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Head Start Bus Driver Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

Families First of Minnesota

Bus Driver

Rochester, MN · On-site

$24.47/hr

Description DRIVE THE FUTURE FORWARD - BUS DRIVER, Head Start / Early Head Start Families First of Minnesota | Rochester, MN Every morning, a friendly face behind the wheel can be the highlight of a ...

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All JobsHead Start Bus Driver JobsHead Start Bus Driver Jobs in Minnesota

Head Start Bus Driver information

See Minnesota salary details

$8

$19

$28

How much do head start bus driver jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average hourly pay for head start bus driver in Minnesota is $19.40, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.01 and $21.88 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Head Start bus driver?

Head Start Bus Drivers are professionals responsible for safely transporting children enrolled in the Head Start program to and from their homes, schools, and other program activities. They ensure that all children are secured properly, follow strict safety protocols, and maintain discipline and order on the bus. Additionally, they may assist with loading and unloading children, perform regular vehicle inspections, and communicate with parents and staff regarding transportation needs. This role requires patience, attention to detail, and a commitment to child safety.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Head Start bus driver?

To thrive as a Head Start Bus Driver, you need a commercial driver's license (CDL) with passenger and school bus endorsements, a clean driving record, and knowledge of child safety regulations. Familiarity with bus safety equipment, vehicle inspection protocols, and route scheduling software is typically required. Patience, strong communication skills, and the ability to interact positively with young children and their families are essential soft skills. These qualifications ensure the safe and reliable transportation of children, fostering a secure and supportive environment crucial for early childhood programs.

What are some common challenges Head Start bus drivers face and how can they be addressed?

Head Start Bus Drivers often encounter challenges such as managing the safe transportation of young children, maintaining strict schedules, and communicating effectively with parents and program staff. Ensuring that each child is properly secured and accounted for requires patience and attention to detail. Additionally, drivers must adapt to varying weather, road conditions, and the unique needs of preschool passengers. Ongoing training, clear communication protocols, and support from the Head Start team help address these challenges and ensure a positive experience for both the children and the driver.

What is the difference between Head Start Bus Driver vs School Bus Driver?

AspectHead Start Bus DriverSchool Bus Driver
Required CertificationsCommercial Driver's License (CDL) with passenger and school bus endorsementsCDL with passenger and school bus endorsements
Work EnvironmentTransporting preschool children for Head Start programs, often in urban or suburban areasTransporting students of various ages to and from school, often in public school districts
Employer & IndustryHead Start programs, non-profit or government agenciesPublic school districts, private schools, or transportation companies

Both Head Start Bus Drivers and School Bus Drivers require CDL licenses with passenger endorsements and work in transporting students. The main difference lies in the age group served and the employer. Head Start Bus Drivers focus on preschool children in early childhood programs, while School Bus Drivers typically transport older students to and from school. Both roles are essential for student safety and require similar certifications and driving skills.

What are popular job titles related to Head Start Bus Driver jobs in Minnesota?

For Head Start Bus Driver jobs in Minnesota, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Head Start Bus Driver jobs in Minnesota look for?

The top searched job categories for Head Start Bus Driver jobs in Minnesota are:

What cities in Minnesota are hiring for Head Start Bus Driver jobs?

Cities in Minnesota with the most Head Start Bus Driver job openings:

Head Start Bus Driver jobs near you
Infographic showing various Head Start Bus Driver job openings in Minnesota as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 67% Full Time, 30% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $40,349 per year, or $19.4 per hour.

Head Start Bus Driver

Minnesota Valley Action Council

Mankato, MN • On-site

$21.35 - $22.14/hr

Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 2 hours ago

Job description

Make a meaningful difference every day by helping young children travel safely to and from Head Start. As a Head Start Bus Driver, you are often one of the first friendly faces children and families see each day-and one of the last at the end of the day. Your reliability, care, and commitment to safety help children arrive ready to learn and families feel supported.
Minnesota Valley Action Council (MVAC) is a nonprofit community action agency that has served south-central Minnesota since 1965. Our programs help individuals, families, and communities build stability and opportunity through housing, transportation, employment, education, and supportive services.
We proudly serve Blue Earth, Brown, Faribault, Le Sueur, Martin, Nicollet, Sibley, Waseca, and Watonwan counties.
Our Values
  • Build Supportive Relationships: Meaningful partnerships strengthen people and communities.
  • Empower People: Everyone deserves an opportunity to set and reach their goals.
  • Promote Dignity: We deliver equitable services that respect and value all people.
  • Work Together: Support the people we serve, each other, and our partners across programs.
Overview of the Position
In this role, you will safely transport enrolled Head Start children, maintain a safe and welcoming environment on the bus, and help ensure the vehicle is ready for each route. The ideal candidate is dependable, safety-focused, organized, and comfortable building positive relationships with children, families, coworkers, supervisors, and community partners.
Essential Functions of the Job
  • Safely transport enrolled Head Start children to and from program services.
  • Create a positive, respectful, and calm bus environment for young children.
  • Follow all rules of the road, MNDOT requirements, MVAC policies, Head Start Performance Standards, and MN DCYF Child Care Center Statutes and Rules.
  • Help ensure the assigned bus is safe, clean, and mechanically maintained.
  • Complete required paperwork and data entry accurately and on time, following program requirements and established procedures.

Required Education / Experience
Qualified applicants must have a minimum of a Class B license with passenger endorsement and must be insurable to drive agency vehicles. One year of experience providing public transportation and experience with preschool-age children is preferred. Strong communication, organization, and follow-through are important for success in this position. Bilingual skills are beneficial.
Benefits
MVAC values the people who make our work possible. Your benefits may include:
  • Health, dental, and vision insurance options
  • Paid time off and paid holidays
  • Retirement savings plan options
  • Employer-supported training and professional development
  • Meaningful work supporting children, families, and communities in south-central Minnesota
Equal Opportunity Employer
Minnesota Valley Action Council, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. MVAC is committed to creating an inclusive workplace and providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants in accordance with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, directives, and regulations and regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other protected status under applicable law.
Must be authorized to work for any employer in the United States. MVAC is unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa at this time.
If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation for applying for this position, please email hr@mnvac.org or call (507) 345-0440.

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