Program Aide; Part - Head Start

Job Summary

Under the direction of the Assistant Center Education Coordinator, this position is responsible for monitoring students on the bus, escorting students to and from the bus, and assisting teachers with activities in the classroom as directed. This position is expected to follow all guidelines as it relates to Rule 3 Child Care Licensing and Head Start Program Performance Standards. This position directly reports to an assigned Assistant Center Education Coordinator and indirectly reports to the Transportation Coordinator for all transportation-related duties.

Program Aides may be assigned to one or more sites and /or bus routes but should be willing and able to assist in coverage of all sites and routes, as needed, to meet operational needs.

• The Program Aide shall provide support and assistance to the driver on the daily route ensuring the safety of children on the bus.
• Serve as a bus monitor for the assigned route(s) when needed and as directed by the Transportation Coordinator, which may include a primary daily route and secondary backup routes in the event that coverage is needed.
• Ensure “pre trip” duties and checklist are complete before loading children onto the bus.
• Place children in age-appropriate child restraints on the bus and ensure children remain properly secured at all times while on the bus.
• Accurately identify every child that is placed on the bus under their supervision.
• Assist the driver with bus emergency evacuation drills, (three (3) times per year) and in case of an emergency.
• Report to the Transportation Coordinator any incidents, accidents or unusual situations that could or would place a child at risk while receiving transportation services.
• Report hazards or safety problems to the driver and the Transportation Coordinator.
• Supervise children getting on and off the bus at the children’s home and at the center by encouraging children to use the handrail to safely board and disembark from the vehicle.
• Respect the confidentiality of children, families, and staff.
• Conduct post-trip inspections at the end of the day for items left on the bus. Ensure that no child or forgotten items are left on the bus.
• Maintain an accurate seating chart on the bus, including seat labels above the bus windows, and place children in the seats according to the seating chart to assist in the proper identification of children and release of children.
• Ensure the bus is prepared when new children are added to the route, in advance of new children boarding the bus. This includes but is not limited to, labeling each child’s seat, following the seating chart, and ensuring supplies are on the bus to create and secure name tags for newly enrolled children.
• Maintain punctuality, demonstrate good attendance, and advise the Transportation Coordinator and direct Supervisor (ACEC/CEC) as early as possible if unable to attend.
• Support children with special needs who are assigned to the bus. Assist the driver in loading and securing a wheelchair (may be required to operate a wheelchair lift and/or wheelchair securing equipment).
• Assist children with special health care needs, including keeping possession of children’s rescue medication, while on the bus and administering rescue medication in case of emergency. Responsible for transporting rescue medication, other child medication, and other health-related forms/information on the bus.
• Work cooperatively with the Driver and parents/authorized adults during loading and unloading procedures on the bus.
• Actively participate in all required transportation-related training sessions and meetings.

• The Program Aide will provide support and assistance to the classroom teacher during classroom times to ensure and encourage children’s learning as directed by the supervisor.
• Assist in the creation of a classroom environment conducive to the learning and development of children.
• Assist and work cooperatively with classroom teachers in daily activities.
• Provide care, supervision, guidance and developmentally appropriate experiences, meeting the appropriate educational, social, and…