OBJECTIVE/PURPOSE:
Provides bus transportation for enrolled children in a safe and timely manner. Acts as a liaison between the program and parents by communicating effectively, as well as retrieving and disseminating documentation that goes back and forth between school and the parents. Under the direction of the teacher and education management, helps to create and maintain an atmosphere in the classroom in which children feel welcome, valued, comfortable and secure. In addition, assists teacher to involve parents in educational activities and participates actively in classroom activities.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES:

1.0 TRANSPORTATION
Transports children to and from program daily, and field trips when scheduled. Assists in providing required pedestrian/safety trainings to parents, children, bus monitor, and staff within the first 30 days of school annually and as mandated by federal and state regulations. Conducts emergency evacuation drills at least three times per year, as scheduled. Maintains vehicle cleanliness daily and provides vehicle inspections and reports to facilities and transportation supervisor daily, weekly, and monthly as required. Ensures regulation binder is up to date at all times and stored meeting FERPA requirements.

2.0 RECORD KEEPING
Maintains records for each bus family as required, including all emergency contacts and procedures. Keeps record of contacts with parents by entering case notes into the Child Plus database and sharing information with appropriate staff. Maintains daily inspection logs for the bus, daily attendance logs for children, and all records pertaining to CDL. Produces timesheets and UCS facility / maintenance inspections and requests weekly and in an accurate and timely manner.

3.0 EDUCATION
The Floater Teacher Assistant cooperates with the teacher and/ or co-teacher to implement and engage in the schedule of daily activities, actively participate in activities, and help direct small and large groups of children, plan and support field trips and special projects, and prepare educational materials and classroom environment for daily activities. Uses active supervision and best practices for working with children ages 0-5 and ensures children are supervised at all times. Will observe, record, and report children's behavior and play. Will help children with self-care routines and provide aid to children who experience difficulty or loss of control and intervene in situations where injury may result. Provides support to the Early Head Start program. Works cooperatively with Early Head Start Staff, Children, Families, and Partners.

4.0 CLASSROOM MAINTENANCE
Will help to clean and maintain educational supplies and equipment, monitor equipment and supplies and communicate with classroom staff about replacement or replenishment, and cooperate with the teacher and/ or co-teacher to maintain an orderly classroom environment. This includes assisting the teacher and children with clean-up at mealtime and after playtime, as well as inside and outside play, and while offsite.

5.0 PARENT ENGAGEMENT
Provides childcare during program after-hours parent events at minimum two shifts per year. During events, completes intake forms with parents and communicates effectively to assess needs of children. Helps parents to feel comfortable in their role as classroom helpers and involves parents in activities and projects. Also, the floater teacher assistant refers parent's questions to the teacher and/ or co-teacher. To meet changing needs of families, it may be necessary to schedule meetings and family events after regular hours.

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* In addition to the above, performs other duties as assigned.

EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
High School Diploma or equivalent. Complete one 3-credit early childhood or fundamentals course within first year of employment.
Preferred: Child Development Associate (CDA) or Associate Degree in Early Childhood Education (AA), or be enrolled in a program leading to a CDA or AA within 2 years of employment start date.

LICENSES/CERTIFICATIONS REQUIRED:
Valid Commercial Driver's License with School Bus Driver and Passenger Endorsements.

COMPUTER SKILLS REQUIRED:
Typing and navigating Word and Child Plus or other program-specific databases to childcare programs Email / Microsoft Office/ Outlook use

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