreme care to ensure the safety of bus passengers.

• Maintains an efficient and effective record-keeping system.

DUTIES:

• Follows all bus policies and procedures.
• Completes the bus attendance and release forms as instructed.
• Allows only the number of passengers for which the vehicle was designed to be transported on the bus and for which permanent seats and seat harness/lap belts are provided.
• Assists children in fastening and unfastening child seat harnesses.
• Interacts with children during route.
• Delivers messages to parents as applicable and instructed by classroom teacher.
• Knowledgeable of emergency items on the bus (i.e., first aid kit, fire extinguisher, seat belt cutter, emergency procedures/plan, child emergency cards, flashlight, cell phone, etc.).
• Assists in Head Start classroom activities as directed by the classroom teacher when not transporting children, taking care of the bus maintenance/inspections, or completing required paperwork. Will perform food service duties (as applicable and/or if working in an extended day classroom) as instructed by the classroom teacher.

9. Assists teaching staff in writing ongoing child developmental observations.

10. Implements the recruitment process by placing fliers and recruitment signs in prominent areas frequented by parents of preschool children and by assisting teaching staff in obtaining families’ documents for enrollment and entry into the program/classroom.

11. Other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Minimum education attainment: High school diploma or equivalency certificate (GED).
• Must meet the agency, Head Start Performance Standards, and IL Department of Child and Family Services applicable requirements for position.

1. Complete and pass pre-employment physical, obtain current (within past 6 months), TB test results, provide immunizations records that reflect 2 doses of MMR (mumps, rubella, and measles) and one Tdap (within last 7 years), and continue to complete on-going health testing as required by program.

2. Furnish written information regarding any criminal convictions, submit to fingerprinting, and comply to and pass a background check before initial hire and every five years thereafter.

3. Obtain and maintain current CPR and first aid certification within 90 days of hire.

4. Be at least 18 years of age.

• Exhibit excellent interpersonal and communication skills in which to communicate with and to motivate people and the ability to get along with children, parents, and other co-workers.
• Organization, administrative, and problem solving skills required.
• Must perform all duties in a timely and professional manner.
• Must be punctual and maintain good work attendance.
• Must have the ability to work as a team player and maintain a positive work environment.
• Must have the ability to operate a personal computer and software to access electronic mail and word processing programs.
• Must demonstrate maturity and self-motivation.
• Must possess a positive and professional image.
• Must have reliable transportation to travel to/from work, meetings, and other work activities.
• Continues professional growth by participating in training programs and workshops/ conferences as budget allows and as applicable to position.
• Must support the mission, goals and objectives of Head Start and C.E.F.S. Economic Opportunity Corporation.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Object Manipulation

• Open doors, move/lift packages and totes, move wheelchairs, secure wheelchairs, operate fire extinguisher and other equipment, use of writing tools, children’s objects

Sensory and Cognitive Abilities

• Good vision and hearing, ability to read maps and street signs, read and interpret emergency and warning signs, ability to communicate with children and parents, analyze/interpret data, and follow emergency instructions

Physical Demands

• Sitting for long periods of time while riding (up to 3 hours at one interval), bending and/or squatting to retrieve items from the bus floor and under bus seats, kneeling at child’s level to assist children in/out of seat harnesses, bending at waist to place child in bus restraint seat, pushing and pinching to buckle self and children in/out of seat belts frequently, reaching around wheelchair with both hands to lift plunger and insert restraint into floor track while on knees, walking up and down 5 consecutive bus steps at least 18” high during a bus route, able to walk through a 14½” width at the waist (approx. 32” high) between seats to maneuver through the bus aisles, lifting a 60 lb. child at least from floor to waist and floor to chest and carrying and/or dragging a 60 lb. child at the waist at least 30 feet, sitting in 12” chairs in the classroom, kneel nose to floor with floor activity

Training and Certifications

• Attend conferences/workshops as required and maintain certifications required of position

Environmental Demands

• Work in summer heat and winter cold, rain, in/out of weather conditions 90% of the time

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From $15.50 per hour

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Day shift
• Monday to Friday

Application Question(s):

• Do you have a high school diploma or GED?
• Do you have any experience with preschool age children?

Work Location: In person

Salary : $16