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Head Start Bus Driver Jobs (NOW HIRING)

$13.50 - $18.50/hr

... Head Start children. Must submit timely reports and be responsible for bus maintenance and regular ... Valid California Commercial Driver's License (Class A or B with Endorsements P & S). * DL-45 ...

The Head Start Bus Aide/Class Aide will work together with the Head Start Bus Driver to provide safe transportation for the children in accordance with all state and local laws and Head Start ...

The Head Start Bus Aide/Class Aide will work together with the Head Start Bus Driver to provide safe transportation for the children in accordance with all state and local laws and Head Start ...

The Head Start Bus Aide/Class Aide will work together with the Head Start Bus Driver to provide safe transportation for the children in accordance with all state and local laws and Head Start ...

The Head Start Bus Aide/Class Aide will work together with the Head Start Bus Driver to provide safe transportation for the children in accordance with all state and local laws and Head Start ...

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Head Start Bus Driver information

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$8

$19

$28

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

As of Jun 29, 2026, the average hourly pay for head start bus driver in the United States is $19.81, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.35 and $22.36 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Head Start Bus Driver, and why are they important?

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 Head Start Bus Drivers?

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.
More about Head Start Bus Driver jobs
What cities are hiring for Head Start Bus Driver jobs? Cities with the most Head Start Bus Driver job openings:
What states have the most Head Start Bus Driver jobs? States with the most job openings for Head Start Bus Driver jobs include:
Infographic showing various Head Start Bus Driver job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, and 14% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $41,198 per year, or $19.8 per hour.

Head Start Bus Driver/ Maintenance/ Custodian

Gold Eagle Casino

Horton, KS

Full-time

Posted 10 days ago


Job description

Title: Head Start Bus Driver/ Maintenance/ Custodian

Position: Full Time

Location: Kickapoo Head Start/Early Head Start Program

Supervisor: Director


Position Purpose:

To provide safe bus transportation for Head Start children, assuring that each child is picked up and delivered on schedule. Provide custodial and routine maintenance for program, classrooms, offices, common areas, utilities, equipment, fixtures, and materials for the facility and grounds. To follow health and safety procedures and perform safety inspections and checklists to ensure facility and grounds are hazard free.

Essential job-related Responsibilities: Performance indicators:


Transportation

  • Transport children to and from Head Start efficiently and safely
  • Ensure all passengers are placed in appropriate age/weight harness restraints
  • Ensure that any behavioral issues do not compromise the safety of any child on the bus
  • Ensure that each child is delivered to the care of a responsible adult upon leaving the bus (on the authorized list)
  • Ensure that no child is ever left unattended while on the bus, following all procedures put in place to prevent a child being left behind
  • Visually observe the health of each child on the bus
  • Perform a complete visual safety check of each bus driven on a daily basis, completing daily pre and post trip checklists
  • Keep interior of bus clean daily and bus exterior as needed
  • Report any need for repairs and deliver bus to repair site
  • Record mileage, gas, attendance of children and any incident reports as necessary


Maintenance/ Custodial-Facility and Grounds

  • Daily cleaning of classrooms, office, bathrooms, kitchen, hallways including sweeping, mopping, vacuuming, dusting, and emptying trash
  • Inventory control of all cleaning supplies, including ordering and receiving supplies
  • Seasonal deep cleaning and maintenance of building interior and exterior (i.e Floor waxing, carpet cleaning, pressure wash building)
  • Ensure the safety and health procedures are followed as director by Director and/or established policy
  • Perform routine inspections and regular upkeep of interior and exterior areas to ensure area free of safety hazards, trash, weeds, and other foreign materials
  • Perform regular upkeep of outside areas, include lawns, landscaped beds, playground, and parking lots to include weeding, trash, and litter removal required to keep areas clean, neat, and safe
  • Assist with moving office and classroom furniture, fixtures, and equipment to support increasing staffing changes, relocations, remodels, program expansion and custodial requirements
  • Minor maintenance (i.e. changing filters, unclog toilets, changing light bulbs, etc.)
  • Assist with training and event set ups
  • Complete Safety Checklist a required by Director
  • Attend meetings and trainings as required or recommended by supervisor. Perform other duties as assigned
  • Respond to on-call custodial / minor maintenance emergencies outside of regular assigned hours


Minimum Requirements

  • High School Diploma or GED
  • Ability to use various chemicals and cleaning agents
  • Ability to read and follow detailed written and verbal instructions
  • Good written and oral communication skills and basic math
  • Ability to use mechanical equipment, drive a school bus, riding lawn mower, run a snow blower, etc.
  • Ability to work independently with minimal supervision
  • Daily lifting up to 50 pounds to load and transport bulk supplies, furniture, fixtures, etc., and occasional over 70 lbs. with assistance
  • Valid Commercial Driver's License Class C with Endorsements P & S or must be able to obtain with 30 days from hire and driving record free from any moving violations within the last three years
  • Child and Adult First Aid and CPR certified at time of hire or achieve certification within 30 days from date of hire
  • Must pass Bus Driver Physical Examination and Physical Capacity Examination