The Early Childhood Driver transports children to and from school daily and supports the safety, well-being, and development of children and families enrolled in the Early Childhood Program. In addition to transportation duties, this role supports classroom operations, family engagement, compliance, and general program functions to ensure high-quality, safe, and responsive services.
Transportation Services
Estimated Effort: 45%
Safely transport children to and from program sites in compliance with Ohio laws, Department of Transportation regulations, CAC policies, and Early Childhood procedures.
Secure all children in approved child restraint systems at all times.
Ensure an approved adult listed on the emergency card is present before releasing a child.
Respond appropriately to crisis or emergency situations on the school bus.
Complete all required driving documentation and revise bus route forms as changes occur.
Complete required annual in-service training, including the ODJFS Ohio Pre-Service Driver Curriculum.
Comply with all DOT drug and alcohol screening requirements.
Maintain CDL certification and complete annual T8 physicals as required.
Complete Defective Equipment Reports (DERs) and immediately report vehicle issues to the Transportation Supervisor.
Keep assigned bus clean, orderly, and secure.
Assist with transporting buses or vehicles for maintenance as assigned.
Child Development and Classroom Support
Estimated Effort: 20%
Supervise and monitor children at all times using active supervision techniques.
Maintain appropriate staff-to-child ratios and assist with classroom coverage as needed.
Greet each child at arrival and departure using appropriate language and interactions.
Conduct daily health checks to ensure children are free from communicable diseases.
Assist with preparation of classroom materials to support developmentally appropriate curriculum plans.
Assist with mealtime duties for assigned classrooms.
Assist with data entry and COR documentation in ChildPlus for assigned teaching teams.
Substitute for other team members as needed to ensure continuity of services.
Parent, Family, and Community Engagement
Estimated Effort: 10%
Build trusting and respectful relationships with families that honor their values, beliefs, and caregiving practices.
Encourage family engagement and document relevant contacts in ChildPlus case notes.
Assist parents in understanding their role as their child's first teacher and support transitions between programs.
Encourage parent participation in volunteer activities and family involvement events.
Notify supervisors or designated staff when families request or need additional resources or services.
Serve as a liaison between teachers and parents as assigned.
Program Support and Other Responsibilities
Estimated Effort: 25%
Participate in program planning, self-assessment, monitoring, and strategic planning activities.
Support recruitment and enrollment efforts to maintain full enrollment.
Maintain confidentiality of all child, family, and staff information.
Adhere to all CAC safety policies, licensing regulations, and Early Childhood procedures.
Report any criminal or traffic offenses that could affect insurability immediately to a supervisor.
Participate in committee assignments as requested.
Assist with facility maintenance, inventory, and supply requests.
Check in with families of absent children within required timeframes.
Maintain cleanliness of assigned program areas, including classrooms, buses, offices, and common areas.
Complete all ODJFS/ODE licensing requirements and documentation.
Maintain professional conduct, teamwork, and a positive work environment at all times.
Perform other duties as assigned to support Early Childhood Program and CAC operations.
Minimum Requirements
Education:
High School Diploma or equivalent.
Licenses, Certifications, and Accreditations:
Valid Ohio Driver's License
Commercial Driver's License (CDL) Class C with Passenger and School Bus endorsements preferred
Must obtain CDL within six (6) months of hire if not currently licensed
Other Requirements:
Pre-employment drug and alcohol screening
Physical and/or T8 exam with updated immunizations
BCI and FBI background checks
Three professional references
Signed Standards of Conduct Form
Reliable transportation and proof of insurance
Insurable under agency insurance policy
Ability to hear, see, and respond appropriately to children
People Management Experience:
This position does not directly supervise employees.
Preferred Qualifications
Early Childhood or qualifying degree with CDL
Center-Based Child Development Associate (CDA) with CDL
Prior experience working with young children
Longer tenure in Early Childhood settings preferred
Working Conditions
This position operates in a fast-paced Early Childhood environment and involves driving a Class C bus. Physical requirements include lifting up to 40 pounds, stooping, bending, and standing for extended periods. The role may involve exposure to communicable diseases and environmental hazards. Occasional overnight travel may be required. The position can involve moderate to high levels of stress.