Kansas State Department of Education
School Transportation
Regulations Standards, Statutes
And Guidelines
Index
Preface
Kansas Administrative Regulations
91-38-1 Definitions
91-38-2 General Limitations and Requirements
91-38-3 School Transportation Supervisor: Duties and Responsibilities
91-38-4 Compliance with Chassis and Body Construction Standards
91-38-5 Annual Inspection of School Vehicles
91-38-6 School Transportation Driver Qualifications
91-38-7 Driver's Duties and Responsibilities
91-38-8 Loading and Unloading Procedure
91-38-9 Emergency Procedures
91-38-10 Use of Urban Mass Transportation Buses
28-4-130 Transportation
36-26-1 Railroad Grade Crossings; Stopping Required
National Standards for School Transportation
The National Standards for School Buses and Operations is a document that is nationally and
internationally known as a guideline appropriate for school bus construction and operations.
It is reviewed and revised every five years.
Effective July 1, 2000, K.A.R. 91-38-4 requires the seller or lessor of a school bus to certify to
the buyer that school buses purchased meet these standards, as well as all federal motor
vehicle safety standards (FMVSS) in effect on the date of manufacture for the bus.
Even though it is the seller's responsibility to document compliance with these standards,
each superintendent, school transportation director, and contract manager is encouraged
to purchase a copy of the National Standards to ensure compliance. Copies may be
obtained from:
Missouri Safety Center
Central Missouri State University
Humphreys Suite 201
Warrensburg, MO 64093
PHONE: 660-543-4830
FAX: 660-543-4482
National School Transportation Specifications & Procedures
to download book use link below:
http://www.ncstonline.org/
Kansas Statutes Annotated - use the Link Below:
http://kansasstatutes.lesterama.org/
Kansas Guidelines for School Transportation
Additional Guidelines to Consider When Purchasing School Buses
Inspection Process
Seating Capacity Guidelines for School Buses
Driver Trainer Qualifications
Driver Training Requirements
Use of School Passenger Vehicles
Communication
Loading and Unloading of Students
Passenger Conduct Rules
Guidelines To Increase Visibility Of Vehicles
Emergency Procedures
Guidelines When Approached by Emergency Vehicles
Special Needs Student Transportation
Pre-School And Head Start Transportation
SCHOOL TRANSPORTATION REGULATIONS,
STANDARDS, STATUTES, AND GUIDELINES
FOR KANSAS
Preface
This document was prepared with the assistance of many school transportation professionals from Kansas and other states, with the goal of providing a comprehensive document to assist school transportation personnel as they ensure the safest possible transportation for the students across Kansas. If you have any questions, or if you see any areas that have not been addressed effectively, please send your comments in writing to:
Kansas State Department of Education
School Bus Safety Education Unit
120 Southeast Tenth Avenue
Topeka, KS 66612-1182
Unless otherwise noted, all information from this document is reproducible.
Children are our future. All members of the education team must cooperate to ensure their
future.
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91-38-1. DEFINITIONS.
(a) "Activity bus" means any over-the-road, commercial-type bus utilized
by a govering body only to transport students to and from school activities
as authorized by K.S.A. 72-8301 (c)(3), and amendments thereto. An
activity bus may be a color other than school bus yellow.
(b) "Bus" means any motor vehicle, as defined in K.S.A. 8-126 and amendments
thereto, that is designed for transporting more than 10 passengers in addition
to the driver.
(c) "Driver-trainer" means any person who is assigned by a
transportation supervisor to provide instruction and training to
other school transportation providers, including knowledge of
vehicles used to provide student transportation, safe driving
practices, emergency procedures, and passenger control. The driver-trainer
shall maintain current licensure to operate the largest vehicle about which
the driver-trainer is to provide instruction and shall have experience as a
school bus driver.
(d) "Governing body" means the local board of education or other entity having
authority over a school district.
(e) "Multipurpose passenger vehicle" means a motor vehicle, as defined in
K.S.A. 8-126 and amendments thereto, that is designed to transport
10 or fewer persons, including the driver, and that is constructed on
a truck chassis.
(f) "School bus" means any bus designed primarily for the transportation of students or
school personnel either to or from school or to or from school-related functions or
activities. A school bus may be owned by a school district or a private company.
The term shall include any van or other vehicle rated by the manufacturer, or having
a door label, as a bus.
(g) "School bus driver" means any person employed by a school district or school bus
contractor to drive a school bus or activity bus.
(h) "School district" means any unified school district or private school.
(I) "School passenger vehicle" means any passenger car or multipurpose
passenger vehicle that is owned or leased by a school district or private
individual and is used regularly to provide student transportation on behalf
of a school district.
(j) "School passenger vehicle driver" means any person employed by a school district
primarily to provide transportation for students in a school passenger vehicle.
(k) "School transportation provider" means either a school bus driver or a school
passenger vehicle driver.
(l) "School vehicle" means any activity bus, school bus, or school passenger vehicle.
(m) "Short-term leased vehicle" means any school vehicle that is leased by a school
district for a period of 30 or fewer days.
(n) "Substitute driver" means any person who is not assigned to a regular route but is
employed to serve as a school transportation provider when necessary due to driver
absences or emergencies.
(o) "Transportation supervisor" means a person designated by a governing body to be
responsible for transportation activities within a school district.
This regulation shall be effective on and after July 1, 2000. (Authorized by and implementing K.S.A. 1998 Supp. 8-2009; effective July 1, 2000.)
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91-38-2. GENERAL LIMITATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS.
(a) No governing body shall have a school bus in service after July 1, 1992, unless
the school bus was manufactured after April 1, 1977, and either is no more than
25 years old or has been modified to meet current standards. Each school bus
shall meet the standards specified by law and this article.
(b) The owner's name shall be displayed on each side of any school bus.
(c) Activity buses, as defined in K.A.R. 91-38-1(a), shall not be utilized to provide
student transportation to and from school.
(d) Each school bus, activity bus, and school passenger vehicle shall be equipped
with a two-way communication system.
(e) (1) Each school bus shall contain the following emergency supplies:
(A) At least one 2A-10BC fire extinguisher;
(B) at least one readily identifiable first aid kit in a
removable, waterproof, and dustproof container;
(C) at least one readily identifiable body fluid
clean-up kit, in a removable, water proof,
and dustproff container;
(D) a minimum of three reflectorized triangle warning
devices, securely stored but in an accessible
location.
(2) The first aid kit, body fluid clean-up kit, and fire extinguisher shall be
mounted in full view of, and readily accessible to, the driver.
