Implementing Transportation Regulations
Use these resources to guarantee that your program’s transportation system is following federal and state regulations.
Transportation
Head Start programs are not required to provide transportation services. However, when they do provide those services, they must comply with key regulations.Explore these resources to support programs in the safe and efficient movement of children from one point to another. Find materials on transportation services, coordination options, vehicles, child safety restraints, and other requirements. Learn how to develop transportation systems that are consistent with service area needs and comply with state and federal regulations.
Building a Transportation Program
Use these resources to build a safe and cost-effective transportation system that is compliant with regulations and responsive to your community’s needs.
Transportation Services Checklist
Use this checklist to maintain a comprehensive transportation system that is safe, cost effective, and compliant with state and federal regulations.
Transportation Q&A
Review the questions and answers (Q&A) below to find information related to transportation services in Head Start programs.
1303.74 Safety procedures.
Programs must ensure children who receive transportation services are taught safe riding practices, including procedures for boarding and leaving the vehicle, recognizing danger zones, and emergency evacuation.
1303.73 Trip routing.
This standard requires programs to consider the safety of the children it transports when planning fixed routes.
1303.71 Vehicles.
This standard outlines the required use or provision of school buses or allowable alternate vehicles, emergency equipment, child restraint systems, and vehicle maintenance and inspection.
1303.70 Purpose.
Review requirements for providing transportation services and waiver applicability.
Why Outsource Your School Transportation Needs?
Outsourcing is a successful strategy for solving a variety of transportation problems. This article offers ideas that program managers and transportation coordinators can use to evaluate their cost of transportation. For example, the article suggests that partnering with a private school bus company whose expertise is pupil transportation allows the program staff to concentrate on their primary function of educating children.
School Bus Classifications
When considering new vehicle purchases, program directors should understand the four basic types of buses available. Manufacturers can configure each of the four types as either a traditional school bus or as an allowable alternate vehicle (AAV). This tip sheet provides a brief description of each type.