Teacher Assistant/Bus Driver: Oswego

Classification:  Full-time                                                   Status:  Non- Exempt

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Teacher Assistant/Bus Driver is responsible for transporting and supervising children in the Head Start program to and from the center daily. This role also supports classroom functions to ensure a safe, engaging, and educational environment that encourages play, exploration, and learning.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Transport children to and from the centers using the most direct route.
• Adhere to all traffic regulations, KDOT regulations, and SEK-CAP vehicle usage policies at all times.
• Develop a schedule for bus monitors on Head Start routes in conjunction with the Site Manager.
• Perform daily vehicle cleaning and maintenance using the Trip Inspection Checklist.
• Conduct monthly checks on fire extinguishers to ensure they are fully operational.
• Maintain necessary emergency equipment on the vehicle at all times.
• Report any bus malfunctions to the Site Manager and Transportation Coordinator immediately.
• Post and update a current map of the route in the center and send a copy to the Transportation Coordinator.
• Ensure bus monitors are seated in the middle of the vehicle when required.
• Ensure all passengers use seatbelts before moving the bus.
• Distribute notes and communications to parents as directed by center staff.
• Unload all passengers on the right side of the road; no one should cross the road.
• Release children only to authorized individuals listed on form H-21.
• Conduct a walk-through of the bus after each route to ensure all children have exited.
• Maintain a daily mileage sheet.
• Serve as a positive role model and interact with children during mealtimes, classroom activities, field trips, and bus routes.
• Facilitate the development of children’s comprehension and expressive language skills.
• Eat meals with children as assigned.
• Coordinate routes with center staff.
• Provide transportation for Head Start parents/children to PACT night, Policy Council, and other activities as assigned.
• Follow the daily classroom schedule and allow children to make choices in learning experiences.
• Work cooperatively with volunteers, professional partners, and co-workers.
• Demonstrate realistic expectations about children’s attention spans, interests, social abilities, and physical needs.
• Collaborate with center staff to create an inviting, engaging, and responsive learning environment.
• Assist with observations and documentation of each child’s progress.
• Float among classrooms to meet supervision requirements for all children.
• Work unconventional hours for special events and health-related activities.
• Utilize Positive Behavior Support (PBS) strategies to prevent and defuse disruptive behavior.
• Comply with Head Start Performance Standards, Licensing Requirements, and Program Policies.
• Respect and support cultural differences and diverse family structures.
• Demonstrate good work habits, including punctuality and adherence to break times.
• Attend mandatory in-service trainings and staff meetings.
• Report any suspected abuse or neglect to the appropriate authority.
• Advocate for SEK-CAP, Inc. in the community.
• Maintain confidentiality and privacy of SEK-CAP customers.
• Uphold and promote the core values and mission statement of SEK-CAP.
• Support management decisions in both actions and words.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:

Essential:

• Ability to interact with diverse personalities; tactful, mature, and flexible.
• Effective communication skills, both orally and in writing.
• Resourceful and well-organized self-starter, requiring minimal supervision.
• Ability to establish and maintain positive working relationships with co-workers, community partners, and customers.
• Ability to learn and adapt.
• Basic computer skills on IBM-compatible PC systems and software.
• Basic operation skills of general office equipment such as photocopiers, faxes, and phone systems.
• Optimistic interaction with children, families, and co-workers.

Desired:

• Previous commercial/passenger driving experience.
• Knowledge of Head Start Performance Standards.
• Knowledge of area resources.

EDUCATION AND QUALIFICATIONS:

• High School diploma or GED required.
• Must be at least 21 years of age.
• Obtain First Aid and CPR certification within 30 days.
• Successfully complete a physical exam and TB skin test before beginning employment and every three years thereafter.
• Pass a standard criminal history check.
• Pass a standard pre-employment drug screen test.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS/WORK ENVIRONMENT:

The physical demands and work environment described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Use hands to finger, handle, or feel.
• Reach with hands and arms.
• Sit or occasionally stand; walk and stoop, kneel, or crouch.
• Regularly lift and/or move up to 30 pounds.
• Required vision abilities include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
• Occasional exposure to wet and/or humid conditions.
• Exposure to outside weather conditions, including extreme cold and heat.
• Noise level is usually quiet to moderate.

The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or logical assignment to the position. The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.

Benefits:

• Health insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Paid Disability Insurance
• Paid Employee Assistance Program
• Paid Life Insurance
• Paid Sick Leave
• Paid Vacation Leave
• Paid Training
• Referral Program
• 401(k)
• 401(k) Matching

Weekly day range:

• Split Shift, Monday to Friday

Work Location: In person