(f) Each governing body shall ensure that occupant restraint systems are provided
for, and utilized by, all occupants of school passenger vehicles. When providing
transportation for infants and preschool children in school passenger vehicles,
age-and size-appropriate child safety restraining systems shall be utilized, in
accordance with the provisions of K.S.A. 8-1344, and amendments thereto.
(Authorized by K.S.A. Supp. 8-2009; implementing K.S.A. 8-2009, 8-2009a;
effective July 1, 2000; amended March 28, 2003.)
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91-38-3. SCHOOL TRANSPORTATION SUPERVISOR: DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES.
(a) (1) Appointment. Each governing body shall designate an employee
to be the transportation supervisor.
(2) General responsibilities.
(A) The transportation supervisor shall be responsible for
supervision and maintenance of the school district's
transportation system.
(B) The transportation supervisor shall act as liaison between the
school district and any contracted transportation service.
(b) School transportation routes and stops
(1) The transportation supervisor shall be responsible for establishing
all regular transportation routes and stops for the loading and unloading
of students along those routes. The supervisor shall keep a current map
on file for each regular transportation route, with all stops noted and a
current map of the school district showing each attendance center.
(2) The transportation supervisor shall not establish stops on any interstate
highway, state toll road, or other limited-access highway.
(3) The transportation supervisor shall give special consideration to road
conditions and safety concerns when planning the regular transportation
routes. If a safety hazard is encountered, the appropriate authorities
shall be contacted about eliminating or correcting the hazard, if possible.
(4) Each driver shall report to the transportation supervisor any condition
encountered by the driver on a transportation route that appears to
pose a safety hazard.
(5) If visibility is less than 500 feet when approaching an established school bus
stop from any direction, the transportation supervisor shall contact state,
county, or township road authorities and request that warning signs be
posted for the school bus stop. Whenever practicable, stops shall be
established only at points where visibility is at least 500 feet for all
motorists.
(c) Driver training meetings.
(1) Each transportation supervisor shall conduct at least 10 safety
meetings per year for all school transportation providers employed by
the school district.
(2) Attendance at each meeting shall be documented with a sign-in sheet
or similar document. The record of attendance and the agenda shall
be retained by the supervisor for at least two years.
(3) Safety meeting topics shall include school transportation safety concerns
from drivers regarding route safety, changes in laws or regulations, and
other safety issues as determined appropriate by the transportation
supervisor.
(4) Safety meetings may be videotaped so that drivers who are unable to
attend a particular meeting may view the program at another time.
(5) Newly hired drivers shall be required to attend only those meetings held
following their employment.
(d) Records retention.
(1) The transportation supervisor shall be responsible for maintenance
and repair records for all school buses, activity buses, and school
passenger vehicles used for student transportation, except
short-term leased vehicles, that are either owned or leased and are
operated by the school district. These records shall include information
on scheduled maintenance, lubrication records, repair orders, and other
maintenance.
(2) The maintenance record for each vehicle shall be kept as long as the
school owns or leases the vehicle, and for at least two years following
disposition of the vehicle.
(3) Maintenance records shall be available for inspection by the Kansas
highway patrol, other law enforcement agencies, and Kansas state
department of education officials.
(e) Each school district that contracts for bus transportation services shall ensure
that each contract for those services includes a provision requiring the
contractor to meet the requirements of subsections (c) and (d) of this
regulation.
(f) Students with special needs. Each board shall notify the transportation
supervisor of any student with special health care concerns or special needs
for transportation. The supervisor shall ensure that drivers, substitute
drivers, and attendants are informed of these needs and receive any training
that is necessary to safely transport the student or to accommodate the
student's special needs.
(Authorized by and implementing K.S.A. 8-2009; effective July 1, 2000. amended March 28, 2003.)
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91-38-4. COMPLIANCE WITH CHASSIS AND BODY CONSTRUCTION STANDARDS.
(a) Except as otherwise provided in subsection (c) of this regulation, a governing
body shall not allow students to be transported on any school bus acquired or
leased after the effective date of this regulation until the governing body has on
file a verified statement, as prescribed by the state board, from the seller or
lessor of the school bus attesting that the school bus meets the following
requirements:
(1) The school bus chassis and body construction standards promulgated
by the United States department of transportation that apply to the
particular bus; and
(2) the bus chassis and body construction standards, including standards
for specially equipped school buses, if applicable, prescribed in the
national standards for school transportation.
(b) A governing body shall not alter, change, or otherwise modify any school bus
used to transport students in any manner that results in nullification of the
statement required in subsection (a) of this regulation or that results in the
failure of the school bus to comply with standards applicable to it under
K.S.A. 1998 Supp. 8-2009a and amendments thereto.
(c) If a governing body is acquiring a school bus from another governing body,
the governing body acquiring the school bus shall obtain the following
statements from the governing body that is disposing of the school bus:
(1) The verified statement obtained by the governing body under subsection
(a) of this regulation; and
(2) a verified statement from the governing body that is disposing of the
school bus attesting to the fact that the governing body has not altered,
changed, or otherwise modified the school bus in any manner that results
in nullification of the statement required in subsection (a) of this regulation
or that results in the failure of the school bus to comply with the standards
applicable to it under K.S.A. 1998 Supp. 8-2009a and amendments thereto.
This regulation shall be effective on and after July 1, 2000. (Authorized by K.S.A. 1998
Supp. 8-2009; implementing K.S.A. 1998 Supp. 8-2009, 8-2009a; effective July 1, 2000.)
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91-38-5. ANNUAL INSPECTION OF SCHOOL VEHICLES.
Annual inspection of school vehicles.
(a) (1) Each governing body that either owns or leases and that operates any
school bus or activity bus shall have each of those buses inspected
annually in accordance with this regulation.
(2) Each person or entity that contracts with any governing body to provide
bus transportation services to students shall have each school bus or
activity bus used to transport students inspected annually in accordance
with this regulation.
(3) Except for new buses, which shall be inspected upon delivery and before
being used to transport students, the inspection process shall be
conducted between June 1 and September 30. No school bus or activity
bus shall be used to transport students until the inspection process has
been completed and the bus is in proper working order.
(b) (1) Each governing body and each bus transportation contractor shall have
each school bus and each activity bus that is operated by the governing
body or the contractor inspected by a mechanic who is knowledgeable
about the mechanical systems of school buses. In addition, each
governing body shall have each school passenger vehicle that is used
to transport students inspected annually by a mechanic. The mechanic
shall inspect each bus and each school passenger vehicle to determine
whether the mechanical system is in proper working order.
(2) Each mechanic shall indicate the results of the inspection on the form
provided by the state department of education and shall return the form
to the governing body or bus transportation contractor.
