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Mommy2Boys
My Boys!!!!
Member since 6/06 14437 total posts
Name:
C
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Question about riding bus and distance from school
I am trying to figure out the best school for DS. Part of my anxiety is how long the full day is (although I know he needs to be kept busy) in addition to the bus ride.
How far is your home from the school and how long is the bus ride for your DC? We have been offered both p/t and f/t programs, whichever we find best.
I am starting to second guess the f/t because school will be 9-2:45 plus the bus ride which is probably at lease 30 min. each way. Is that too much for a 4 yr old? 
Message edited 3/22/2011 11:33:54 AM.
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Posted 3/22/11 11:33 AM  |
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Re: Question about riding bus and distance from school
Is there a nap time in the full day program? Does he nap in the car easily?
How long would the trip be if you pick him up? Could you pick him up?
If he goes to K next year, what would the arrangements be?
I don't know the answers to these questions....
If he goes FT and can't handle it, can you drop down to PT?
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| Posted 3/22/11 12:42 PM |
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dpli
Daylight savings :)
Member since 5/05 13973 total posts
Name:
D
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Re: Question about riding bus and distance from school
My DS was taking a bus at least 30 minutes in each direction last year, when he was 2 1/2. This year, his morning ride is probably 15-20 minutes because he leaves from home, at least 30 minutes afterschool because he is dropped at daycare. For me, 30 minutes was not too long, because I wanted him in the school he's in. There are other schools closer to his daycare (which is very close to my job), but at least one is not one I would want him to attend.
The bus was the thing that worried us the most. As it turned out, he loves riding the bus and I really don't think adding another 15-30 minutes on the bus to his day makes much of a difference. He attends a 9-2:30 class and gets no nap during the day.
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| Posted 3/22/11 12:49 PM |
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Mommy2Boys
My Boys!!!!
Member since 6/06 14437 total posts
Name:
C
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Re: Question about riding bus and distance from school
It's a full day program, no option of half day.
We live in Merrick and he would be going to and from school in Brookville daily. When we went the other day for the tour, it took me 20 min. with no traffic. But of course there will other kids on the bus and stops.
I dont believe they have a nap time but the teacher did say that if the kids get tired they will let them lay on a cot.
My son no longer naps at home but I am 100% sure he will fall asleep on the bus on the way home.
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| Posted 3/22/11 1:31 PM |
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dm24angel
Happiness
Member since 5/05 34581 total posts
Name:
Donna
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Re: Question about riding bus and distance from school
The bus picks him up about 25 minutes before school "starts" . And Drops him off just over 30 minutes after it "ends".
We live less then a mile from the school.
IMO it woudl depend on his needs. F/T is a lot with bus for a kid. A LOT. But it also could have a huge impact on needs and so its a difficult decision to make.
ETA- Noah hasnt napped since he was 2 but he falls asleep every afternoon on the way home.
And If your 20 minutes driving time from the school, unless your the last pick up, first drop off, I would expect more like 45-to an hour each way for bus. Like I mentioned we are on the same road as our school and its 30 minutes each way for Noah and he is the last pick up too in the am. they have to schedule in the time it takes to get the bus into the school , lined up, teachers waiting, kids assembled off the bus, walked to classrooms etc. That time needs to be BEFORE the offical "start time" of the class.
Message edited 3/22/2011 2:28:14 PM.
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| Posted 3/22/11 2:25 PM |
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dpli
Daylight savings :)
Member since 5/05 13973 total posts
Name:
D
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Re: Question about riding bus and distance from school
Just as an FYI, I don't think the kids are allowed to be on the bus for longer than an hour each way, and I think they really try their best to keep the travel time down.
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| Posted 3/22/11 2:39 PM |
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Mommy2Boys
My Boys!!!!
Member since 6/06 14437 total posts
Name:
C
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Re: Question about riding bus and distance from school
Posted by dpli
Just as an FYI, I don't think the kids are allowed to be on the bus for longer than an hour each way, and I think they really try their best to keep the travel time down.
