Online School Bus Driver Special Needs Training Series

Transporting pupils to and from your school or activity with trained safe school bus drivers is needed to provide safe and efficient transportation for students. The training courses in our online LMS (Learning Management System) is designed to promote competency of school bus drivers.

Material in this online training section addresses important educational materials related to passengers that may need special attention or assistance for curb to curb delivery when being transported in school district supplied buses. Lyn Roberts, a retired school transportation director and trainer for special needs transportation, presents topics key to drivers and attendants of disabled students.

This driver training series covers the topics below. We also offer. Driver Training, First Aid, Bus Security, Student Management, Vehicle Inspection and more located in our Online Catalog.

Introduction to Special Needs Transportation:
In this introductory session, Ms. Roberts sets forth the agenda for this series which includes understanding the legal parts of special needs transportation, a review of terminology, definitions and behaviors.
 

Legal Basis for Providing Special Transportation A and B:
All students are guaranteed, by law, a free and appropriate public education in the least restrictive environment.

IEP - Individualized Education Program:
Transportation is a critical component of a special needs student's IEP. Drivers have rights and responsibilities relating to the IEP and must understand and follow the guidelines set forth in the document.
 

Transportation Information Form:
In this training drivers are reminded of what information is needed, who is responsible and how it is important to the students.
 

Staff Development:
The Special Education Department and the Transportation Department are responsible to provide adequate training for drivers and attendants of special needs students. Transporting disabled students increases a school district's liability, so annual training in this area insures all the staff are properly trained.
 

Behaviors A and B (2 Part Series):
This two-part training series looks at some of the more common conditions of special needs students and the typical behaviors associated with them.

Disciplinary Procedures:
Dealing with student management is a challenge for any school bus driver, but especially so for those transporting special needs students. This video offers a straight forward discussion of what drivers and attendants can and can't do.
 

Transportation Logistics:
A checklist for successful transportation of special needs students, this video touches on restraint systems and methods of securement for a better riding experience.

Emergency Evacuation:
Preparation is critical for the emergency evacuation of a special needs bus. Decisions must be made in advance about how to get the students off the bus, who will help whom, what equipment must be moved and where they will go.
 

Routing and Scheduling:
In order to provide service for the special needs student that assures curb to curb delivery, schools must carefully plan routes and schedules.

Wheelchair Securement:
There are a number of different wheelchair restraint systems on the market and districts need to follow manufacturer’s guidelines and instructions for proper installation and use of these wheelchair securement systems.

Safe Lifting:
Bus drivers need to know proper techniques when lifting special needs passengers to prevent injury to their back or passenger.