Special Education Services: A Manual of Policies, Procedures and Guidelines

Local school districts set student transportation policy. In their planning, districts are advised to develop procedures related to transportation of students with special needs.

Transportation activities may involve bus scheduling, communications with schools and parents, the conveyance of students to and from school on a regular basis, and supervision of busing. The method of transportation may be bus, water taxi, ferry, train, etc.

In developing procedures, boards should consider the following:

• Unless it is in the educational interests of the student to do otherwise, regular transportation services should be provided as a first option.
• Transportation routes and schedules should be designed to ensure that students with special needs do not have their instructional time shortened.
• Students with special needs who require supervision should not be left unattended at transportation drop-off or pick-up points.
• For students with special health or behavioural concerns, districts should consider assigning support staff to accompany and supervise these children on the bus; these staff should have appropriate training to deal with the student's needs while in transit.
• Where a student requires complex (Level III) health care procedures on a continuous or unpredictable basis, a qualified staff member should accompany the student while in transit.
• Guidelines are set for walk limits and for maximum time in transit which allows provision for the individual needs of students with disabilities.
• Where appropriate, travel-training programs for students with special needs (including orientation and mobility programs) should be provided as part of the Individual Education Plan.
• Whenever feasible, the use of public transit by the student should be considered to enhance student independence and growth.

Reference
School Act, section 85 (2)(iv)

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