Page 55 - School Bus Operators and Attendants Handbook

 Complete a Student Discipline Referral (PBSD # 0279) for a student with behavior issues. Submit
this form to a supervisor for follow-up of the incident. Never allow inappropriate student
behavior to escalate or continue. Notify coordinator for assistance if needed.
 An Emergency Evacuation Plan must be completed for each route.

Behavior Management for Students with Special Needs

It is important for all passengers on the school bus to follow rules established by the school district.
Behavior that puts the safety, health and welfare of other students, drivers, attendants, or the
community at risk will not be permitted or tolerated. Bus rules apply to ALL students, including
those with disabilities and special needs. General bus rules are in the procedures and policy
handbooks that drivers and attendants receive during training or from supervisors.

Behavior Modification Program or Plan for a Special Needs Student

Students with emotional or severe behavior disorders will usually have a behavior modification
program in place at home and/or school. The bus driver and attendant may be invited to a school
meeting to discuss bus riding concerns and school personnel and parents can help to develop a
bus behavior management plan.

Special Plans and Special Assistance for Students

The Transportation Department works with school and district behavior specialists who will assist
school bus personnel with the plan. In some cases, the student may need to have a one-on-one
attendant ride with him/her. As often as possible, the schools are requested to provide a staff
member to do this because of their knowledge of the student and their specialized training.

It cannot be said enough times that school personnel and the family must be involved in solving
any behavior issues on the school bus. It is important to be involved with the school and the family
as soon as behavior problems occur.

Facilitating Student Management on the Bus

The bus attendant, as well as the bus driver, should learn the names of all students on the bus.
Greet them kindly each day. Inquire about how they are feeling, how they did in school, etc. Let
them know they are cared for as a person. This helps to set a pleasant and positive tone for the
bus trip.
 Both the bus driver and attendant are to become thoroughly familiar with their assigned routes,
bus stops, student’s names, their exceptionalities, disabilities, and specific needs.
 The bus attendant should submit written misconduct information to school personnel and
parents, by way of the Student Discipline Referral (PBSD # 0279) and submitted to the supervisor
upon return.

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Students with Special Needs