Transportation shall be provided as a related service when a student with a disability requires special transportation in order to benefit from special education or to have access to an appropriate education placement. Transportation needs may include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Travel to and from school and between schools;
- Travel in and around school buildings or to those activities which are a regular part of the student’s instructional program;
- Specialized equipment (such as special or adapted buses, lifts, and ramps) if required to provide special transportation for a student with disabilities;
- Other services that support the student’s use of transportation, such as:
- Special assistance (e.g., an aide on the bus and assistance getting on and off the bus);
- Safety restraints, wheel chair restraints, and child safety seats;
- Accommodations (e.g., preferential seating, a positive behavioral support plan for the student on the bus, and altering the bus route); or
- Training for the bus driver regarding the student’s disability or special health related needs
The Child Study Team who develops the disabled student’s Individualized Education Program will determine on an individual basis when a student with a disability requires this related service. Such recommendations must be specified on the student’s IEP. Only those children with disabilities who qualify for transportation as a related service under the provisions of the IDEA shall be entitled to special transportation. All other children with disabilities in the District have access to the District’s regular transportation system under policies and procedures applicable to all students of the District. Utilizing the District’s regular transportation service shall be viewed as a “least restrictive environment”.
Mode of Transportation
One of the District’s special education buses will be the preferred mode of transportation. Exceptions may be made in situations where buses are prohibited from entering certain subdivisions due to inadequate turning space or distance from school may seriously impact bus scheduling. In such situations, other arrangements such as an individual transportation contract may be arranged with the parents. Such voluntary agreement shall stipulate in writing the terms of reimbursement.
Cross Reference:
3340 Corrective Actions and Punishment
8140 Student Conduct on Buses
Legal Reference:
20 U.S.C. § 1400 et seq. Individuals with Disabilities in Education Act (IDEA)
IDAPA 08.02.03.109 Special Education Idaho Special Education Manual
Policy History:
Anticipated First Reading: February 19, 2009
Adopted on: March 12, 2009
Revised on: