Collab-Lab Driver/Early Childhood Specialist Houston
Job description
WORK AT COLLABORATIVE. COLLAB-LAB DRIVER/EARLY CHILDHOOD SPECIALIST Early Learning Programs LOCATION: Houston, Texas Work environment: Hybrid THE CHALLENGE: It is clear from research that when children enter kindergarten ready to learn and possessing requisite socio-emotional and cognitive skills, they are more likely to be successful in their academic careers and beyond. Strong early childhood education matters. Collaborative for Children matters. We meaningfully improve the quality and learning outcomes of pre-school aged children through those who are most influential in their lives. We use technology to make teaching more engaging and to allow hard and soft skills to stick. We believe strongly that early learning is the key to long-term success, not just in school, but also in life. THE OPPORTUNITY: To make our mission a reality, Collaborative for Children seeks an experienced driver with a CDL to provide driving services for the mobile education unit (Collab-Lab), including delivery routes, marketing events, and agency sponsored events. Individual will provide proactive troubleshooting related to mechanical issues and serve as the liaison contact with appropriate parties for resolution. In addition, the individual will interact with parents and their young children (ages 3-5) to demonstrate and monitor the STEM activities in the mobile unit. Qualifications THE POSITION: If you've got the experience and are comfortable driving a daycare bus, an ISD bus or other school vehicle that transports preschool or elementary children, this may be a viable position for you. Our mobile education unit does not transport children, but it does have preschool children and their caregivers come on board at sites around the city to experience hands-on learning in STEM. Use your ECE experience to assist parents to better understand their child’s development, to improve parenting practices supporting their young learner’s education, and parent-child relationships and interactions. ECE experience will also be beneficial as you provide mentoring for teachers in our Centers of Excellence. When you join the team, some of the essential work and responsibilities you will manage and handle will include: COLLAB-LAB DRIVER DUTIES: Complete daily maintenance and supply checklists, including checking the oil, fuel, gas level, brakes, lights, windshield wipers, steering, and water/tire pressures. Ensure that the Collab-Lab is always fueled and ready for use Perform inspections of the Collab-Lab before and after each route Schedule required inspections and vehicle detailing Maintain records of work performed; make timely reports of accidents, incidents, and unusual occurrences. Research and plan for traffic, construction and weather delays Arrive at destinations on schedule Use navigation applications to determine the best routes to destinations Interact with families and CC staff professionally at all times Arrange for vehicle repairs as needed and consult with direct and indirect managers Keep mileage records and repair records up-to-date Obey all traffic laws Maintain a clean and mechanically sound vehicle at all times, including daily/weekly interior sanitizing Ability to perform emergency bus evacuation safely for students/parents/staff, including the ability to climb in and out of the emergency door Practice safety techniques in lifting, climbing and performing other job duties Administer basic first aid as trained, when necessary Ensure proper condition of emergency equipment such as first aid kit, fire extinguisher, and reflector(s) MENTORING DUTIES: Interface with technology to document work, analyze data, and support progress-monitoring systems for Early Learning Programs. Oversee the implementation of research-based curricula and frameworks to successfully meet child outcomes and specialist’s goals. Conduct observations to assess and analyze service delivery methods for quality indicators to initiate diagnostic troubleshooting. Use measured data to develop implementation plans to increase program effectiveness and support child outcomes. Cultivate synergetic working relationships with CC program team members, ECE teachers and directors to support collaboration and participation in CC programs. Serve as an expert on 21st-century learning and school readiness for community awareness, parental support extensions, and childcare center committees. Support Early Learning Programs and families with facilitation of services related to inclusive environments for all learners. THE PERSON: We embrace diversity in backgrounds, talents, experience, interests and ideas. Attributes that resonate in our most successful employees include: passion for our mission, drive for results, high level of organization and detail orientation, resilience and authenticity. Other traits needed and desired for this position include: Driver: Minimum of at least 3 years as a driver directly related to the duties and responsibilities specified Minimum of one (1) year with Commercial Driver License (CDL – Class B) highly preferred Knowledge of basic vehicle inspection and maintenance, including tire pressure, checking oil and water levels Possess ability to troubleshoot mechanical and electrical failures Ability to safely and efficiently operate a vehicle the size of an RV Ability to read and interpret routes and maps Current First Aid and CPR certification highly preferred, or willingness to be trained/certified Experience with vehicle maintenance recordkeeping beneficial Ability to understand and follow safety procedures Clear driving record per Texas Department of Public Safety, including no moving violations within last three (3) years, no DUI/DWI convictions (no time limit), and no