(c) (1) After the inspection prescribed in subsection (b) is completed, each
school vehicle shall be inspected by the Kansas highway patrol to
determine whether the school vehicle is equipped with the appropriate
safety devices and those devices are in proper working order.
(2) The results of the inspection shall be indicated by the highway patrol
officer on the form provided by the state department of education.
Following completion of this form, it shall be returned to the governing
body or bus transportation contractor.
(d) (1) Upon successful completion of the inspection process specified in sub-
section (b) and (c), a school vehicle inspection sticker issued by the
Kansas Highway Patrol shall be placed on the school vehicle's wind-
shield in a location that will not impair the driver's vision.
(e) (1) If any school vehicle fails either the mechanical or safety inspection
specified in this regulation, that school vehicle shall not be used for
student transportation until all defects have been corrected and
school vehicle has been approved.
(2) If repairs or other corrections are required for a school vehicle to pass
the inspection and these repairs or corrections are completed within 10
days after the initial inspection, then only the defective items shall be
re-examined. If repairs or corrections are not made within 10 days
following the initial inspection, the school vehicle shall be completely
reinspected.
(f) At any time, spot inspections of any school vehicle used for student transportation
may be conducted by the Kansas highway patrol.
(g) Each school bus activity bus, and school passenger vehicle that is purchased at
any time following the required annual inspection for school vehicles shall pass
the inspections required by this regulation before being used to transport students.
(Authorized by and implementing K.S.A. 8-2009; effective July 1, 2000; amended
March 28, 2003.)
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91-38-6. SCHOOL TRANSPORTATION DRIVER QUALIFICATIONS.
(a) Driver's licensing and age requirements. Each person employed by a school
district or by a school bus contractor who, at any time, will provide student
transportation, shall be licensed in accordance with K.S.A. 8-234b and
amendments thereto, or the appropriate licensing statutes of the person's
state of residence. Each person also shall meet the requirements listed below:
(1) Each driver of a school bus or activity bus with a gross weight of over
26,000 pounds shall maintain a commercial class A or B driver's license,
with passenger endorsement.
(2) Each driver of a school bus or activity bus that has a gross weight of
26,000 pounds or less, and designed for transporting 16 passengers
or more, shall maintain a commercial class A, B, or C driver's license,
with passenger endorsement.
(3) Each driver of a school passenger vehicle or a school bus or activity bus
that has a weight of 26,000 pounds or less, is designed to transport fewer
than 16 passengers, shall maintain an appropriate noncommercial
operator's license.
(4) Each driver's license shall be valid within the driver's state of residence.
(5) Each driver of an activity bus shall be 21 years of age or older.
(b) Criminal and driving records.
(1) Each prospective school transportation provider or other school
employee who may transport students shall be required to sign a
statement indicating whether that individual has been convicted within
the past 10 years in any state or federal court of any felony involving
another person or any crime involving a child. A person who has been
convicted of such a crime within the past 10 years shall not be employed,
re-employed, or retained as an employee to provide student transportation.
(2) Each prospective driver shall be required to sign a statement indicating
whether within the past 10 years, that individual has been convicted in any
state of any major traffic violations indicated in subsection (c) of this
regulation.
(3) For purposes of this regulation, a conviction means entering a plea
of guilty or nolo contendre, a finding of guilty by a court or jury, or
forfeiture of bond.
(4) Each prospective school transportation provider shall give written
authorization to the prospective employer to obtain the applicant's
driving record through a local law enforcement agency or the Kansas
department of revenue, division of vehicles, in accordance with K.S.A.
74-2012 and amendments thereto. The authorization also shall allow the
prospective employer to obtain the applicant's driving record in states
other than Kansas through a local law enforcement agency or the
appropriate agency of the other state.
(c) Disqualification from employment.
(1) Except as otherwise provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, a
governing body shall not employ or retain to transport students, any
person who discloses or whose driving record indicates that, within
the past 10 years, the person has been convicted of any of the
following major traffic violations:
(A) Hit-and-run driving;
(B) driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs;
(C) vehicular homicide;
(D) reckless driving; or
(E) any offense for which the driver's license was suspended or
revoked pursuant to K.S.A. 8-254 and 8-255 and amendments
thereto.
(2) A governing body may waive the disqualification for employment by a
unanimous vote of the full membership of the governing body.
(d) Driver experience and training requirements.
(1) Each driver who operates a school vehicle to transport students shall
have at least one year's experience in operating a motor vehicle.
(2) (A) School bus drivers shall be provided a minimum of 12 hours
of bus driver training. The first six hours of training shall be
completed without student passengers, but the remaining
hours may be completed with student passengers, if the
driver-trainer is on the bus. All driver training shall be
supervised by the assigned driver-trainer.
(B) Except as otherwise provided in paragraph (2) (C) of this
subsection, each school transportation provider shall complete
a first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) course,
approved by the state department of education, before the first
day the driver is allowed to transport students. Each driver
completing any training session shall obtain a wallet card or
other certificate attesting to that individual's completion of the
training program.
(C) A school transportation provider who is certified as an
emergency medical service provider shall not be required to
complete first aid and CPR training, if the emergency medical
certification is maintained in valid status. As used in this
paragraph, "emergency medical service provider" means
first responder, emergency medical technician?basic,
emergency medical technician-intermediate, emergency medical
technician-paramedic, or mobile intensive care technician.
(e) (1) Each school transportation provider shall successfully complete a vehicle
accident prevention course approved by the state department of education,
before the first day the driver transports students. The driver shall obtain a
completion certificate or wallet card as evidence that the course
requirements have been met.
(2) After completion of the initial accident prevention course, each driver
shall be required to maintain certification by either of the following:
(A) Completion of an accident prevention course at least every
three years; or
(B) annual attendance at a workshop provided for school
transportation personnel by the state department of education.
(3) The transportation supervisor shall maintain documentation of driver
training for school transportation providers for the duration of the
driver's employment, and a minimum of two years thereafter.
(f) Substitute and emergency school transportation providers.
(1) Substitute school transportation providers shall meet the requirements
in this regulation, but they may be allowed up to 30 days following
employment to complete the first aid, CPR, and accident prevention
course training requirements.
(2) Any person who holds a valid commercial driver's license may
operate a school bus in an emergency situation. For purposes of
this paragraph, an "emergency situation" means a situation in which
no qualified driver or substitute driver is available.
A specific driver shall not drive as an emergency driver for more
than five days during a school year.
(g) Physical examination and health requirements.
(1) The physical qualification requirements for school transportation
providers in Kansas shall be those in 49 C.F.R. 391.41, as in
effect on October 1, 1998, which is adopted by reference. The
physical examination form that is prescribed by the federal highway
administration, office of motor carriers, and that is available from the
state department of education shall be utilized to document the results
of each examination.
