Special needs bussing when going to public schools

I overheard that my district sometimes put special needs kids on regular busses as opposed to a bus for special needs kids. Hoping this is not true, does anyone know rules/laws about this? Since I heard sometimes I'm thinking they go by the severity of the needs?

Re: Special needs bussing when going to public schools

Just want to add I'm asking because my son has been on a special needs bus since the age of 2 and will definitely need that kind of structure for kindergarten, making sure he's seated correctly and belted safely.

Special needs bussing when going to public schools

I don't know what the law is but if your child is in need of an aide in school or if there are any danger or medical issues there should be no issue in getting him a mini bus.

Re: Special needs bussing when going to public schools

In order to ride the big bus at the school where I work, a student must be able to climb up and down the bus stairs independently, sit down and buckle themself in, remain seated until they are suppose to get up and find their way from the bus to their classroom. If a student can't manage all of those things independently, they ride the minibus. I think a student with extreme food allergies can ride the minibus too.

Re: Special needs bussing when going to public schools

My daughter started out on the regular bus but it was determined that a mini bus would be better since she needs a matron to assist with all the things Iluvnutty just mentioned. In case of an emergency, the bus driver can not worry about attending to a particular student. In my daughter's case there are just as many kids on her mini bus as there were on a regular bus, and just one matron. Meanwhile, all the kids on the mini bus pretty much require assistance. So the emergency scenario is still a bit frightening !

It shouldn't be a problem getting the mini bus...the bus company is actually the one who made sure things changed.

Message edited 12/6/2013 1:22:08 PM.

Special needs bussing when going to public schools

I don't think you will have an issue getting a mini to be honest. That's something that I really haven't heard people being challenged on. My son is older, but rides the mini bus, because of the confusion involved in riding the general bus at arrival and dismissal times.

Re: Special needs bussing when going to public schools

Ask for door to door transportation at your IEP meeting. My DS gets door to door, on the mini bus with a matron and it's on his IEP.

Generally, I think most districts try to put the special ed kids on the mini busses with a matron, but they are all looking to cut costs, so they may not offer it if you aren't asking for it.