How to become a school bus aide?
A school bus aide plays a vital role in assisting the school bus driver in providing safe and efficient transport facilities for students. Their duties vary depending upon the employer but generally, they supervise passengers on and off the bus. Many bus aides work in the education sector and they supervise drivers while in motion, operate wheelchair lifts, and evacuate riders in case of emergency. They have to support the need of students by performing daily routine activities. The bus aide supervises and manages the behavior of students and provide support for the individual as well as the group of students for getting in and off the bus. The bus aide works closely with the staff and administration of the district. The school bus aide is responsible for bringing children to and from school, ensure timely pickup and safe drop off. A school bus aide should know bus safety procedures, dependability, attention to detail, able to remain calm under pressure, strong communication skills and should enjoy working with children.
What are the duties of a school bus aide?
The school bus aide is responsible for performing various duties which includes:
- Assist the school bus driver in getting students to and from school safely
- Monitor students safety while traveling on the bus
- Assist students with special needs while entering and exiting the bus
- Ensure students wear a seat belt and check whether the wheelchair clamps are secured
- Provide instruction to students regarding safety
- Participate in a scheduled emergency bus evacuation drill
- Maintain effective student discipline
- Give proper care for the needs of disabled students
- Assist the bus driver and class teacher in resolving issues with students
- Remain updated about the latest information, innovative ideas, and techniques
- Respond to information request courteously and promptly
- Implement and follow district health and safety policies
- Learn the bus route and provide information that includes driver direction for the best way to reach a location
- Participate in the certification of CPR class, loading wheelchairs and attending the safety of students while in transit
- Maintain open communication with parents and teachers
- Maintain excellent communication with children
- Research and investigate labor relation activities, budget control, and office automation possibilities
How to become a school bus aide?
If you are an individual who is interested in becoming a school bus aide, one of the first things to consider is your education. Most school bus aide has a bachelor degree while some have completed their master degree. Even though some bus aide has a bachelor degree, only a high school degree or GED is enough to pursue the career. Unlike bus drivers, they don’t have to carry a CDL license. However, the position may require them to possess a valid driver’s license, CPR, first aid certification, and special need handling training. Picking up the right major is an important step and the most common majors for a bus aide remains to earn a high school diploma degrees or associate degrees. If an individual has experienced in any other job, this would help him to become a school bus aide. School bus attendant who has previous career experience as a cashier, receptionist, or customer service representatives will remain suitable for the role. Applicants must also pass the background check or drug screening.
Skills and traits
A school bus driver needs to possess certain skills to remain successful in the workplace. The job often entails giving direction, answering queries, and accommodating rider’s special needs. Sometimes they are responsible for cleaning the bus inside and out as well as maintaining and refueling it. Bus aides must be attentive and serve as a good role model for other riders. It is also important for a school bus aide to maintain student rider records, report disciplinary incidents, and maintain an accurate timetable.
- Special education – They must be able to communicate well with students of special need and assist transportation of special education students. Maintain close communication with bus drivers, students, and children traveling back and forth between schools.
- Safe transportation – provide safe transportation for special students and other commuters between locations.
- Safe environment – maintain a safe environment for children on the bus. Students should strictly follow disciplinary policies and procedures.
- Behavior problems – they should assist the bus driver with the supervision of safety and behavior problems. They must assure wheelchair safety in school buses and report students with behavior problems.
- Wheelchair assistant – They must know how to use a wheelchair, lifting students on and off the bus. They should perform certain other duties like assist children in the vehicle, secure wheelchairs, and properly use safety ramps.
- First aid – perform first aid and specialized healthcare procedures when needed. They should knowledge carrying out first aid procedures.
- Transport passengers – they should complete trip vehicle inspection and maintain accurate records and logs. They should maintain the safe operation of assigned bus and report any incidences.
