Special education transportation is a right for your child in the following situations:

1. If the district is having your child attend a school that is not the school they would normally attend due to the child’s disability and available special education programs, then the district is responsible for providing transportation to and from the school. The district cannot withhold your child’s services and education due to any delays a bus company may impose. The district must offer alternative means of transportation if the bus company is unable to provide bus service for your child. 
2. The team may decide that your child requires the service of a special education bus due to accessibility or safety issues. The special education bus is wheelchair accessible and may be equipped with seatbelts, safety harnesses, or booster seats. A special education bus also provides an aide in addition to the driver. The aide may assist in escorting students to and from the bus, or provide behavior and safety support while on route.

A student with special education needs who can travel on a regular school bus without accessibility or safety issues will not be offered special education transportation.

IDEA Sec. 300.34 (c) (16) states that transportation “includes; travel to and from school and between schools; travel in and around school buildings; and specialized equipment (such as special or adapted buses, lifts, and ramps), if required to provide special transportation for a child with a disability.”

This was just a quick excerpt on transportation within special education. If you have more indepth questions concerning your child’s special education transportation needs, please give me a call for a free 15 minute consultation.