Special Transportation

The vast majority of special education students use the regular school bus system. Special transportation — the need for different vehicles, equipment, procedures, and/or staff — is provided when the IEP team determines that the student requires it in order to benefit from their special education programming. Due to the nature of SWMetro's special education programming and the placement of students, most of our students qualify for Special Transportation.

There is a detailed process for adding special transportation to the IEP, and steps must be taken prior to the IEP meeting if you are considering the addition of special transportation (see below).

Health/Medical Condition

A health/medical condition exists which involves the safety of the child or others. Health issues may include seizures, oxygen equipment, fatigue that causes the student to fall asleep on the bus, assistive devices needed to maintain a sitting position, communication issues (hard of hearing, visually impaired, nonverbal), or assistance in walking up and down stairs.

Social Behavior

The student's bus conduct requires a different mode of transportation. This will only be offered after the school psychologist and/or Social Behavior Services Coordinator design, implement, and document two interventions for the regular bus.

Accessibility

The regular bus is not accessible for the child.

Special Placement

The student is attending a special program to receive the special education services identified in their IEP (out of district or within district) approved by the Special Services Supervisor and there is not a regular bus transporting to this specially designed program.

Work with your Building Supervisor/Director to navigate the situation. If Special Transportation was Authorized — Propose It:

1. During an annual IEP meeting or via the amendment process, the case manager discusses the proposal of adding special transportation to the IEP.

2. The case manager adds special transportation to the IEP, including a specific description of the special transportation supports needed and changing the MARSS transportation code:

   • • Use the '03-Disabled' code.

     • Code '06-Special Transportation' is only used for cases where the student demonstrates an immediate transportation need not related to the disability (e.g., becomes homeless, begins attending care and treatment program, etc.). Always confirm with your Special Services Supervisor before using the '06' code.

3. The case manager sends home an IEP and PWN reflecting the addition of special transportation.

If Parent Consent was Obtained — Coordinate with Transportation Department:

1. The case manager completes a Student Change in Status form to indicate the change in MARSS transportation code. This has to be completed to ensure proper reimbursement.

2. The case manager fills out a transportation request form.

3. The case manager notifies the Due Process Secretary of this change.

Special transportation is considered a related service. Therefore, it is required to provide a Free and Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) to the student. This means the student cannot be "kicked off" the special transportation route unless alternate busing is provided. Alternate options include but aren't limited to:

• parent reimbursement if a parent is willing and able to bring the student.

• an alternate bus route.

• taxi service paid by the district.

All these options should be considered temporary and the team should be working on a plan to address and improve the behaviors.

Students can be suspended from a bus for a reasonable amount of time due to behavioral incidents. Again, this is a temporary result of behavior and the team should be working on a plan to address and improve the behaviors.