Essentials of Head Start Transportation

Transporting Students with Disabilities and Preschoolers Conference 2015

Essentials of Head Start Transportation

“My goal is to help you improve your Transportation Procedures”

Essentials of Head Start Transportation

By the end of this session, you will be able to:

- Explain the 5-year grant cycle and reviewer’s expectations

- Review HSPS Regulations- Walk away with a written plan to

improve your Transportation Services!

Head Start Transportation

Brief Overview

45 CFR 1310 – Head Start Transportation

Head Start TransportationGeneral Requirements - Assist as many families as possible

- Provide reasonable assistance (when NOT providing Transportation)

- Public transportation options?- School districts, etc.

Head Start TransportationBus Equipment

- Communication System for Emergencies- Safety Equipment – Fire Extinguisher & Label- First Aid Kit & Label- Seat belt cutter & Label- Child Safety Restraint Systems (CSRs)- Emergency Exits maintained and inspected

Head Start TransportationAccident Reporting -

- Must meet applicable State requirements

Head Start TransportationSafe Child Release

- Release to parent, legal guardian, or approved adult

- Lists of person, alternates, etc.- Ensure no child is left behind or on bus!!

Head Start TransportationAllowable Alternate Vehicles –

- Equipped with appropriate CSRs- Include reverse beeper

Passenger Vans approved for use?

Head Start TransportationVehicle Maintenance –

Procedures for:- Annual state inspection- Preventative Maintenance- Daily Pre-Trips

Head Start TransportationVehicle Operation –

- Items inside passenger compartment are properly secured

- Vehicle has at least one (1) Bus Monitor on board

Head Start TransportationDriver Qualifications

- Valid CDL (where required)- Physically and mentally able to perform- Acceptable hiring practices

Head Start Transportation

Driver TrainingCompleted prior to transporting childrenCombination of Classroom and Behind the Wheel (BTW)

1. Safe and Efficient Operation”Operate the vehicle in a safe and efficient manner”

IDC Transportation Preservice

Safe & Efficient Operation- Safe Driving Habits

SpeedingTailgatingRolling StopsAggressive BehaviorsHard Braking

2. Route running”Safely run a fixed route,…”

Route Running- Loading/Unloading Children

Monitor to step off the bus and assist child when entering or exiting the bus.

Route Running- Railroad Crossings

Route Running- Street Crossing

- Locate stops to minimize- If unable to eliminate same side pickup, children MUST be escorted by an

adult

Route Running- Backing Up

CFR 1310.21 (b)(3)Vehicles must NOT be required to back up or make “U” Turns, except when necessary for reasons of safety or because of physical barriers

Route Running- Unsafe Areas

IDC Transportation Refresher

To limit exposure to hazardous conditions, reduce traveling into locations that are potentially unsafe or require backing up:- By Canals- Apartment Complexes- Trailer Parks- Dead Ends/Dirt Roads

Route Running- Mapping

IDC Transportation Refresher

- Less than 1 hour (except rural areas

- Emergency Route POSTED on bus

- Procedures for Alternate routes

3. First Aid”Administer basic first aid…”

4. Emergencies”Handle emergency situations…”

Emergencies- Evacuations

- Severe Weather

- Breakdowns

IDC Transportation Refresher

Emergency Preparedness

Recommend at least one adult on the bus able to speak English to communicate with First Responders

5. Special Equipment”Operate any special equipment…”

IDC Transportation Preservice

Special Equipment- Emergency Equipment

IDC Transportation Refresher

All buses must have required emergency equipment secured on the bus:

a. First Aid Kit – stockedb. Body Fluid emergency clean up kitc. Fire Extinguisherd. CPR/First Aid Posterse. Warning Trianglesf. Emergency Phone Numbersg. Emergency blanketsh. Seat Belt cutter

Special Equipment- Child Safety Restraints (CSRs)

IDC Transportation Refresher

- BESI Pro-Tech III

- Infant CSR (Rear)

- Toddler CSR (Front)

- Non-expired- Installed correctly- Age appropriate

Special Equipment- Wheelchair Lift

IDC Transportation Refresher

- 1 Bus – train as needed

6. Safety Checks/Maintenance”Conduct routine maintenance and safety checks of the vehicle”

IDC Transportation Preservice

Safety Checks- Daily Pre-Trip- Annual WSP

IDC Transportation Refresher

Safety Checks- Post Trip Inspection

IDC Transportation Refresher

Double-check System, both Monitor AND Driver must complete a post-trip walk through to ensure no child is left behind!!

Routine Maintenance- Driver’s Responsibility to ensure vehicle is maintained and operating appropriately

IDC Transportation Refresher

- Oil changes- Fluid/system

flushes (ATF, PS, PB, Coolant, etc.)

- Tires/Alignments- Light replacement

7. Record keeping”Maintain accurate records as necessary”

IDC Transportation Preservice

DocumentationIDC Transportation Refresher

1. Required current documentation:a. Vehicle Registrationb. Insurancec. Alternate Emergency Routed. Alternate bus routee. Health history & emergency info for

Passengers (Bus Cards)f. Latest WA State Patrol Inspection

Reportg. Latest Fire Evacuation Drill Report

Staff/Volunteer HealthIDC Transportation Refresher

Initial and regular Health Exams- TB Screens

Refresher TrainingIDC Transportation Refresher

Required for Drivers annually

Head Start TransportationBus Monitor TrainingCompleted prior to transporting children

- Child boarding/exiting- CSRs- Emergencies/evacuations- Pick up/release procedures- Pre and Post-Trip Inspections

Head Start TransportationSafety Education

- Pedestrian Safety for Children- Safe riding practices- Boarding and exiting vehicle- Street crossing- Danger zones around vehicle- Emergency evacuations

- at least 2 per yr

Head Start Transportation

Safety Education- Pedestrian Safety for Parents

- Escorting children- Training reinforcement

Head Start TransportationChildren with Disabilities

- Available vehicles to transport enrolled children

- Meets ADA Requirements- IEP Designates special requirements

Head Start TransportationCoordinated Transportation

- Make effort to coordinate with other agencies

- Identify true cost of transportation- Explore option of coordinated

Transportation systems

Head Start TransportationImplementing in the Real

World?

Head Start TransportationImplementing in the Real World?

- Group Discussion

1. What are some challenges we face in meeting regulations in the field?

2. How do we currently handle these challenges?

Head Start TransportationImplementing in the Real World?

- Group Discussion

Solutions?

Head Start TransportationNew 5-Year Grant Cycle (HISKI)

Going beyond just the “regulations”

Head Start TransportationExceeding regulations

- Group Discussion

1. How can we EXCEED current regulations without busting the budget?

End of PresentationIDC Transportation Preservice

- QUESTIONS?

- THANK YOU!