This is good to know! I figured they had some type of rule. And I believe their bus routes are well planned, picking up kids in the same area and only 4 or 5 kids on a bus, from what I understand.
ETA: Can I contact the bus company and speak to them and find out more info? I have the pamphlet at home, maybe i"ll try that. I'm sure they can't give me the exact route but maybe have an idea 
Message edited 3/22/2011 2:43:49 PM.
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| Posted 3/22/11 2:41 PM |
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Mommy2Boys
My Boys!!!!
Member since 6/06 14437 total posts
Name:
C
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Re: Question about riding bus and distance from school
Posted by dm24angel
The bus picks him up about 25 minutes before school "starts" . And Drops him off just over 30 minutes after it "ends".
We live less then a mile from the school.
IMO it woudl depend on his needs. F/T is a lot with bus for a kid. A LOT. But it also could have a huge impact on needs and so its a difficult decision to make.
ETA- Noah hasnt napped since he was 2 but he falls asleep every afternoon on the way home.
And If your 20 minutes driving time from the school, unless your the last pick up, first drop off, I would expect more like 45-to an hour each way for bus. Like I mentioned we are on the same road as our school and its 30 minutes each way for Noah and he is the last pick up too in the am. they have to schedule in the time it takes to get the bus into the school , lined up, teachers waiting, kids assembled off the bus, walked to classrooms etc. That time needs to be BEFORE the offical "start time" of the class.
Which school will DS be going to?
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| Posted 3/22/11 2:41 PM |
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smdl
I love Gary too..on a plate!
Member since 5/06 32461 total posts
Name:
me
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Re: Question about riding bus and distance from school
Posted by dpli
Just as an FYI, I don't think the kids are allowed to be on the bus for longer than an hour each way, and I think they really try their best to keep the travel time down.
Yes, I am not sure if it is only 1 hour but I do know they cannot be over a certain time in the bus.
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| Posted 3/22/11 2:58 PM |
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dm24angel
Happiness
Member since 5/05 34581 total posts
Name:
Donna
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Re: Question about riding bus and distance from school
Yes you can defintly call and talk to the bus company. Ask to speak to a dispatcher as well, get info from them on previous routes in your area and times, they will know for sure.
My son goes to Just Kids in Lindenhurst.
eta- 4 or 5 kids would likely make the time much less and is a great thing. I "think" ours maxes at 7...but each addtional kid adds times. Theres been times the bus came early and it took me five minutes to get him on the bus from when it came, even though we try to be ready.
I would call and have them answer all these questions. It will ease yoru mind with all the details i'm sure. good luck!
Message edited 3/22/2011 3:19:45 PM.
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| Posted 3/22/11 3:17 PM |
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Mommy2Boys
My Boys!!!!
Member since 6/06 14437 total posts
Name:
C
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Re: Question about riding bus and distance from school
I know all the schools use the same bus company. Does anyone have a contact #?
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| Posted 3/22/11 3:57 PM |
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A3CM
Avatar Title
Member since 9/08 3762 total posts
Name:
Mommy
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Re: Question about riding bus and distance from school
Posted by Mommy2Boys
I know all the schools use the same bus company. Does anyone have a contact #?
actually the schools use a different company, depending on which school.. lol... you can call the school and ask them which company they use for pre-school (elementary busing is different)
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| Posted 3/22/11 6:56 PM |
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BookMom
LIF Toddler
Member since 1/11 420 total posts
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Re: Question about riding bus and distance from school
I was told that by law the bus ride can not be longer than 90 minutes, so I would definitely check with the bus company.
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| Posted 3/22/11 7:33 PM |
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Mommy2Boys
My Boys!!!!
Member since 6/06 14437 total posts
Name:
C
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Re: Question about riding bus and distance from school
Posted by BookMom
I was told that by law the bus ride can not be longer than 90 minutes, so I would definitely check with the bus company.