(2) The physical examination shall be certified by a person licensed to
practice medicine and surgery, and shall be required according to
the following schedule:
(A) Before beginning employment as a school transportation
provider;
(B) at least every two years after the date of the initial physical
examination; and
(C) at any time requested by the driver's employer, the school
transportation supervisor, or the state department of
education.
(3) A properly certified physical examination report required under this
subsection shall constitute the certification of health required by
K.S.A. 72-5213 and amendments thereto.
(4) Each governing body shall keep on file a current physical
examination report for each school transportation provider. If
a provider leaves employment for any reason, the person's
last physical examination report shall be kept for two years
after the person leaves.
(h) Waiver of physical requirements.
(1) (A) Any person failing to meet the requirements of subsection
(g) may be permitted to be a school transportation provider
for a particular school district, if a waiver is granted by the
governing board of that school district under this subsection.
A waiver shall meet the following requirements:
(i) The person seeking the waiver, the transportation
supervisor for the school district, and the contract
manager, if applicable, shall submit a joint
application for a waiver to the local board of education.
(ii) Each application shall be accompanied by reports
from two physicians, licensed to practice medicine
and surgery, indicating their opinions regarding the
person's ability to safely operate a school bus.
(iii) The application shall contain a description of the
type and size of the vehicle to be driven and any
special equipment required to accommodate the
driver to safely operate the vehicle, the general area
and type of roads to be traveled, distances and time
period contemplated, and the experience of the person
in driving vehicles of the type to be driven.
(B) An application for a waiver shall be granted only by unanimous
approval of the governing board.
(2) Restrictions of the waiver as approved by the governing body.
(A) A waiver as described in paragraph (1) of this subsection shall
not be granted for a period longer than two years, but may be
renewed by following the procedures in paragraph (1) of this
subsection.
(B) While on duty, the driver shall keep in the driver's possession
the original document granting the waiver or a legible copy
of it.
(C) Each governing body shall retain the original document granting
the waiver or a legible copy of the waiver in the driver's personnel
file for as long as the driver is employed and for a period of at
least than two years following termination of the driver's
employment.
(D) A waiver may be revoked, for cause, by the governing body.
Before revocation, the governing body shall perform the
following:
(i) Suspend the driver from service;
(ii) provide notice of the proposed revocation to the driver,
including the reason or reasons for the proposed
revocation; and
(iii) allow the driver a reasonable opportunity to show cause,
if any, why the revocation should not occur.
(i) Alcohol and drug testing requirements. Each governing body may develop
a policy to include all drivers of any school motor vehicles in the alcohol and
drug testing program required for drivers holding commercial driver's
licenses. (Authorized by and implementing K.S.A. 8-2009; effective July 1,
2000; amended March 28, 2003.)
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91-38-7. DRIVER'S DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES.
(a) Each school transportation provider shall inspect a school vehicle before
its use to ascertain that it is in a safe condition and equipped as required
by law, and that all required equipment is in working order. The school
transportation provider shall document each inspection.
(b) If any defect is discovered, students shall not be transported in the vehicle
until the defect is corrected.
(c) Documentation of the inspections of each school vehicle shall be kept on
file for a minimum of one year following the vehicle inspection.
(d) A school transportation provider shall not drive a school vehicle for more
than 10 consecutive hours or for more than a total of 10 hours in any
15-hour period.
(e) Each school transportation provider shall ensure that all doors are closed
before the vehicle is put into motion and remain closed while the vehicle
is moving.
(f) Each school transportation provider shall ensure that openings for the
service door, emergency exits, and aisles are kept clear of any
obstructions.
(g) Each school transportation provider shall utilize the driver's safety belt
at all times while the vehicle is in motion.
(h) If the school transportation provider leaves the driver's seat, the parking
brake shall be set, the motor turned off, and the keys removed. However,
drivers of specially equipped buses may leave the motor running to operate
a power lift after setting the parking brake.
(i) If a school vehicle is refueled during any trip when passengers are being
transported, the school transportation provider shall unload all passengers
from the vehicle and turn off the vehicle's motor before beginning refueling
procedures. Fuel shall not be transported in any manner, except in the
vehicle's fuel tank.
(j) Following the completion of any trip, each school transportation provider
shall perform a walk-through inspection of the school bus or activity bus,
and a visual check of a school passenger vehicle, to ensure that all
passengers have disembarked.
(k) A driver of a school bus or activity bus shall not tow any trailer or
other vehicle with the bus. (Authorized by and implementing
K.S.A. 8-2009; effective July 1, 2000 amended March 28, 2003.)
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91-38-8. LOADING AND UNLOADING PROCEDURES.
(a) On routes.
(1) Each school bus driver shall activate the alternately flashing warning
lights as required by K.S.A. 8-1556 and amendments thereto, at
any time that the loading or unloading of students occurs on the
traveled portion of any roadway.
(2) Each governing body shall adopt procedures for the loading and
unloading of students, consistent with the requirements of this
article. The procedures shall include the following:
(A) Each school bus driver shall load and unload students off the
roadway whenever adequate space is provided, unless
parking the bus off the roadway would threaten the safety or
stability of the bus or safety of the students.
(B) Each school bus driver shall direct students who cross the
roadway when loading or unloading from a school bus to cross
only in front of the bus. The driver shall ensure that all traffic has
stopped and shall instruct students to wait for a signal from the
driver before crossing the roadway.
(C) Students shall not be required to cross any divided highway,
as defined in K.S.A. 8-1414 and amendments thereto, in
order to board the bus or to reach the students' destination
upon unloading from the bus.
(D) When the loading or unloading of students takes place
on a roadway, the bus shall stop in the far right hand lane
of the roadway.
(E) Each driver shall ensure that all students who have unloaded
from the bus have moved a safe distance away from the bus
before the driver moves the bus.
(b) At school.
(1) Whenever possible, each governing body shall provide bus parking
so that the loading or unloading of students is conducted in an area
away from vehicular traffic and off the roadway.
(2) Before each school's dismissal time, and where adequate space
is available, the bus drivers shall park the buses in single file.
(3) If the loading or unloading of students is conducted on the
traveled portion of a roadway, each bus driver shall park the bus
on the side of the roadway nearest to the school, with the entry
door opening away from the traveled portion of the roadway. Buses
shall be parked adjacent to curbing, if present. If there is no
curbing, the buses shall be parked as far to the right of the roadway
as possible without threatening the stability of the bus.
(4) Each board shall ensure that there is adult supervision during
loading and unloading procedures at each school building,
except at buildings utilized exclusively for senior high school
students.
