Head Start Bus Driver Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Join the NVFS Family: We are looking to hire a School Bus Driver to join the NVFS Early Childhood Education/Head Start Center in Arlington! At NVFS, our Head Start program ensures children and families have access to high-quality early childhood education. Transportation can be a critical barrier for families — and that’s where you come in. 

As a Bus Driver, you are more than a driver. You are a trusted adult, a safety advocate, and often the first and last NVFS team member a child sees each day. Your calm presence, attentiveness, and commitment to safety help children arrive ready to learn, and families feel supported. 

Benefits and Compensation: We want you to be well, have work/life flexibility, grow your career with us, and have the resources and support you need. Check out our comprehensive benefit offerings here in support of various dimensions of your wellbeing. Pay rate: $22/hour

Key Responsibilities: 

Bus Route:

• Drive school bus to designated locations per assigned route and schedule.
• Direct flow of traffic in and out of the parking lot of site location at peak parent drop off and pick up times as designated by the Center Manager.
• Greet all parents and children as they approach the bus.
• Assist Bus Monitor in securing children in a seat when needed.
• Prioritize safety of children while getting on, departing, and riding the bus; this includes accompanying Bus Monitor to safely transport children to and from classrooms to bus.
• Remain sensitive to the children’s needs; make children feel comfortable and secure while riding the bus.
• Work in partnership with Bus Monitor to ensure that all children are accounted for and file appropriate written attendance sheets; decide when children are returned to the Center because of the unavailability of an appropriate authorized adult to receive the child during drop offs.
• Assist children in an emergency evacuation or with first aid if required.
• Report any concerns about children or parent interactions to the Center Manager
• Perform other duties as assigned, including but not limited to providing classroom assistance and supporting nutrition services when not transporting staff, children or parents on the bus, or in the event that the bus is unavailable.

Safety & Bus Maintenance:

• Complete bus safety checks before leaving the parking lot daily and complete safety checks when buses return and children have departed. 
• Maintain cleanliness of buses and checks gas, oil, and water daily; report any needed repairs immediately to the Center Manager.
• File all required reports and receipts. 
• Comply with all laws and regulations pertaining to the operations of a school bus in the state of VA and under HS performance standards; observe posted speed limits at all times and immediately report any accident or damage to the vehicle to the Center Manager.

Your Background:  We understand that you may obtain skills through a variety of professional, personal, educational, and volunteer experiences.

• High school diploma
• Valid U.S. driver's license and Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) specific to school bus licensure 
• Ability to operate a school bus in a safe and efficient manner in an urban environment
• Ability to understand directions, learn bus schedules, and respond to adjustments positively
• Experience working with children aged 3-5 years
• Oral and written fluency in English; Spanish fluency a plus but not required
• Digital and technical proficiency, including working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite
• Must be able to demonstrate and live the organizational values of Communication, Integrity, Respect, Collaboration, and Accountability

Additional Requirements:

• Successful completion of background checks, drug screening, TB test, and physical required upon hire
• Must clear Motor Vehicle Record check 
• Must be able to lift a child up to 50 lbs
• Ability to follow the Head Start guidelines for working with children
• Ability to interpret documents such as safety rules and policy and procedures manuals

Working at Northern Virginia Family Services (NVFS) means doing work that matters every day because of the difference you will make in the lives of children and families in Northern Virginia. NVFS’ breadth, depth and scope of services offer the resources and support to ensure that everyone in need, at every stage of life, maximizes their potential and fully contributes to a thriving community. At NVFS, we value every team member’s contribution and our collective impact on our clients and the community. NVFS is an equal opportunity employer, E-Verify participant and drug-free workplace.