Transportation – General Information

POLICY:

For children/families being transported, NOCAC will provide regular and safe transportation of children from home to school and back, medical issues, school related events, field trips and initial screenings.

PROCEDURES:

1. NOCAC Staff will work with the Family and Community Engagement Team, Transportation/Safety Specialist (TSS), Center Manager, and the NOCAC Head Start/ECE Director to determine what the transportation needs are and how best to serve the family on the designated bus route.
2. Parents and children will receive transportation details and instructions at the first home visit.
   1. Parents/caregivers are expected to be at the stop/safe spot 15 minutes before up to 15 minutes after the scheduled bus time.
   2. If there is a time change, NOCAC Staff will contact the family.
3. All bus trips will have a trained staff or bus monitor on board.
4. A completed/up-to-date copy of the JFS 01234 – Child Enrollment and Health Information form and Authorized Pick up List must be on the bus for each child.
   1. It is the driver’s responsibility to keep these forms up-to-date at all times.
5. The bus driver and/or monitor will follow the bus attendance policy at all times.
6. Staff and Bus Monitors will wear the appropriate safety restraints properly while the bus is in motion unless they are assisting the children.
7. NOCAC buses are equipped with a child restraint system appropriate to the child’s age, height and weight.
   1. The use of a clam clamp (anti unbuckling device) may be used as a safety precaution
      1. The Center Manager (CM) must approve the use of the clam clamp.
      2. The CM will request the device from the Transportation and Safety Coordinator.
      3. The CM will monitor the proper usage of the device.
   2. Crotch straps are available if needed for safety reasons.
      1. The CM and the Mental Health Specialist must approve the use of the crotch strap.
      2. The child’s parent/guardian will be asked to sign consent before using the device.
      3. The CM will request the device from the TSS.
      4. The CM will monitor the proper usage of the device.
8. Each child will have an assigned seat on the bus.
   1. The assigned seat will be labeled with the child’s first name and a photo of the child.
9. Children’s book bags must be secured by their lap belt.
10. Each bus must have a fully stocked first aid kit.
    1. The first aid kit must be mounted in the bus near the driver with a location sign
    2. The first aid kit must be checked during the driver’s Daily Vehicle Inspection
11. Each bus is equipped with a fire extinguisher.
    1. The fire extinguisher must be mounted in the bus near the driver with a location sign,
    2. The fire extinguisher must be checked during the driver’s Daily Vehicle Inspection
12. Each bus is assigned a cell phone that is used as a communication system in case of an emergency.
    1. It is illegal for school bus drivers to talk on a cell phone while operating a school bus or when supervising the boarding/departure of children. This includes the use of hands free devices, wireless connections and other telephone equipment.
13. Seatbelt cutters are mounted near the driver with a location sign.
14. Brooms are clipped on the bus for daily cleaning.
15. NO FOOD OR DRINK is allowed on the bus by the driver, monitor, or children.
16. Children are not to be present when a bus is being refueled. Adults must exit the bus when it is being refueled.
17. Staff will never leave a child alone on a bus.
18. NOCAC’s fleet of buses will meet all Local, State, and Federal specifications for school buses. See Bus Maintenance and Inspection Policy for further guidance.

Forms and Additional Guidance:

• JFS 01234 – Child Enrollment and Health Information
• Authorized Pick up List
• Authorized Pick-up List  – SPANISH