(c) On activity trips.
(1) Whenever possible, each bus driver shall park the bus so that
the loading or unloading of students takes place in an area away
from other vehicular traffic.
(2) The transportation supervisor shall designate, in advance,
stops for the loading and unloading of buses along each
activity trip route.
(d) In school passenger vehicles. Each driver of a school passenger
vehicle shall park the vehicle in a location so that students are
loaded or unloaded in an area off the roadway.
This regulation shall be effective on and after July 1, 2000. (Authorized by K.S.A.
1998 Supp. 8-2009; implementing K.S.A. 1998 Supp. 8-1556, 8-2009; effective
July 1, 2000.)
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91-38-9. EMERGENCY PROCEDURES.
(a) Each governing body shall adopt procedures to be followed by school
transportation providers if confronted with an emergency situation when
on the road.
(b) Each governing body shall ensure that students who are regularly
transported to and from school in a school bus receive instruction,
at least once each semester, about practices and procedures to
follow if an emergency occurs while being transported.
(c) Each governing body shall ensure that emergency evacuation drills
are conducted at least once each semester. Each emergency
evacuation drill shall be supervised by the transportation supervisor
or the supervisor's designee.
(d) The transportation supervisor shall prepare documentation of
each emergency evacuation drill, including the date of the drill,
number of student participants, and the names of the supervising
personnel. This documentation shall be kept on file for at least two
years from the date of the drill.
(e) Before each activity trip, the driver shall provide an explanation of the
location and operation of the emergency exits of the bus.
This regulation shall be effective on and after July 1, 2000. (Authorized by and
implementing K.S.A. 1998 Supp. 8-2009; effective July 1, 2000.)
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91-38-10. USE OF URBAN MASS TRANSPORTATION BUSES.
(a) A governing body may contract with the operator of a mass
transportation system to provide school transportation for its
students. Any contract for this transportation shall include the
information specified below in subsection (b).
(b) The operator shall keep and provide the following information to
the governing body, upon request:
(1) Documentation of vehicle lubrication, maintenance, and repair
as set forth in K.A.R. 91-38-3(d);
(2) documentation that any vehicle used to transport students
contains the emergency equipment required in K.A.R.
91-38-2(e); and
(3) documentation that each driver used to provide student
transportation meets the qualification set forth in K.A.R.
91-38-6.
This regulation shall be effective on and after July 1, 2000. (Authorized by and
implementing K.S.A. 1998 Supp. 8-2009; effective July 1, 2000.)
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28-4-130 TRANSPORTATION.
(a) Facility- owned or leased vehicles.
(1) When a vehicle used for transportation of children is owned
or leased by the facility, the driver shall be 18 years of age or
older, and shall hold an operator's license of a type appropriate
for the vehicle being used. Trailers pulled by an other vehicle,
camper shells or truck beds shall not be used for transportation
of children.
(2) (A) Each transporting vehicle shall be maintained in safe
operating condition.
(B) The transporting vehicle shall have a yearly mechanical
safety check of tires, lights, windshield, wipers, horn,
signal lights, steering, suspension, glass, brakes,
tail lights, exhaust system, and outside mirror. A
record of the date of the annual safety check and
corrections made shall be kept on file at the facility.
(3) The vehicle shall be covered by accident and liability insurance
in amount of not less than $100,000 for personal injury or death
in any one accident, $300,000 for injury or death to two or more
persons in any one accident; and $50,000 for loss to property of
others.
(4) (A) Emergency release forms and health assessment records
shall be in the vehicle when children are transported.
Residential facilities shall be exempt from
K.A.R. 28-4-30(a)(4)(A) unless children are being
transported more than 60 miles from the facility, or if
children are in emergency care.
(B) A first-aid kit shall be in the transporting vehicle and shall
include bandaids of all sizes; adhesive tape; a roll of gauze;
scissors; one package of 4X4 inch gauze squares; a
cleansing agent;and one elastic bandage.
(5) Each vehicle shall be equipped with an individual restraint for
each child as follows:
(A) An infant unable to sit up without support shall be provided
with an infant car carrier which faces the rear.
(B) A child able to sit up without support shall be provided with
one of the following restraints:
(i) A shield-type device;
(ii) a car seat facing the front that is designed to hold a
child weighing up to 40 pounds; or
(iii) a safety harness.
(C) A child four years of age or older, or weighing 40 pounds
or more, shall have a lap belt. Shoulder straps shall be used
if they do not cross the child's neck or face.
(D) Not more than one child shall be restrained in each lap belt.
(E) Buses of the type used by schools shall not be required to
be equipped with individual restraints if the buses are
used to transport only school-age children.
(6) The safety of the children riding in the vehicle shall be
protected as follows:
(A) All doors except the front door on the driver's side
shall be locked while the vehicle is in motion.
(B) Discipline shall be maintained at all times.
(C) All parts of the child's body shall remain inside the
vehicle at all times.
(D) Children shall neither enter nor exit the vehicle into a
lane of traffic.
(E) Children under 10 years of age shall not be left in a
vehicle unattended by an adult. When the vehicle is
vacated, the driver shall make certain no child is left
in the vehicle.
(F) Smoking in the vehicle shall be prohibited while children
are being transported.
(G) (i) Day care facilities defined by K.S.A. 65- 517,
K.A.R. 28-4-113 and K.A.R. 28-4-420 shall
maintain applicable staff/child ratios.
(ii) Residential facilities as defined by K.A.R.
28-4-268 and K.A.R. 28-4-311 shall maintain
applicable staff/child ratios when children
under six are being transported.
(H) The driver shall transport the child to the intended
location, person, agency or institution as designated
by the child's parent or legal guardian, or by the
agency person in charge.
(b) Vehicles owned by staff or volunteers.
(1) When a vehicle used for transportation of children is owned by
staff or volunteers the vehicle shall be covered by accident
and liability insurance required by K.S.A. 40-3104 and 40-3118
and any amendments to it.
(2) Each such vehicle shall meet the requirements of K.A.R.
28-4-130(a)(1); (a)(2)(A); (a)(4)(A); (a)(5); and (a)(6)(A)
through (H).
(c) (1) Each driver shall be informed of the provisions of K.A.R.
28-4-130.
(2) Paragraphs (A) through (H) of subsection (a)(6) of K.A.R.
28-4-130 shall be posted in the vehicle or given to the driver.
(Authorized by and implementing K.S.A. 65-508; effective
May 1, 1986; amended May 1, 1987; amended
Feb. 26, 1990.)
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36-26-1. RAILROAD GRADE CROSSINGS; STOPPING REQUIRED.
