Head Start Bus Driver

Summary: The Tri-County Opportunities Council Early Head Start/Head Start Program serves 483 expectant mothers and children ages birth to five in the nine Illinois Counties of Bureau, Carroll, LaSalle, Lee, Marshall, Ogle, Putnam, Stark, and Whiteside. The program offers comprehensive child and family development services to those deemed eligible. The program’s primary goals are to partner with parents to promote self-esteem, increase self-confidence, and advance school readiness skills for children. Comprehensive programming includes education, medical, dental, mental health, and nutritional services; welcomes children with disabilities or special needs; and provides family education, advancement, and social service support while connecting enrolled families to community resources and transportation assistance. The program offers various options to meet the needs of children, families, and communities throughout all nine counties.

Mission Statement: T.C.O.C. Head Start is committed to taking the leadership role in developing partnerships to build stronger communities. We create and nurture supportive experiences that lead to successful outcomes for children, families, and staff.

Agency Name: Tri-County Opportunities Council

Program Name: Early Head Start/Head Start Program

Job Title: Bus Driver

Reports to: Site Supervisor or Center Director and the Facility and Transportation Specialist

Status: This is a non-exempt, hourly position. The weekly and yearly employment schedule is based on site assignment and program needs.

Educational Requirements: Minimum of aHigh School Diploma or GED. Required to have a valid driver’s license (for three consecutive years) and obtain a Commercial Driver’s License and ISBE Bus Permit.

Other Requirements:

• Employment is contingent on a cleared criminal background check (national database), a cleared background check as per the Department of Children & Family Services Licensing Standards, and the successful completion of the 90-day probationary period.
• Must pass a general physical examination and TB screening at the time of hire and every two years after that. Provide proof of completed MMR and Tdap vaccinations.
• Must be able to enter and exit internal and external spaces safely and with ease
• Ability to stand, walk, bend, stoop, twist, push, pull, and occasionally perform moderate lifting
• Ability to be punctual and maintain regular attendance
• Ability to adjust to new situations (adaptable)
• Ability to manage time and multitask (work as a team and be self-directed)
• Ability to anticipate happenings, problem-solve, and offer viable solutions
• Ability to apply effective and responsive interpersonal skills
• Must be technology proficient
• Must obtain and maintain First Aid and CPR Certification
• All other duties as assigned

If hired, employees without the required credits/credentialing will be required to sign a professional development plan upon hire with a designated timeline for completion.

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

Accountabilities: The bus driver is primarily responsible for ensuring the health, safety, and welfare of the children, staff, and volunteers during bus transportation. It is also the role of the bus driver to guarantee that the bus is clean and in proper working condition at all times; determine and follow safe and efficient bus routes; ensure all children are in age-appropriate child safety harnesses; assist in ensuring child/staff ratio is maintained on the bus and provide day-to-day guidance to bus aides.

Adhere to internal and external policy, procedure, and best practice

• DCFS Licensing Standards
• Head Start Performance Standards
• Child and Adult Care Food Program
• OSHA
• T.C.O.C. Early Head Start/Head Start Policy and Procedures
• T.C.O.C. Human Resource Policy and Procedures

Support the mission, goals, and objectives of the Tri-County Opportunities Council Community Action Agency and, more specifically, the Early Head Start/Head Start program.

Essential Duties:

• Ensure the safety and well-being of children and adults being transported to and from the program and on field trips
• Complete a comprehensive pre and post-trip inspection daily. Report any conditions of concern to the Transportation/Facility Specialist or the delegated staff person before transporting children
• Ensure the two-way communication device is in proper working order before each trip
• Consult with the Transportation/Facility Specialist to develop and follow efficient and safe written bus routes that ensure no child will be on the bus for more than one hour
• Operate the bus in such a way that road and safety regulations are always followed; report any traffic violations immediately
• Ensure safe bus loading and unloading procedures are followed
• Follow procedures to guarantee that no child is left alone on the bus without adult supervision at any time, including ensuring all children have departed the bus at the end of all bus routes (morning, mid-day, and evening)
• Ensure children’s medications are received from parents and delivered to the center following developed policies (with the assistance of the bus monitor)
• Maintain a clean bus free of debris; follow other bus cleaning procedures
• Perform bus drills and ensure bus evacuation drills are held at least monthly. Documents all drills in writing.
• Submit required paperwork, gas receipts, and bus maintenance reports weekly

Benefits:

• Dental Insurance (Must work 20 hours/per week)
• Vision Insurance (Must work 20 hours/per week)
• Life Insurance (Must work 20 hours/per week)
• Health Insurance – 2 Plans (Must work 30 hours/per week)
• Partially Paid Family Medical Leave
• Bereavement Leave
• Sick Time
• Paid Time Off
• Retirement Savings Plan
• Career Advancement Opportunities

For current staff applying for a different position, the wage is base pay (based on current qualifications) plus 1% for each year of previous agency employment.

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: $17.00 - $17.82 per hour

Expected hours: 18 per week

Benefits:

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

Education:

• High school or equivalent (Preferred)

License/Certification:

• Driver's License (Required)
• CDL (Preferred)

Ability to Commute:

• Sterling, IL 61081 (Required)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $17 - $18