Page 56 - School Bus Operators and Attendants Handbook

Communicating

The Transportation Department finds that the majority of the problems that occur between
employees, students, parents, and school staff are primarily a result of poor communication.

What does this mean for you? In order for a Transportation system to meet the needs of students,
it must have ongoing communication between school administrators, teaching staff, support staff,
parents, students, and transportation personnel. The following information is intended to help
drivers and attendants understand the process of communicating with students and how to
handle concerns.

With Each Other

This is an area of key importance since the bus driver and attendant must work as a team.

 Whenever there is a concern about a student, speak to each other. Determine if the situation can
be resolved with just the driver and attendant. If the driver and/or attendant cannot resolved the
situation, seek the advice of school personnel or facility supervisor.
 If there is an issue between the driver and attendant, both employees should attempt to resolve
the issue in a professional manner. If this is not possible, they should seek the assistance from a
supervisor.

With School Officials, Teachers, and Classroom Staff

 Teachers will be particularly helpful if you seek their assistance with bus behavior problems. They
can communicate such things as key words, phrases, and songs to use with a student, and
suggest (and often supply) reading material for students while in transit. Any physical restraint
techniques to use on a student will be given specifically to drivers and attendants in a
documented training session. Teachers will also assist with special behavior management issues
and rewards for specific students. Physical and Occupational Therapists will provide information
and instruction for therapeutic implementation, such as walking on and off the bus, fastening
occupant restraints, checking wheelchair tie-downs, and seat transfers.
 Classroom Paraprofessionals (teacher’s aides) often know a great deal about specific students.
However, there may be information that they are not permitted to share with you.
 School staff members are pleased to help Transportation Department employees with student
concerns because they also want the student to have a safe and pleasant bus ride.

With Parent/Guardians/Caretakers

Many drivers and attendants work with parents. Most parents do their best to have their child
ready for the scheduled pick-up time in the morning, however, there is a difference for them when
they have a special needs child. Sometimes, things may occur beyond the control of the
parent/guardian and delays may occur.

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Communicating