Job Opportunity: Bus Driver

Overview:

Are you passionate about ensuring the safe and efficient transportation of children and their families? Join us as a Bus Driver, operating under the supervision of our Lead Bus Driver. This role is dedicated to maintaining a clean and safe vehicle while transporting children and parents/families to program activities, homes, and field trips.

Type: Full-time, 9 months (March-November)

Key Responsibilities:

Annual Review and Training:

• Participate in an annual review, including onboard observation of your road performance by a State Certified School Bus Instructor.
• Attend a combination of annual classroom instruction and behind-the-wheel training to ensure:
• Safe and efficient vehicle operation.
• Proficiency in running a fixed route, including loading, and unloading children, stopping at railroad crossings, and performing other specialized driving maneuvers.
• Basic first aid administration in case of injury.
• Emergency procedures, including vehicle evacuation.
• Operation of special equipment like wheelchair lifts and restraints.

Driving the Route:

• Assist the Bus Aide in ensuring the safety and well-being of children.
• Follow the safest and most efficient assigned route, as determined by the Lead Bus Driver, the Transportation & Facilities Manager, and the Area Manager.
• Maintain the route schedule and inform parents of stop locations and times.
• Ensure children are properly restrained before starting the bus engine in the afternoon.
• Ensure that children are released only to authorized individuals.
• Safely load and unload children as per Centro's Transportation Manual.

Vehicle Maintenance:

• Monitor and maintain all vehicle fluid levels.
• Keep the vehicle interiors clean.
• Clean the vehicle exterior as weather allows.

Other Duties:

• Provide support for center-level Parent Night’s by offering transportation or other assistance as assigned.
• Perform a daily playground health and safety checklist when assigned by the Lead Bus Driver.

About Us:

At Centro de la Familia, we are not just educators, we are dream builders. Our warm, vibrant environment is designed to cultivate curious minds, explore boundless possibilities, and create lasting memories. We believe that every child is a unique story waiting to be written, and we take pride in walking alongside families as trusted partners in early learning and development.

Just as we nurture the potential of every child, we are deeply committed to supporting the growth and success of our staff. At Centro, you’re more than an employee—your part of a mission-driven family that values your voice, your expertise, and your well-being.

Why You’ll Love Working with Us:

• Great Pay & Benefits – We offer strong compensation and comprehensive benefits to support your health and financial well-being.
• Professional Growth – Access to continuous training, certifications, and clear career development opportunities.
• Supportive Mentorship – Work alongside experienced mentors and coaches who are invested in your success.
• Work-Life Harmony – A positive, respectful workplace that values balance and healthy boundaries.
• Wellness & Inclusion – Thrive in a culture that prioritizes wellness, connection, and a strong sense of belonging.
• Recognition & Appreciation – Your dedication doesn’t go unnoticed — we celebrate your contributions regularly.

Who Are We:

We are passionate about our work and the incredible children and families we have the privilege to support. We have been dedicated to Community and Family Engagement since 1975, have been operating Head Start Programs since 1991, and have experience managing programs in challenging, isolated, and underserved areas. Our curricula and programs are rooted in science, and we are committed to the professional growth of minority communities. Plus, our team includes bilingual and bicultural staff to ensure inclusive and culturally sensitive care.

Qualifications:

High school diploma or GED.

Current in-state Commercial Driver's License (CDL) with a School Bus and Passenger endorsement or other state-specific criteria.

CPR and First Aid Certification.

Bilingual proficiency in English and Spanish is preferred.

Physical Demands and Working Conditions:

Driving in various weather conditions.

Able to lift to 55 pounds.

Moderate to loud noise level in the work environment.

Come Join Our Team:

If you're dedicated to the safety and well-being of children and families and are committed to meeting their transportation needs, we encourage you to consider a meaningful career as a Bus Driver. Your contribution is pivotal in ensuring a secure and efficient journey for our cherished passengers.