(a) K.S.A. 8-1553 requires that the drivers of certain types of motor vehicles,
before crossing at grade any track or tracks of a railroad, shall stop such
vehicle within 50 feet but not less than 15 feet from the nearest rail of such
railroad and while so stopped shall listen and look in both directions along
such track for any approaching train, and for signals including active
flashing light signals with or without gates or bells indicating the approach
of a train, and shall not proceed until the driver can do so safely. After stopping as
required and upon proceeding when it is safe to do so, the driver of any vehicle shall
cross only in such gear of the vehicle that there will be no necessity for manually
changing gears while traversing such crossing and the driver shall not manually
shift gears while crossing the track or tracks. Following are the types of vehicles
for which this regulation applies:
(1) Every school or commercial bus;
(2) every motor vehicle transporting any quantity of chlorine;
(3) every motor vehicle which, in accordance with the regulations of the department
of transportation, is required to be marked or placarded with one of the following
markings:
(A) Explosives A;
(B) Explosives B;
(C) Poison Gas;
(D) Flammable solid W;
(E) Radioactive;
(F) Flammable;
(G) Blasting agent;
(H) Nonflammable gas;
(I) Chlorine;
(J) Poison;
(K) Oxygen;
(L) Flammable gas;
(M) Combustible;
(N) Flammable solid;
(O) Oxidizer;
(P) Organic peroxide;
(Q) Corrosive; or
(R) Dangerous;
(4) every cargo tank motor vehicle, whether loaded or empty, used for the transportation
of any hazardous material as defined in 49 C.F.R. 170-189;
(5) every cargo tank motor vehicle transporting a commodity which at the time of loading
has a temperature above its flashpoint as determined by 49 C.F.R. 173.115;
(6) every cargo tank motor vehicle, whether loaded or empty, transporting any
commodity under an exemption issued in accordance with 49 C.F.R. 107.
101-107.123.
(b) Exceptions to the requirement for vehicles to stop at every railroad grade crossing
shall be:
(1) Any railroad grade crossing at which traffic is controlled by a police officer or human
flagman;
(2) any railroad grade crossing controlled by a functioning highway traffic signal
transmitting a green indication which, under local law, permits the vehicle to
proceed across the railroad tracks without slowing or stopping;
(3) any railroad grade crossing which has been abandoned or its use discontinued with
track or tracks still in place with a sign reading "TRACKS OUT OF SERVICE";
(4) any industrial or spur line railroad grade crossing marked with a sign reading
"EXEMPT." Such exempt signs shall be erected only by or with the consent of the
appropriate state or local authority;
(5) a railroad grade crossing used exclusively for industrial switching purposes, within a
business district defined in K.S.A. 8-1407, and amendments, thereto. This type of
crossing shall also, as in the previous section (d), be marked with a sign reading
"EXEMPT." (effective 8-13-90)
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KANSAS GUIDELINES FOR
SCHOOL TRANSPORTATION
These guidelines have been written to enhance and facilitate use of the Kansas School
Transportation Regulations, Standards, and Statutes. Information for these guidelines w
as taken from the 2000 National Standards for School Transportation and questions that
have been received over the years from school transportation providers across Kansas.
Local school boards, administrators, and transportation personnel should consider
information from these guidelines when adopting board policies for school transportation
operations.
Additional Guidelines to Consider When Purchasing School Buses
I. School buses operated in Kansas should not be allowed to have retreaded tires installed
on the front wheels.
II. Identification.
A. All lettering on school bus exteriors should be black.
B. Identification numbers should be at least four inches high, with a minimum one-half
inch stroke.
III. Any door locks installed on a school bus should be approved by the manufacturer or
installed by the manufacturer and designed so that the bus may not be operated if the
locking mechanism is engaged.
IV. "Jump seats" should not be allowed on school buses.
V. Each school bus should be equipped with a seat belt cutter in the driver's compartment
area.
Inspection Process
K.A.R. 91-38-5 requires the Kansas Highway Patrol to provide an annual inspection for all
school vehicles operated within the state. Schools or contract transportation providers may,
in addition to this annual inspection, have a more complete safety inspection performed by
a mechanic certified to inspect compliance with Federal Motor Carrier Safety regulations,
40 CFR, Appendix G to Subchapter B, A "Minimum Periodic Inspection Standards".
Seating Capacity Guidelines for School Buses
Each school bus is labeled by the manufacturer with the maximum recommended
seating capacity. The protection afforded by "compartmentalization" in school buses
depends largely on each passenger sitting completely within that established seat area.
Policies should be developed by school transportation providers to adjust the maximum
allowable seating capacity on a school bus in accordance with the size and equipment
utilized by the passengers being transported.
Driver Trainer Qualifications
K.A.R. 91-38-1 defines a driver trainer as "... any person who is assigned by a transportation
supervisor to provide instruction and training to other school transportation providers.
"In addition to maintaining current licensure requirements, driver trainers should be
carefully screened. Those chosen should be encouraged to attend additional training programs to assist them in becoming more effective trainers.
Several programs are offered annually by the Kansas State Department of Education
and the Kansas State Pupil Transportation Association to assist with development
of driver trainers for school transportation systems in Kansas.
Driver Training Requirements
K.A.R. 91-38-6 requires first-time Kansas school bus drivers to "... be provided a
minimum of 12 hours of bus driver training" before being considered qualified.
This "bus driver training" should be time actually with the bus. When a driver is
expected to drive more than one size and type of vehicle, additional training should
be included to address the specific handling characteristics for each type of vehicle
to be driven. A policy should be developed to guide driver-trainers in the expected proficiency level of drivers for each bus.
Topics that should be covered in any training program with the bus, should include, but not
be limited to:
1. Familiarization with bus and its equipment such as the interior control panel,
alternately flashing warning lights, stop arm, parking brake and its release, etc.
2. Procedures used locally for pre-trip and post-trip inspections of the school bus
or other vehicle. Post-trip inspection procedures should include a thorough
check of the vehicle to see that all passengers have departed and that
passengers have not left books, bags, etc.
3. Familiarization with the vehicle and reference points for its control, preferably in an off-
road, controlled situation with traffic cones set up for maneuvering skills practice.
These could include such things as:
A. Driving maneuvers, to include, but not limited to:
1. Slow, precision familiarization of reference-point driving.
2. Emergency driving maneuver techniques (i.e., blocked lane, emergency braking
techniques, etc.)
3. Visual scan and other defensive driving techniques.
4. Mirror adjustment and usage.
5. Loading and unloading procedures, including only moving the bus after all
passengers are safely out of the "danger zone" and at least ten feet from the bus.
