1

Head Start Bus Driver Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

Bus Driver - PT

Fulton, MS

$15.75 - $21.50/hr

The Head Start/Early Head Start Bus Driver provides safe bus transportation for all children in the program. Minimum Requirements: * Valid Commercial Driver's License Class B minimum and driving ...

Head Start Teacher

Winona, MO ยท On-site

$18.65/hr

The Head Start Teacher 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 transportation ...

Bus Driver - PT

Pontotoc, MS ยท On-site

$14.75 - $20/hr

Description The Head Start/Early Head Start Bus Driver provides safe bus transportation for all children in the program. Minimum Requirements: * Valid Commercial Driver's License Class B minimum and ...

Bus Driver - PT

Pontotoc, MS

$14.75 - $20/hr

The Head Start/Early Head Start Bus Driver provides safe bus transportation for all children in the program. Minimum Requirements: * Valid Commercial Driver's License Class B minimum and driving ...

Bus Driver - PT

Fulton, MS ยท On-site

$15.75 - $21.50/hr

Description The Head Start/Early Head Start Bus Driver provides safe bus transportation for all children in the program. Minimum Requirements: * Valid Commercial Driver's License Class B minimum and ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Head Start Bus Driver information

See salary details

$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.

$10.75 - $13.75/hr

Part-time

Posted 2 days ago


Job description

POSITION DESCRIPTION
JOB TITLE: Class Aide/Bus Aide SALARY RANGE: 5
SUPERVISES: N/A WORK STATION: Bus/Classroom
REPORTS DIRECTLY TO: Teacher
Site Supervisor
Education Manager
Transportation Manager
GENERAL DESCRIPTION:
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 transportation
guidelines. The Bus Aide/Class Aide is also responsible for providing additional daily assistance in the Head
Start classroom. A Class Aide may function as a disability aide, providing one-on-one attention to a child that
has special needs or requires additional assistance. The Class Aide will work alongside the teacher and
teacher aide to provide an educational environment for all children enrolled in the Head Start classroom.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
1. Work as a team with other teaching staff and assist with daily activities in the Head Start center as
required.
2. Responsible for assisting with special needs children, as well as other children in the Head Start
classroom. Assist in classroom, bathroom, mealtimes, playground, and field trips.
3. Assist with documentation of required paperwork for children with special needs.
4. Substitute as driver when needed, if qualified.
5. Assist with maintaining safe driving habits and a positive atmosphere on the bus. Administer first aid in
case of injury, handles all emergency situations including vehicle evacuation. Assist with maintaining
current emergency information on all children and adults in the vehicle at all times.
6. Never leave a child unattended on the vehicle at any time.
7. Assist children and their parents on and off the bus. Make sure a responsible person is home to receive
the child. Take a child into a child care center, if needed, and assure child is with responsible staff
person.
8. Responsible for controlling all passengers on the vehicle and for ensuring that safety restraints are
used for everyone. There should be a positive atmosphere on the vehicle that will provide for learning in
a safe and healthy environment.
9. Assist with maintaining a clean and safe vehicle.
10. Assist with conducting daily vehicle inspections, pre-trip and post trip inspections, and report all
concerns to Site Supervisor.
11. Obey all state, county and local driving regulations.
12. Report all accidents to supervisor immediately.
13. Assist with maintaining required documentation concerning mileage, maintenance costs, etc.
14. Provide communication between staff and parents concerning children. Relay messages between
parents and Center Staff. Be positive with parents and children as the program's first and last contact of
the day
15. Participate in appropriate Head Start training. Attend parent committee meetings, center staff meetings,
in-service training, and other training as required or requested by management staff and/or supervisor.
16. Ensure that emergency supplies are maintained and properly stored in accordance with agency policy
and procedures. Ensure that communication system is tested regularly and kept in working order. The
communication system is utilized for Head Start business only.
17. Work cooperatively with all Head Start staff.
18. Plan the most efficient route, in cooperation with other center staff, taking weather conditions into
consideration, and make all designated stops unless otherwise advised by Center Staff.
19. Understand responsibility of being a mandated reporter for Child Abuse and Neglect. Read and
understand Child Abuse and Neglect Policy. Failure to follow reporting procedures, including incidents
involving other staff members, may result in termination.
20. Perform additional duties as assigned by supervisors.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
1. High school diploma or equivalent.
2. Possess or obtain a Child Development Associate (CDA) credential. Must begin CDA classes within six
months of hire date.
3. Knowledge of program curriculum, developmentally appropriate practice, and related program
performance standards.
4. Relate to children and parents in a positive, constructive manner.
5. Develop and implement classroom activities based on children's individual needs.
6. Work well with other center staff, parents, and managers.
7. Knowledge of all applicable bus safety regulations and procedures. Knowledge of all Head Start
transportation guidelines and standards.
8. Knowledge of basic vehicle maintenance.
9. Knowledge of basic child development, as well as child care and guidance knowledge.
10. Maintain conduct that promotes a positive image to staff, parents, agency and community.
11. Obtain initial medical exam and TB assessment within 30 days of employment. Complete a medical
exam and TB assessment every five years following initial employment.
12. Pass background screen, child abuse/neglect screen, drug screen, and be subject to random drug
testing.
Additional requirements:
Possess personal qualifications: emotional maturity, willingness to cooperate with the standards of the
program, respect for children and adults, flexibility, patience, good personal hygiene, and physical and mental
health which does not interfere with responsibilities. Must have good verbal communication skills and visual
ability to observe children. Ability to fulfill responsibilities under pressure, including during emergencies.
Working Conditions:
Risk of exposure to blood, body fluids, or tissues. Risk involved with travel on main highways, side streets and
rural roads during the transportation of children. Risk of exposure to communicable diseases. Must be able to
lift 55 pounds, many times a day, climb into the school bus, bend, kneel and squat frequently. Job requires
standing for long periods of time, as well as stooping, squatting, running; and sitting in child sized chairs and/or
on the floor.
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by a
person in this position. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all duties that may be
performed in such a position, including changes in location, classroom, caseload, and hours. The
Executive Director may, at any time, for disciplinary purposes, the utilization of personnel, or for the
general good of the program, reassign an employee from one position to another position.
I accept the duties and responsibilities as outlined in this position description. This position is not exempt from
the overtime provision of the Fair Labor Standards Act.
Signature of Employee Date
Signature of Supervisor/Mentor
Rev 8-21