Tought Leader


the option of more than one attendant on a school bus when there are multiple children with specialized needs.Tis may be a viable option to assigning an attendant, for one child, when super- vision is not required on a daily basis. Tis decision should also not be made outside of the IEP team. When asked, “What should be in place for the efficient use of bus atten- dants?” I came up with a list of consid- erations, beginning with an accurate job description. Te job description should be commensurate with the required responsibilities of the bus attendant. Unfortunately, I have learned that bus attendant’s responsibilities are not always in accord with job descriptions. I have observed too many instances when the attendant is poorly informed about an individual child’s needs, resulting in the failure to provide a safe ride. Unfortunately, I have reviewed


outdated attendant training programs that fail to match the needs of children. Attendants can be responsible for a variety of tasks. Tis list, which is not exhaustive, includes close supervision, utilizing specialized equipment correct- ly, behavior management intervention strategies, communication in alternative modes and even medical procedures allowable in state law. Te Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) does not address certification require- ments for bus attendants, this is left up to state or school board policies and procedures. However, the IDEA does require that all personnel working with children with disabilities be knowledge- able about the children served. What has become especially evident


to me over the past year is that there is too little consistency as to how bus at- tendants should be trained to carry out there job responsibilities. One of the


most egregious errors is my observation of bus attendants sitting in a seat with limited access to supervise children. Too frequently, I have observed school buses with attendants seated in the first row with limited supervision capaci- ty. I and others have reviewed videos confirming this concern. Attention to this matter is urgent. It is no easy job to be a bus attendant. I speak from personal ridership experi- ence and observation. Te bus attendant is worthy of exemplary training and sup- port. Many extraordinary bus attendants are short changed by a lack of school district attention when reported events occur on the school bus. Let’s bring about the necessary chang- es to ensure a safe ride for all children with disabilities by supporting this most important transportation position. l


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24School Transportation News • NOVEMBER 2016


CELEBRATING25YEARS


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