The bus driver safely and efficiently operates a motor vehicle to transport Head Start/Early Head Start children safely to and from a center, while carefully observing all traffic laws and adhering to the Agency’s policies and procedures. 

BUS DRIVER

DESCRIPTION

The bus driver safely and efficiently operates a motor vehicle to transport Head Start/Early Head Start children safely to and from a center, while carefully observing all traffic laws and adhering to the Agency's policies and procedures.

JOB DUTIES:

· Carry out the mission of the   program and support and implement program decisions and work closely with the   Transportation Coordinator.

· Observe all safety, motor vehicle   and day care licensing rules and regulations.

· Follow program procedures to   report any known or suspected abuse/neglect.

· Follow all conduct and safety   policies and procedures to ensure the children’s safety at all times   including ensuring children are within sight and sound of RWCFS staff at all   times.

· Greet children and families on a   daily basis using their names, a smile and a greeting.

· Complete and maintain records of   gas, mileage, fire drills, inspections, and other reports as required.

· Complete and maintain a record of   required paperwork, records and documents pertaining to the safety of HS/EHS   children. Inform Transportation   Coordinator of any situations on the route that need to be worked on.

· Work effectively with all   children and parents, including those with disabilities and special needs.

· Support the teaching staff during   activities by managing the behavior of individual children and groups of   children.

· Ensure the interior of the vehicle is kept sanitary,   and the exterior is clean.

· Carry out responsibilities with a positive   attitude.

· Perform pre-trip inspections before moving any bus,   using the pre-trip inspection form. Any concerns are reported immediately to the Transportation   Coordinator.

· Transport children safely and punctually to and from   their home or day care provider and HS/EHS centers.

· Maintain a safe driving record.

· Follow safe loading and unloading procedures at   HS/EHS centers as well as children’s homes, school drop offs and day care   providers.

· Comply with Early Head Start/Head   Start universal precaution procedure when handling potential blood-borne   pathogens.

· Report immediately to the Transportation   Coordinator, any traffic citations, arrests, or accidents in agency and/or personal   vehicle. 

· Attend all required All-Staff,   transportation trainings and other meetings as assigned.

· Encourage children’s creative activities and   the development of emergent literacy skills.

· Maintain radio contact with dispatch   while in route.

·  Notify the Transportation Coordinator and   seek permission before making any route changes.

· Communicate all necessary   emergency procedures and precautions to passengers.

· Maintain a good working relationship with all   assistants who ride the bus, with a sound understanding of their duties, and   with other program staff.

· Follow and comply with all safety   and work rules and regulations.

· Assist children in managing their   behavior and in developing problem solving skills. Use the positive guidance policy   consistently.

· Assist the program for on-going   monitoring to assure the provision of quality services to children and   families by correcting unsafe situations as able and reporting concerns and   potential violations immediately.

· Provide opportunities for all   children to experience success daily.

· Participate in planning, growth and development of   the program and assist in monitoring, reporting and rectifying potential   non-compliances following Wisconsin Licensing Rules for Group Child Care   Centers, Federal Head Start Performance Standards, Wisconsin Department of   Public Instruction Child and Adult Care Food Program, and the Wisconsin   Department of Transportation Regulations. 

· Assist in supporting and   promoting the success of caregivers.

· Assist with the recruitment of   children and families for the program as directed.

· Transport children and families safely and   punctually to and from medical/dental appointments as needed.

· Transport children and families safely and   punctually to and from monthly playgroup events.

· Submit appropriate program request forms and   receipts for materials and equipment when required.

· Maintain departmental   housekeeping standards.

· Collaborate and work as a team with families,   HS/EHS program staff, childcare collaborators, student/s and volunteers.

· Become   familiar with the basic mechanical operations of the vehicle.

· Deliver mail to-from sites as   directed.

· Work with maintenance to work on   large projects, example: moving playground equipment, spreading mulch, moving   classrooms, etc.

· When not driving bus, provide bus   monitor services as assigned, including but not limited to: providing   supervision of children during the bus ride, including child boarding and   exiting, securing children in appropriate safety restraint systems, oversight   of child pick up and release, responding to emergencies, assisting in   emergency bus evacuation, and conducting/participating in bus evacuation   drills.

· Assist governance representatives in their   understanding of the HS/EHS program and of the population served.

· Participate in strategic long and short-range   planning and goal setting, and support program and financial planning,   coordination and collaborative services throughout HS/EHS.

· Participate in annual self-assessment,   outcomes measurement analysis of data and program planning.

· Assist in recruiting and support   the participation of program volunteers.

· Participate in the collection of In-Kind   donations.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

High school diploma or equivalent.

Must be 21 years of age.

A valid Wisconsin Driver’s License.

Successfully pass mandated state and/or federal Department of Transportation physical examination and pre-employment drug test.

Must meet all Wisconsin Administrative Code HFS46/Licensing Rules for Group Childcare Centers requirement for driver, health report and criminal background check.

Possess a valid Wisconsin CDL (Commercial Driver’s License) with passenger (P) and school bus (S) endorsements or the ability to obtain endorsements. (Agency may provide training).

Strength and dexterity to safely exit the school bus emergency door and lift children safely to the ground.

The ability to regularly lift 60 pounds, and on occasion 100 pounds.

Ability to work outdoors during extreme cold, heat and during inclement weather.

Ability to obtain infant, child and adult CPR and basic first aid. (Agency may provide training).

Ability to work a flexible schedule and respond to any/all sites on short notice.

Must have ability to maintain confidentiality at all times.

PREFERRED REQUIREMENTS:

Experience in bus/vehicle maintenance.

One (1) year experience with pupil or public transportation.

Experience working with low-income families.

Experience working as a team.

Experience working with young children.

Knowledge of and successful experience with non-profit, human services, social work and/or programming for preschool children.

An individual in this position must be able to successfully perform the essential duties and responsibilities listed above. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.

The above list reflects the general details necessary to describe the principle and essential functions of the position and shall not be construed as the only duties that may be assigned for the position.

It is the responsibility of the individual to inform the employer of any accommodations that are needed to perform the essential functions of this position.