more than two (2) accident convictions (no time limit) As a holder of a valid CDL license, driver will be required to comply with all provisions of DOT Regulation 49 CFR Parts 40 and 382, including random drug and alcohol testing State Bus Driver’s Certification course preferred EC Specialist: Minimum of one year working in an early childhood setting Demonstrated experience working with adults in teaching/learning situations Demonstrated knowledge of Texas Minimum Standards, NAEYC Professional Development Standards, Texas Core Competencies, and Early Learning Guidelines Hands-on knowledge of best practices in early childhood education Prior experience trouble shooting technology and RV functionality helpful Intermediate proficiency with Microsoft Office software (Word, Excel) Demonstrated experience with email/communications/scheduling software (Outlook). Experience utilizing virtual platforms such as ZOOM, TEAMS Working Conditions Work environment involves some exposure to hazards or physical risks, which require following basic safety precautions This position will require driving to different locations Work may involve moderate exposure to unusual elements, such as extreme (heat) temperatures and humidity, dirt, dust, fumes, smoke, unpleasant odors, and/or loud noises Physical Requirements Driver duties require a sedentary position Ability to twist the upper body and neck while driving, including driving in reverse Work positions include kneeling and climbing, with extended reach above head (12 inches) and extended reach in front of body (14 inches) Physical exertion includes bending, pushing, standing, and walking. Must be able to move or lift approximately 25 pounds (i.e. steps on the Collab-Lab, program supplies) numerous times per shift Ability to hear, see and speak with or without reasonable accommodation Good vision and hearing acuity (with glasses and hearing aids, if necessary) Ability to recognize the colors of traffic signals and devices showing standard red, green and amber Ability to pass drug/alcohol pre-employment screening, random, post-accident and/or reasonable suspicion basis, in accordance with law Ability to pass DOT physical Other Driver: Minimum age: 19 years old Must be able to work a 40 hour, Saturday – Friday schedule Must have schedule flexibility to work non-standard weekday hours, split shift, including in early evening, as well as occasional weekend hours as Program or organization events necessitate Must be able to travel throughout the 13-county region Must have reliable, personal transportation Must have a valid Texas Driver’s License and CDL endorsement Must have current personal vehicle insurance coverage Must adhere to our core values: With the child in mind...Core Values and Core Competencies 1. Core value: We relentlessly pursue excellence. Core competency: Continuous improvement 2. Core value: We innovate boldly, fearlessly and courageously. Core competency: Problem-solving 3. Core value: We respect and promote diverse points of view. Core competency: Interpersonal relations 4. Core value: We celebrate transparency. Core competency: Effective communication THE MUST HAVES: Bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year college or university in early childhood education, child development, special education, child psychology, educational psychology, elementary education, or family consumer science, or Bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year college or university with at least 18 credit hours in early childhood education, child development, special education, child psychology, educational psychology, elementary education, or family consumer science with at least 12 credit hours in child development or Associate’s degree in early childhood education, child development, special education, child psychology, educational psychology, elementary education, or family consumer science with two years of experience as a director in an early childhood program. NICE TO HAVES Bilingual fluency in English and Spanish strongly preferred. THE PERKS: Compensation: This is a non-exempt, hourly, Full-Time position. Pay Rate: Dependent on Driving experience and ECE experience Pay date frequency: Paid bi-weekly on Friday. Hybrid work: hours dependent on Collab-Lab visitation scheduling Health and Supplemental Insurance: HDHP medical option that includes $1400/year employer-paid contribution to a Health Savings Account (HSA), prorated based on hire date. Other voluntary insurance options: Dental, Vision, Voluntary Life/AD&D, Accident, Critical Illness, Cancer, and Long-Term Care. Employer-paid STD, LTD, Basic Life/AD&D insurance. First of month after hire eligibility. Retirement Plan: 1:1 company matching contribution up to 6% Generous paid leave time (Personal Time, Vacation and holidays) Section 125 Child Care: Flexible Spending Account (FSA) Professional Development: Collaborative values high levels of performance and service over time. We invest in developing our people and nurturing their career trajectory success through coaching and ongoing skills and leadership development. Our Culture: mission-driven, family-friendly, inclusive, collaborative, fun When you work at Collaborative you can make a difference every day. All of our staff play critical roles in executing our mission. OUR COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY MAKES US STRONGER Collaborative for Children is an Equal Opportunity Employer and a drug-free/smoke-free work environment. We do not discriminate against any employee or applicant on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender expression, national origin, disability, age, marital status, military status, or any other protected class as set forth under applicable state, local and federal civil rights laws.