Transporting children with special needs

School Bus Driver Qualifications and Training

To assure safe drivers for your child, the Anchorage School District and the Alaska Department of Education require all school bus drivers to complete a minimum of forty (40) hours training prior to being issued a school bus permit. The District also requires that all drivers spend at least two days with an experienced driver before they are allowed to transport children. Once licensed and assigned to a route, drivers attend regularly scheduled safety meetings and in-service training sessions to improve their skills in transporting special needs students. District policy also requires each driver to be at least 21 years of age, pass a physical examination, obtain traffic and criminal clearances annually or on request, and undergo drug and alcohol screening.

A driver may receive individualized training in order to accommodate your child’s specific needs. If special training is necessary, you may contact your school nurse or the building principal. A Behavior/Disability Information Form will be completed should it be determined that one is needed. This form is available by request from your school nurse or special education teacher. This information will help the driver and attendant know how best to assist your child.

Special Needs Attendant Training

All special needs school bus attendants receive a minimum of twenty (20) hours of classroom and on-the-job training prior to being assigned to a route. Additional training includes First Aid and CPR training. Bus attendants attend regularly scheduled safety meetings and in-service training sessions to improve their skills in transporting special needs students. Attendants may also receive specific training to accommodate your child’s individual needs.

School Buses

To assure use of safe equipment, all school buses are inspected daily by the bus driver before they begin their route. Buses also receive a thorough preventative maintenance check every 3,000 miles and are inspected twice annually by the Alaska Department of Education.

Behavior

Students are expected to behave appropriately on the bus so that safe transportation can be provided. Students whose behavior is related to a disability may have individual accommodations or plans developed. Contact your child’s special education teacher or principal if assistance is needed in this area.

Medical Needs

Specific medical needs can be managed on an individual basis. Contact the school nurse or principal if you need assistance in this area.