90 minutes total or 90 minutes each way? I would hope his bus ride isn't 90 minutes each way. I wouldnt send him there if that were the case. I dont want it to be more than 30, 45 min tops.
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| Posted 3/22/11 9:34 PM |
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Diane
Hope is Contagious....catch it
Member since 5/05 30683 total posts
Name:
D
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Re: Question about riding bus and distance from school
Posted by Mommy2Boys
Posted by BookMom
I was told that by law the bus ride can not be longer than 90 minutes, so I would definitely check with the bus company.
90 minutes total or 90 minutes each way? I would hope his bus ride isn't 90 minutes each way. I wouldnt send him there if that were the case. I dont want it to be more than 30, 45 min tops.
YES, there is a law. 90 minutes each way.
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| Posted 3/23/11 7:24 AM |
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smdl
I love Gary too..on a plate!
Member since 5/06 32461 total posts
Name:
me
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Re: Question about riding bus and distance from school
Posted by AJandCJsMommy
Posted by Mommy2Boys
I know all the schools use the same bus company. Does anyone have a contact #?
actually the schools use a different company, depending on which school.. lol... you can call the school and ask them which company they use for pre-school (elementary busing is different)
The County hires the buses for preschool. They are usually the smaller buses. 20-24 seats
ServiceAir is the main contact for our actual company. They oversee all the school routes and all the different school companies.
You can always ask for the bus then change your mind if you don't like it. It's hard to predict how long it would really take because they don't know how many kids they have on the bus.
There are only 3-4 kids on DS bus. The longest I have had to wait was 1 hour from his discharge school time.
Now, you have to remember (BTDT!!) that the bus picks up and drops off kids on the route but also within the school. So if you are insterested in a particular school with several buildings, your child might be dropped off before another child going in another building.
For example, DS is dropped last in his school. They drop the kids at the building at the bottom of the hill first. DS is last. In the afternoon, the kids at the bottom of the hills are picked up first and DS has to wait for a few minutes for his bus to pick up the kids at the bottom of the hill then pick him up. So while he may be home 45 minutes later than end of school he has not been on the actual bus that long.
Also, buses go one after the other so again, your child might have to wait for his bus after the other buses leave. Buses only go 1 way within schools.
Even if you were to drive your child, remember that you are not encouting for traffic at the time you are dropping/picking up at release times.
If you drop off/pick up:
- you have road traffic
- school traffic/finding a spot to park or go in line with other parents to do a drop off/pick up
When we went to BCW, we finished our appt 15 minutes before pick up time. Parents were ALREADY in line to be first in line.
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| Posted 3/23/11 8:05 AM |
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Mommy2Boys
My Boys!!!!
Member since 6/06 14437 total posts
Name:
C
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Re: Question about riding bus and distance from school
Posted by Diane
Posted by Mommy2Boys
Posted by BookMom
I was told that by law the bus ride can not be longer than 90 minutes, so I would definitely check with the bus company.
90 minutes total or 90 minutes each way? I would hope his bus ride isn't 90 minutes each way. I wouldnt send him there if that were the case. I dont want it to be more than 30, 45 min tops.
YES, there is a law. 90 minutes each way.
I just spoke with a woman from the bus company and she said there is no law, but they try to cap it at 75 min. I also don't know if she knew what she was talking about 
She said depending on where I live and how many students get bussing to that school there could be 2 kids or there could be 4 or 5 kids on the bus.
How long are your DCs on the bus each way?
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| Posted 3/23/11 11:00 AM |
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Erica
LIF Adult
Member since 5/05 11767 total posts
Name:
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Re: Question about riding bus and distance from school
forgot which forum this was...my answer doesn't apply.
Message edited 3/23/2011 11:35:20 AM.
