Bus Driver / Class Aide

Agency Name: Tri-County Opportunities Council

Program Name: Early Head Start/Head Start Program

Job Title: Bus Driver / Class Aide

Reports to: Site Supervisor (indirectly to Transportation Specialist)

Status: 18 hrs./week Bus Driver and 12 hrs./week Class Aide, Non-Exempt / Part-Year Employment

Educational Requirements: Preferred High School Diploma. Must possess a valid Illinois School Bus Permit and a Commercial Driver’s License with Passenger Endorsement (CDL/P) along with car insurance.

Other Requirements:

• Ability to maintain regular, punctual attendance
• Not essential but may be required as needed; sufficient strength and flexibility (ability to stoop, bend, twist, etc.) to frequently bend down to a child’s level, sit on the floor with them, stand for prolonged periods of time, respond to a child’s quick and frequent movements and when necessary lift a child, must have manual dexterity
• Must be able to lift and carry up to 50 pounds
• Must have the ability to safely enter and exit the center and family’s home
• Must pass a general physical examination and TB screening at the time of hire and every two years thereafter
• Must obtain and maintain certification in First Aid and CPR
• Employment in this position is contingent on cleared criminal background check, clear background check as per the Department of Children & Family Services Licensing Standards and Policy Council approval
• Effective and Responsive Interpersonal skills
• Anticipate happenings and problem solve solutions
• Technology Proficient
• Ability to manage time and multitask
• Adaptable
• Innovative Change Agent
• Other duties as assigned

Confidentiality: The person filling this position must abide by the program’s confidentiality policy and Code of Ethics regarding children, family, staff and/or agency matters

Accountabilities: Ensuring safe, supportive, intentional and engaging environments for children birth to five. Ensuring that environments and experiences provide natural and developmentally appropriate skill development opportunities to children with various skill levels. Ensure that equitable practices are in place to reduce achievement gaps. Demonstrate a commitment to ongoing professional development resulting in improved teaching and learning.

Essential Duties: Ensuring child focused, emotionally supportive, safe and responsive experiences that support: emotional connection, progressive communication, shared respect, autonomy, expression, higher order thinking skills/cognition and that reduces racial, ethnic and linguistic disparities.

• Assures the safe transportation of all Head Start children
• Follows all agency and state rules and federal regulations regarding transportation. Abides by all highway laws. Practices safe driving procedures including daily pre and post trip inspections.
• Adheres to established procedures and policies as outlined in the transportation manual and personnel policies. Ensures bus monitor is trained in all safety aspects of the bus. Complete post trip insuring no children are on the bus, along with the bus monitor.
• Maintains vehicle including but not limited to annual brake and semi-annual inspections
• Provides ongoing education on safety of children being transported. Completes three bus evacuation drills per program year. Uses effective and developmentally appropriate techniques with children to maintain order on the bus at all times.
• Maintains and submits timely, complete, and accurate records as indicated on the driver’s timeline. Attends transportation and staff meetings, trainings and workshops as assigned.
• Participates in mandatory drug and alcohol testing procedures
• Adheres to the Head Start Performance Standards
• Assists in and maintains a safe, warm and accepting environment following Conscious Discipline structures and the Guidance and Discipline Policy.
• Ensure that children are actively supervised at all times, be an extra set of hands, following the appropriate direction from the lead teacher.
• Provide break coverage for teaching staff at the approved times

Tri-County Opportunities Council is an Equal Opportunity Employer and provider. Applications from women, individuals with disabilities, veterans, and people from diverse cultural backgrounds are encouraged.

Job Type: Part-time

Pay: $16.00 - $16.82 per hour

Expected hours: 30 per week

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• Day shift
• Monday to Friday

License/Certification:

• Driver's License (Required)
• School Bus Permit (Preferred)
• CDL (Preferred)

Ability to Commute:

• Mendota, IL 61342 (Required)

Ability to Relocate:

• Mendota, IL 61342: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $16 - $17