FLOATER MONITOR AIDE

Job Description

Job DescriptionDescription:

POSITION SUMMARY

The Floater Monitor Aide / Bus Monitor supports the safe transportation of Head Start children to and from program locations and provides classroom and program support as needed. The position rides the school bus with enrolled children to promote their safety, security, and appropriate behavior throughout transportation.

The position maintains accurate passenger records, assists with the safe release of children to authorized individuals, performs required bus safety checks, maintains a clean and orderly transportation environment, and supports communication between families and the Head Start center.

When not assigned to transportation duties, the Floater Monitor Aide / Bus Monitor may provide support with classroom activities, reception, food preparation and production, health and sanitation, program implementation, and other Head Start functions as assigned.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bilingual English/Spanish.
• Previous experience working in Head Start, early childhood education, childcare, or school transportation.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Transportation and Child Safety

• Ride the Head Start school bus with children to and from program locations to promote their safety and well-being.
• Maintain appropriate order and supervision of children while on the bus.
• Maintain an accurate daily passenger list and account for all children entering and exiting the bus.
• Assist children safely when boarding and exiting the bus.
• Ensure children are released only to authorized parents, guardians, or other individuals approved in accordance with Head Start procedures.
• Perform required visual safety checks of the bus and immediately report safety concerns or maintenance issues to the appropriate supervisor.
• Maintain the cleanliness and orderly condition of the bus.
• Follow all Head Start transportation policies, procedures, and applicable safety requirements.

Family and Program Communication

• Coordinate and transport paperwork and communications between children’s homes and the Head Start center as directed.
• Communicate effectively and professionally with families, children, coworkers, supervisors, and program partners.
• Maintain accurate transportation and program documentation.
• Maintain confidentiality of child, family, employee, and organizational information.

Classroom and Program Support

• Assist with classroom activities and program functions as needed.
• Support program implementation and Head Start activities.
• Provide assistance with reception, food preparation and production, health and sanitation, and other program functions as assigned.
• Attend staff meetings, trainings, professional development activities, and other program meetings as required.
• Support a safe, positive, nurturing, and inclusive environment for children.
• Perform other job-related duties as assigned.

HEAD START COMPLIANCE RESPONSIBILITIES

• Follow Head Start Program Performance Standards and applicable federal, state, and local requirements.
• Comply with RECAP policies, procedures, and program requirements.
• Maintain accurate and timely records and documentation.
• Follow required child supervision, transportation, health, safety, emergency, and release procedures.
• Maintain confidentiality of child, family, employee, and organizational information.
• Participate in required Head Start training, meetings, professional development, and program activities.
• Report safety, health, behavioral, or other concerns through established program procedures.
• Support the program’s commitment to child safety, school readiness, family engagement, and quality services.

BEHAVIORAL EXPECTATIONS

Employees are expected to:

• Demonstrate professionalism, integrity, accountability, and reliability.
• Maintain confidentiality and appropriate professional boundaries.
• Communicate respectfully and effectively with children, families, coworkers, supervisors, and community partners.
• Work collaboratively as part of a team while exercising sound judgment and initiative.
• Maintain a safe, positive, inclusive, and child-centered environment.
• Demonstrate patience, flexibility, and responsiveness to children’s needs.
• Support RECAP’s mission, values, and commitment to providing quality services.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Work is performed in Head Start classrooms, school buses, program facilities, and community settings. The position involves frequent interaction with young children, families, staff, and community partners.

The employee may be exposed to varying weather conditions, traffic, noise, and an active environment with frequent interruptions and changing priorities. Employees are expected to follow all applicable safety procedures and transportation requirements.

REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION

RECAP is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and applicable state and local laws. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals to perform the essential functions of this position unless doing so would impose an undue hardship on the organization.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

RECAP is an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer. We are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace and prohibit discrimination and harassment based on race, color, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

DISCLAIMER

This job description describes the general nature and level of work performed and is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, qualifications, or working conditions associated with the position. RECAP reserves the right to modify, assign, or remove duties and responsibilities based on organizational, program, transportation, and operational needs.

Requirements:

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience working with children ages 3–5 preferred.
• Ability to maintain accurate records and documentation.
• Ability to contribute to a positive, nurturing, supportive, and child-centered environment.
• Ability to climb stairs and lift, carry, and assist children weighing approximately 40–50 pounds.
• Valid New York State driver’s license with a satisfactory driving record.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and comply with RECAP policies, Head Start requirements, and applicable regulations.
• Ability to communicate effectively and professionally with children, families, coworkers, and supervisors.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team and respond appropriately to changing program needs.
• Current CPR and First Aid certification, when required.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to climb stairs and lift, carry, and assist children weighing approximately 40–50 pounds.
• Ability to sit for extended periods while riding the school bus.
• Ability to stand, walk, bend, stoop, kneel, reach, and move throughout classroom and transportation environments.
• Ability to assist children with boarding, exiting, and other activities as necessary.
• Ability to work in an active environment with children and frequent interruptions.
• Ability to work outdoors and be exposed to varying weather conditions during transportation activities.
• Ability to use standard classroom, transportation, and office equipment.
• Ability to perform the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodation.

ADDITIONAL EMPLOYMENT REQUIREMENTS

• Must maintain a valid New York State driver’s license throughout employment and maintain a satisfactory driving record.
• Must successfully complete any required agency vehicle or driver requirements.
• Must successfully complete required pre-employment background screening and receive satisfactory results in accordance with RECAP policies and applicable requirements.
• Must successfully complete required fingerprinting and applicable child-care, Head Start, SEL, SCR, or other required clearances.
• Must successfully complete the required pre-employment drug screening and receive satisfactory results in accordance with RECAP policies and applicable requirements.
• Must successfully complete any required physical examination, health screening, TB screening, or other health clearance.
• Must maintain current CPR and First Aid certification when required.
• Must maintain reliable attendance and punctuality.
• Must complete required agency, Head Start, transportation, safety, and departmental training.
• Must comply with all RECAP policies, procedures, Head Start requirements, transportation procedures, and applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations.
• Must maintain confidentiality of child, family, employee, and organizational information.
• Must exercise appropriate discretion when handling sensitive child and family information.
• Must follow all required child supervision, emergency, health, safety, and transportation procedures.
• Must successfully complete any additional program-specific clearances, certifications, or training required for the position.
• Must perform other job-related duties as assigned.