Job Summary: Under the direction of the Assistant Center Education Coordinator, this position is responsible for monitoring students on the bus, escorting students to and from the bus, and assisting teachers with activities in the classroom as directed. This position is expected to follow all guidelines as it relates to Rule 3 Child Care Licensing and Head Start Program Performance Standards. This position directly reports to an assigned Assistant Center Education Coordinator and indirectly reports to the Transportation Coordinator for all transportation-related duties.
Program Aides may be assigned to one or more sites and /or bus routes but should be willing and able to assist in coverage of all sites and routes, as needed, to meet operational needs.
Essential Functions:
Duties and Responsibilities:
Bus monitor-related duties:
- The Program Aide shall provide support and assistance to the driver on the daily route ensuring the safety of children on the bus.
- Serve as a bus monitor for the assigned route(s) when needed and as directed by the Transportation Coordinator, which may include a primary daily route and secondary backup routes in the event that coverage is needed.
- Ensure “pre trip” duties and checklist are complete before loading children onto the bus.
- Place children in age-appropriate child restraints on the bus and ensure children remain properly secured at all times while on the bus.
- Accurately identify every child that is placed on the bus under their supervision.
- Assist the driver with bus emergency evacuation drills, (three (3) times per year) and in case of an emergency.
- Report to the Transportation Coordinator any incidents, accidents or unusual situations that could or would place a child at risk while receiving transportation services.
- Report hazards or safety problems to the driver and the Transportation Coordinator.
- Supervise children getting on and off the bus at the children’s home and at the center by encouraging children to use the handrail to safely board and disembark from the vehicle.
- Respect the confidentiality of children, families, and staff.
- Conduct post-trip inspections at the end of the day for items left on the bus. Ensure that no child or forgotten items are left on the bus.
- Maintain an accurate seating chart on the bus, including seat labels above the bus windows, and place children in the seats according to the seating chart to assist in the proper identification of children and release of children.
- Ensure the bus is prepared when new children are added to the route, in advance of new children boarding the bus. This includes but is not limited to, labeling each child’s seat, following the seating chart, and ensuring supplies are on the bus to create and secure name tags for newly enrolled children.
- Maintain punctuality, demonstrate good attendance, and advise the Transportation Coordinator and direct Supervisor (ACEC/CEC) as early as possible if unable to attend.
- Support children with special needs who are assigned to the bus. Assist the driver in loading and securing a wheelchair (may be required to operate a wheelchair lift and/or wheelchair securing equipment).
- Assist children with special health care needs, including keeping possession of children’s rescue medication, while on the bus and administering rescue medication in case of emergency. Responsible for transporting rescue medication, other child medication, and other health-related forms/information on the bus.
- Work cooperatively with the Driver and parents/authorized adults during loading and unloading procedures on the bus.
- Actively participate in all required transportation-related training sessions and meetings.
Classroom-related duties:
- The Program Aide will provide support and assistance to the classroom teacher during classroom times to ensure and encourage children’s learning as directed by the supervisor.
- Assist in the creation of a classroom environment conducive to the learning and development of children.
- Assist and work cooperatively with classroom teachers in daily activities.
- Provide care, supervision, guidance and developmentally appropriate experiences, meeting the appropriate educational, social, and emotional needs of the children.
- Actively participate in education-related training sessions and meetings.
- Provide and assist in personal hygiene practices, including children’s tooth brushing, handwashing and toileting issues as necessary.
- Participate in family-style meals, encouraging conversation and appropriate table etiquette.
- Maintain a safe environment based on DHS Licensing guidance and Head Start Program Performance Standards.
- Maintain personal training logs. Complete required number of annual training hours necessary to remain in compliance with Minnesota Rule 3 Licensing guidelines.
- Other duties as assigned.
Safety: Responsible for conducting all duties in a safe manner.
Qualifications:
Education & Experience:
- High School Diploma or GED required.
- Experience with early childhood or education programs, nonprofit or social service, or Head Start experience preferred.
- Experience with varied socio-economic and multi-ethnic groups and/or individuals preferred.
- Demonstrated ability to read and write English.
Abilities and Skills: In order to be successful in this position, the person will at minimum need to possess the following abilities and skills:
- Must possess good work ethics and make sound decisions to promote safety on the bus and in the classroom.
- Must be able to work as a team member.
- Ability to work occasional evening hours.
- Must be able to effectively communicate with children, parents, and staff.
- Ability to learn and utilize email for communication purposes
- Ability to learn and utilize timecard software system
- To ensure compliance with program requirements, and safety of staff and clients, the ability to communicate effectively in English, both verbally and in writing is required.
Certifications: Must obtain CPR/First Aid Certification and Child and Restraint Systems (CARS) within 90 days of hire; must maintain certifications.
Transportation: Must have reliable transportation on a daily basis to report to assigned location(s).
Physical Requirements:
- Must have adequate physical flexibility and dexterity to navigate a bus and early childhood classroom.
- Must be able to assist in emergency evacuation of children from the bus.
- Must be able to lift 50 pounds as needed.
- Must be able to successfully pass the pre-placement Head Start physical exam.
Mental Requirements: The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by persons assigned to this position. They are not intended to be an exhaustive listing of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required. Management reserves the right to make modifications at their discretion.
Benefits:
Department: Head Start
Starting Salary Range: $17.48 - $19.20
Locations:
Midway - 547 Wheeler St. N, St. Paul, MN 55104
East YMCA - 875 Arcade St. St. Paul, MN 55106
Schedules: Full time, Part year (9-10 months), Up to 40 hours/week, Monday-Friday. Working hours between 6:45am and 4:45pm.
Remote Capability: This position does not offer any remote capabilities
Posting Dates: 7/10/2026 - Until Filled
Benefits: Community Action offers excellent benefits including generous 23 days paid time off (PTO) for new employees, 12 paid holidays plus two personal days, health, dental, vision & life insurance, health savings accounts (HSA), flexible saving accounts (FSA), retirement, employee discount programs and so much more!
Background Checks: Community Action conducts criminal background checks at the time of hire. Not all backgrounds are a barrier to employment.
Community Action Partnership of Ramsey and Washington Counties is an Equal Opportunity (EEO) Employer. We recruit, select, hire, place, transfer, promote, demote, layoff, discipline, terminate, recall, compensate, and train without regard to race, religion, creed, color, national origin, age, gender, gender identity, sex, sexual orientation, familial status, disability, veteran status, status with regard to public assistance, membership or activity in a local human rights commission, or any other basis protected by applicable laws, directives, and regulations of federal, state, and local governing bodies or agencies. We will provide reasonable accommodation to applicants and employees with disabilities whenever possible.
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights (https://www.eeoc.gov/poster) notice from the Department of Labor.