6. Railroad crossing procedures. The national standards document provides guidance
for suggested procedures, in addition to requirements in K.S.A. 8-1553 and
K.A.R. 36-26-1.
B. Emergency procedures:
1. When/how to evacuate the bus.
2. Procedures used to notify school officials
3. Procedures used to notify other authorities.
4. Procedures to care for any injured passengers.
4. Actual practice on traveled roadways. This should include some practice without students
on board the bus to familiarize the driver with driving a larger vehicle in traffic, as well as
some time with students on board the bus (still with the driver-trainer) to familiarize the
driver with the additional distractions involved with passengers and procedures to be
used when required to discipline students on a route or activity trip.
The approved first-aid/CPR class and approved "accident prevention course" required by
K.A.R. 91-38-6 is training separate from the "bus driver training" requirement. Most of the
classes currently approved by the Kansas State Department of Education will be at least
eight hours in length for each initial certification program.
Re-training for approved first aid/CPR programs should be completed annually. The
suggested retraining schedule is: 8-hour (initial course); 4-hour re-training; 4-hour re-training.
This cycle should be completed every three years on a rotating basis. When changing
program providers, however (e.g., from American Red Cross programs to Medic First
Aid/CPR programs), the initial certification program must be completed, even if a full
"8-hour" program was completed through the former program provider the previous year.
If your program provider accepts a "challenge" to the re-training program, successful
challenge may be allowed as the re-training module. The program's instructor has full
discretion to accept or reject any challenges by a student. Drivers wishing to challenge
a re-training module should contact the individual instructor to determine if the program
utilized accepts a skills' challenge and to make arrangements for check-off.
In addition to training required by state regulation, drivers should receive other
classroom training to become familiar with the vehicle laws, administrative
regulations, local ordinances, and local school policies pertaining to providing transportation of school students.
Use of School Passenger Vehicles
Highway Safety Guideline No. 17, dated May 28, 1991, issued by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), recommends transportation of students in school buses.
When utilizing vehicles designed to transport ten or fewer passengers for school transportation purposes, the transportation supervisor should consider development
of the following policies:
1. Any person requesting to drive a school-owned vehicle should be required to present
a valid driver's license for his/her state of residence and sign a release to allow
a driver record check.
2. Each driver allowed to operate any school passenger vehicle should complete
an approved "accident prevention course" such as the American Automobile
Association's Driver Improvement Program, National Safety Council's Defensive
Driving Course, or another course listed approved in the Kansas Insurance Commissioner's office. Drivers
should also be encouraged to complete an approved first aid and CPR course.
3. Any person authorized to operate school passenger vehicles should be included in the
school's alcohol and drug testing program.
4. School passenger vehicles should contain emergency equipment similar to that required
for school buses, to include:
A. First aid kit
B. Fire extinguisher
C. Body fluid clean-up kit
D. Emergency warning triangles
E. Seat belt cutter.
F. Other equipment as necessary to ensure safety of all persons traveling in the vehicle.
Loading and Unloading of Students
K.A.R. 91-38-8 provides requirements for loading and unloading of students when utilizing
school buses on normal routes, when using school buses or activity buses for school
activities, and when using school-owned passenger vehicles for transportation of students.
These requirements include loading and unloading of students from buses "whenever
adequate space is provided".
In order to clarify "adequate space", the following guidelines are suggested:
1. School buses should not utilize private residential roadways or driveways for loading or
unloading of passengers on a regular transportation route. On publicly maintained
roadways, the bus may pull over onto the shoulder to load or unload passengers if:
a. There is an asphalt, concrete, or graveled surface wide enough to pull the bus
completely off the main traveled portion of the roadway so as to not impede other
vehicle traffic and allow the passengers to walk up to or away from the entry door
without walking into the ditch.
b. No passengers can be required to cross the traveled portion of the roadway to load onto
or unload from the bus.
If these two conditions cannot be met, then the bus driver should keep the bus in the
traveled portion of the roadway and activate the alternately flashing warning lights to
stop traffic before allowing students to load or unload.
3. At the schools, the transportation supervisor should ask the local board of education to
adopt a policy establishing an area designated for loading and unloading of students and
to allowing no other vehicular traffic in that area during morning unloading and afternoon
loading of students regularly riding the bus to and from school. If possible, a separate area
should be designated for parents to pick up and drop off the students being transported
to school in private vehicles.
4. School bus and activity bus drivers would be allowed to use the alternately flashing warning
lamps when it is necessary to load or unload in the traveled portion of the roadway at the
destination for an activity trip. However, if the "activity bus" is not equipped with the
warning light system, activity bus drivers should load or unload passengers in a parking
lot or similar area away from other vehicle traffic.
5. Students being transported in school passenger vehicles should always be loaded or
unloaded in an area completely separate from other vehicular traffic (i.e., a private
driveway or parking lot).
Communication
K.A.R. 91-38-2 requires that all school vehicles be equipped with two-way communication
capabilities. If that two-way communication involves use of two-way FM radios, a dispatcher
or other employee should be available to monitor the radio transmissions until all vehicles
have completed daily routes and are returned to the designated parking area for the evening,
or until a final destination has been reached on an activity trip.
When traveling for activity trips, consideration should be given to providing cellular telephone
communication for emergencies. Two-way radios would generally provide less-than-optimum
communication for activity trips.
Passenger Conduct Rules
K.S.A. 72-8302(c) and (d) provides authority for the local governing body to establish rules
and regulations pertaining to passenger conduct when being transported in a school owned
or contracted vehicle for daily or activity transportation. The items listed below should be
considered when establishing these conduct procedures:
1. The driver is in charge of all passengers for loading onto, riding in, or unloading from the
vehicle. Teachers or other sponsors may be asked to assist with discipline issues. It is the driver's ultimate responsibility ensure safe transportation for all passengers.
2. The driver cannot require a passenger to leave the vehicle prior to arrival at the destination
point.
3. The driver has authority to establish an assigned seating arrangement or to assign seats
individually.
4. Passengers awaiting transportation should stand at least ten feet back from the traveled
portion of the roadway.
5. Tobacco products, intoxicating liquor or other alcohol products, or illegal drugs may not be
transported or consumed in any vehicle being used for school transportation.
6. There should be no animals, except service animals, transported in a school bus.
7. Passengers should keep all body parts inside the vehicle at all times (i.e., no hands, feet,
heads, etc., extended from windows or doors).
8. All passengers should remain seated while the vehicles are moving.
9. No weapons of any type may be transported in these vehicles, except those in use by
a law enforcement officer in performance of official duties.
Any policy adopted should contain consequences for disobedience of these rules and a
chain of command for enforcement.