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| Posted 3/23/11 11:34 AM |
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dm24angel
Happiness
Member since 5/05 34581 total posts
Name:
Donna
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Re: Question about riding bus and distance from school
I would call back. Is it serviceair? (sp?) I will be honest, I dont like them, but dont have a choice. They times vary SO much for pick up, drop off, annoys me to no end, and also they have "forgotten" to pick Noah up 5 times since school started, with various excuses.
But thats just an off topic vent. I do love the drivers and matrons although many seem to be elderly, but they are great none the less.
I DO like the dispatcher ( theres more then one though)...I spoke to him before we started and he has a lot of knowledge of the area and times, and kids etc.
I would ask them for info on a child in your area going to that school now. They MUCT have that info. Tell them even if it takes a few days, that your school decision will be in part decided based on this info.
We looked at one other place in Ronkonkoma...DDI maybe? ( I honestly dont remember) and they told me an hour for pick up and an hour 10 min's drop off. Noah was JUST 3, I wasnt comfortable with that, so in part we choose a really close school more for transportation then falling in love with its program.
Message edited 3/23/2011 9:01:27 PM.
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| Posted 3/23/11 9:00 PM |
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Mommy2Boys
My Boys!!!!
Member since 6/06 14437 total posts
Name:
C
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Re: Question about riding bus and distance from school
Posted by dm24angel
I would ask them for info on a child in your area going to that school now. They MUCT have that info. Tell them even if it takes a few days, that your school decision will be in part decided based on this info.
We looked at one other place in Ronkonkoma...DDI maybe? ( I honestly dont remember) and they told me an hour for pick up and an hour 10 min's drop off. Noah was JUST 3, I wasnt comfortable with that, so in part we choose a really close school more for transportation then falling in love with its program.
I am going to have to call back tomorrow. S the woman I spoke to was not helpful at all. I can't imagine them ot being able to give me an estimate based on my location.
The other problem is this is my first pick school AND the only school that has. An integrated class opening for him for summer/fall so in the end I don't have much of a choice 
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| Posted 3/23/11 9:05 PM |
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Diane
Hope is Contagious....catch it
Member since 5/05 30683 total posts
Name:
D
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Re: Question about riding bus and distance from school
There is a law
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| Posted 3/24/11 10:13 AM |
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smdl
I love Gary too..on a plate!
Member since 5/06 32461 total posts
Name:
me
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Re: Question about riding bus and distance from school
Posted by Mommy2Boys
Posted by dm24angel
I would ask them for info on a child in your area going to that school now. They MUCT have that info. Tell them even if it takes a few days, that your school decision will be in part decided based on this info.
We looked at one other place in Ronkonkoma...DDI maybe? ( I honestly dont remember) and they told me an hour for pick up and an hour 10 min's drop off. Noah was JUST 3, I wasnt comfortable with that, so in part we choose a really close school more for transportation then falling in love with its program.
I am going to have to call back tomorrow. S the woman I spoke to was not helpful at all. I can't imagine them ot being able to give me an estimate based on my location.
The other problem is this is my first pick school AND the only school that has. An integrated class opening for him for summer/fall so in the end I don't have much of a choice
ServiceAir is the company that oversees all the bus companies for the preschools. You NEVER call the actual bus company. They will tell you to call ServiceAir.
They are not super friendly. Sometimes they forget to call the actual bus company when DS was sick so the bus showed up a few times at my door not aware I had called ServiceAir.
They never forgot to pick up DS.
The pick up time if within 10 minutes of what is pick up time is.
The drop off is more inconcistent.
But in their defence, there is traffic. Kids that don't go to school that day so it affects all the kids being picked up.
Overall, the bus is the most reliable way if you feel you might "skip" some days and not feeling like driving your child to school. Schools love when kids come from the bus. They don't have to worry that mommy or daddy does not feel like driving their kids to school that day.
Of 6 of them in DS' class, only 2 do not take the bus.
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| Posted 3/24/11 10:47 AM |
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