OBJECTIVE/PURPOSE:
The Bus Monitor/ Floater Teacher Assistant provides supervision and safety to children while on the bus and in the Head Start and Early Head Start classrooms. Under the direction of the Bus Driver, Teacher, or Co-Teacher and Education Management, helps to create and maintain an atmosphere in which children feel welcome, valued, comfortable, and secure, and are supervised at all times. The Bus Monitor/ Floater Teacher Assistant will help the bus and classroom day-to-day operations run smoothly.


MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES:

1.0 BUS MONITOR
The Bus Monitor is responsible for assisting children to their seat so the monitor can properly secure the required child safety harness in a timely manner. The monitor supervises children at all times when they are on the bus and addresses any behavioral concerns with limited to no disruption for the bus driver. The Bus Monitor is encouraged to read books to the group, sing songs, or find some quiet, creative way to keep them engaged during the route. The Bus Monitor will help tidy up the bus after each route by picking up any loose items on the floor and sweeping daily. Additionally, the Bus Monitor will assist the driver with the pre- and post-checks of the brake lights and turn signals. Bus Monitor assists with emergency evacuation drills three times per year as scheduled.

2.0 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, to 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. Observe, record, and report children's behavior and play. 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.

3.0 CHILDCARE:
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. 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.

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 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.

EDUCATIONAL/EXPERIENCE/CREDENTIAL REQUIREMENTS:
High School Diploma or equivalent. Complete one 3-credit early childhood or fundamentals course within first year of employment.
Preferred: valid Child Development Associate (CDA) or associate degree in early childhood education or be enrolled in a program leading to a CDA or AA within 2 years of employment start date

PI248337306