An Individualized Education Plan (IEP) must be developed for any child that requires specialized transportation for school. The IEP is a written plan that outlines the specific medical and/or behavioral issues that must be considered during transportation. Some children must travel in wheelchairs while others may use devices like walkers to assist with mobility. The school district must employ qualified personnel to accompany these children while traveling. In addition, the IEP must outline disciplinary procedures to be followed when behavioral issues arise.
Drivers and assistants who are responsible for transporting children with disabilities to school must have additional training specific to the needs of the students. This training includes protocols for addressing behavioral issues, providing health care interventions and procedures for handling emergencies. Employees also learn to safely transfer students on and off the bus and how to secure wheelchairs and other equipment on the bus.
Drivers and assistants who work with children with medical complications are at a higher risk of exposure to disease and illness as they may come into contact with bodily fluids. As a result, employees must have training in the universal precautions. This concept emphasizes the treatment of all bodily fluids as potentially contaminated. Employees may be encouraged to get vaccinated against diseases like hepatitis. They should wear latex gloves if contact with bodily fluids can occur. Procedures must be in place for cleaning bodily fluids from surfaces on the bus as well.
Bus routes should be designed to minimize the amount of time that children with special needs spend on the bus. The maximum amount of time should not exceed one hour (regulations may vary by state). The child should be loaded onto the bus at her residence, with the bus stopped on a level surface. If a child must cross the street, the bus assistant should cross the street with the child.