Exceptional Children Assistant/BUS Driver Position

Qualifications: High School diploma or equivalent. Qualifications required under the provisions of "No Child Left Behind" Associate's Degree, or Completion of 48 semester hours of college credits, or Successful completion of a series of Work Keys Tests plus 96 contact hours of appropriate staff development Valid Driver's License with a good driving record CDL License with passenger school bus endorsement and current Bus Drivers Pocket Card Nature of Work An Instructional Assistant/Bus Driver provides support to the teacher in the instruction of students. A wide variety of tasks are performed to support the teacher in the teaching-learning process for students. The work is directed by specific instructions, precedents and established policy. The employee operates small, medium-sized, or large capacity vehicles transporting children on established or special routes. The work is performed under the limited supervision of the teacher and/or principal. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Working knowledge of effective methods of dealing with children. Working knowledge of the core subjects at the grade level to which employment assignment is made. Some knowledge of the school organization and its community. Some knowledge of expected behavior of children, that is, basic characteristics of ages and stages. Skill necessary to operate audiovisual equipment and common office machines. Skill to make learning aids which will strengthen lesson plans. Ability to comprehend the purpose of teacher designed strategies as a fulfillment of the instructional objective. Ability to discern significant student behavior and refer this to the supervisor. Ability to impart information to the child's level of comprehension. Ability to apply impartially and consistently proper methods of recognition, reward and punishment. Ability to solve independently most minor problems. Ability to follow minimally detailed written and oral instructions without constant supervision. Ability to record and store data accurately. Ability to maintain confidentiality of student information. Considerable knowledge of safe and efficient practices and procedures used in the operation of a school bus. Considerable knowledge of traffic laws and school bus regulations. Considerable knowledge of safety regulations and standards for school buses. General knowledge of Transportation Department Operating Instructions. Ability to physically inspect the bus according to Transportation Department Operating Instructions. Ability to detect and report observable mechanical defects or failures on the school bus. Ability to maintain discipline of students assigned to ride the school bus. Ability to maintain a clean school bus. Ability to complete required reports. Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions. Ability to exercise independent judgment and initiative in applying standards to a variety of work situations. Ability to exercise tact and courtesy in contact with parents/guardians or students and with school personnel. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships as necessitated by work assignments. Essential Job Functions: Gives group instruction as prescribed by teacher. Provides individualized instruction. Demonstrates various instructional activities Monitors work assigned by teacher. Checks and corrects students' work while in progress. Keeps students on task Praises and reinforces achievement of students. Reports student progress to teacher. Arranges classroom furnishing and equipment. Prepares visual aids. Duplicates materials. Reorganizes materials at the end of day. Scores students' papers as instructed by teacher. Distributes and collects instructional materials. Attends workshops Checks and reports attendance Enters data in health record. Records student behavior. Files data according to regulatory requirements Supervises students in the classroom and other locations Creates and distributes awards for positive behavior Promotes student self esteem. Teaches citizenship, social skills and respect for others. Reconciles minor student conflicts. Participates in development of discipline policy. Disciplines misbehavior through approved methods. Reports discipline problems to teacher or principal. Reports to supervisor significant changes or lack of change in student behavior. Administers routine first aid and request assistance for non-routine injury or illness. Observes all safety regulations and standards for school buses. This includes clearing the school bus and evacuating students quickly in the event of an emergency. Has a copy of the current Handbook for the School Bus Driver and the Safety Assistant; refers to it periodically for guidance and to answer questions. Maintains discipline of students assigned to ride the school bus. Establishes a discipline plan that is consistent with school disciplinary objectives, as stated by the principal, and which provides a clear, progressive plan of consequences for students who cause disciplinary problems and rewards for those who maintain proper school bus safety standards. Reports undisciplined students to the responsible school principal. Discharges students only at the authorized school or bus stop locations. Transports only authorized students. Keeps the school bus clean and free of papers, bottles, cans food wrappers and other items which may present a safety problem. Reports all accidents as required by Transportation Operating Instructions and remains at the scene of the accident until released by the on-scene transportation supervisor. Completes personal time card and required reports, including reports required in the event of an accident or incident aboard the school bus. Remains in charge of all students aboard the bus at the time of an accident, determining the existence and extent of any injuries and maintaining the safety of all passengers. Secures the assigned bus before leaving the vehicle at the conclusion of a run or route. This includes parking the vehicle properly, making a visual inspection of the bus to check for damage and the possibility of remaining passengers (replace All-Out Flag or turn off child minder alarm), and securing all windows and doors to protect the interior of the vehicle. Maintains acceptable relationships with parents/guardians of students transported and with school personnel. Performs other duties and responsibilities as assigned by supervisor.