The policy should also include information about hazards involved with eating and drinking
while the vehicle is moving and the circumstances under which such activity would be
allowed, if at all.
Every effort should be made by the transportation supervisor to plan routes that will keep
students on a bus for no longer than one hour.
Guidelines To Increase Visibility Of Vehicles
Research by the American Automobile Association, National Safety Council, and other driving
safety agencies has proven that vehicles can be seen from longer distances when utilizing
headlights during operations 24 hours a day. "Daytime running lights" are one option now
available to assist with this recommendation. When vehicles are not equipped with the
"daytime running lights" option, it is recommended that the operator utilize the vehicle's
headlights at all times the vehicle is in motion.
Strobe lights are also an option for use by school bus operators in Kansas. Current
recommendations indicate that the driver should be allowed discretionary use for this
strobe light to coincide with inclement weather or other visibility limitations.
Emergency Procedures
Each school is required by the provisions of K.A.R. 91-38-9 to develop a local policy for
guiding personnel during an emergency. There are many agencies with documents to assist
the local board in developing these procedures and many are accessible on the Internet.
Some of the websites are:
National Safety Council -- http://www.nsc.org (This site should put you in contact with their
Motor Transportation Division/School Transportation Section.)
National Weather Service -- http://www.nws.noaa.gov (This site connects you
with the site containing the "Guide to Developing a Severe Weather Emergency Plan for
Schools".)
Kansas State Department of Education -- orghttp://www.ksde. (This site connects
you to the main website. Go to the left side of the page and find School Finance click on
that you will see on the right side of the page School Finance Index scroll down to School
Bus Safety click on that look on the right hand page and find documents scroll down till
you find the Emergency Procedures guideline book.)
Other sites for valuable information include:
School Bus Fleet --http://www.schoolbusfleet.com
School Transportation News -- http://www.stnonline.com
When Internet access is not available for a school transportation department, hard
copies of these guidelines may be obtained by faxing your request to the School Bus
Safety Education Unit (785) 296-6659.
Guidelines When Approached by Emergency Vehicles
During normal driving operations, when approached by an emergency vehicle displaying
appropriate flashing lights and emitting an audible signal (siren), the driver of a school owned vehicle shall pull as far to the right of the roadway as possible and stop until the emergency vehicle has passed, in accordance with the requirements of the Kansas Vehicle Law.
When a school bus is stopped to load or unload students utilizing the alternately flashing red
lamps and with a stop sign extended, the following suggested procedure should be followed:
(A) If students have not begun to approach the bus to load or if the students are still on board
the bus during unloading, the bus driver shall signal to the students to remain where they
are. Once the driver has signaled to the students, the bus door may be closed, retracting
the stop sign and de-activating the alternately flashing red lamps to allow the emergency
vehicle to pass.
(B) If students are in the roadway to load the bus or have disembarked from the bus when
unloading, then the driver should leave the stop arm extended and alternately flashing
red lamps activated.
(C) At no time should any school vehicle driver or other passenger provide a physical signal
to an emergency vehicle driver to proceed.
Special Needs Student Transportation
Federal and state regulations concerning special needs students and their transportation
requirements are available from the Kansas State Department of Education. The transportation
supervisor may obtain information regarding these requirements by faxing a request to the
Student Support Services section, (785) 296-1413.
Any paraprofessional or other assisting personnel utilized when transporting these students
should be included in the approved first aid/CPR training program and training to operate
any specialized equipment required, along with the vehicles' drivers.
Pre-School And Head Start Transportation
When school transportation operations include transportation of pre-school aged students or
students in a Head Start program, all guidance from the federal Head Start regulations, the
National Standards document, and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
(NHTSA) guideline for transportation of pre-school children in school buses apply.
As with special needs student transportation, any paraprofessionals or other assistants
should receive first aid/CPR training and training in the operation of all specialized equipment.
Safe transportation of pre-school and Head Start students will involve use of size and age-
appropriate child safety restraining systems (CSRS). Transportation providers who will be
involved in this operation should have at least one driver-trainer complete the NHTSA four-day
program to become a Child Safety Restraining System Technician. All drivers and their
attendants should receive the eight-hour "advocate" training for child safety restraining system
installation as a minimum requirement to transport any infants, toddlers, or other pre-school
students.
Some issues with child safety restraining systems that have arisen since beginning to deal
with transportation of pre-school children on school buses are:
1. Attendants should be utilized in all school vehicles transporting children in CSRSs.
2. Anchor points for school bus seat belts are too long and interfere with proper positioning of
the latch plate for the locking plate to perform effectively. Seat belt anchor points should be
located in line with or behind seat bight.
3. Many seat belt buckles on school buses are located on the aisle side of the bus seat. This
interferes with the ability to install the seat as tightly as possible. With the safety belt
buckle anchored near school bus wall and the latch plate anchored toward the aisle of
the bus, the person installing the seat can have more room to maneuver to install the
seat tightly.
4. It takes time to install CSRS correctly. For CSRSs which require tight installation, a
minimum of two people should install the device together. One person should press
against a fixed object (e.g., the ceiling or seat back forward of the CSRS) to press
CSRS into seat cushions while the second person pulls on the belt webbing until it
is as tight as possible. Check the CSRS at the end of each route so time can be
allotted for reinstallation if it becomes necessary. Also, time must be scheduled
for periodic inspections of the
CSRS, regardless of snug fit.
5. Usually, rear-facing seats do not fit well in school buses. Make sure a rear-facing CSRS
fits properly into the school bus seat in advance, or specify a larger seat spacing or
"track" seating arrangement when ordering a new school bus. Available integrated child
safety seats will help to remove the chance for installation error.
6. For toddler/pre-school transportation, booster seats with shields are the cheapest and
easiest CSRS to use and the one used most often by school bus drivers. They are,
however, the least recommended by NHTSA because they offer no upper body support
and leave space between a child's legs and the CSRS. We recommend people who
transport "other people's kids" not use booster seats with shields.
7. The transportation organization should supply CSRSs. Installation of the seat should be
performed b y a trained individual, and the attendant should be instructed in the proper
method of fastening the child into the seat. Each child requiring a CSRS should be
supplied with his/her own seat.
8. Thick clothing (winter coats, blankets, towels, etc.) on children introduces space between
body and CSRS, which increases danger. Local policies be written to require school bus
drivers to consider removal of excess clothing from children before tightening harness
straps.
9. Safety belt cutters should be provided on each bus with CSRSs. One belt cutter should
be available in the driver's compartment, and one belt cutter should be given to each
attendant. For faster evacuations in an emergency, cut the safety belt on the bus and
leave the child in the CSRS. This will help limit movement of the child in the event of
possible injury.