Page 57 - School Bus Operators and Attendants Handbook

Parents/Guardians have responsibilities for their children regarding transportation. Most parents
are caring and responsible and will work well with bus drivers and attendants. Personal daily
communication between drivers/attendants will help ensure safe transportation of students.
Parent input on ways to handle student behavior will keep the student safe and reduce possible
issues. Be sure to ask parents in a kindly manner for their assistance in opening the bus lift door
and assisting with the wheelchair onto the lift.

With Students

The beginning of a student’s day starts with a driver/attendant!

 When students are greeted with a welcome feeling, they will have a better day.
 Be consistent and fair.
 Greet students and their parents/guardians with a big HELLO and leave them with a cheerful
GOOD-BYE. Each student should have the opportunity for a fresh start each day.
 Care should be taken not to let a previous occurrence affect the next day’s attitude.
 Promote Responsibility and Independence. Encourage each student to accept as much
responsibility as possible and to be independent.

o Think of the student as being capable in many areas. The disability of a student should
not be the focus.
o As much as a driver’s/attendant’s schedule permits, students should do as much as
possible for themselves, however, do not allow students to operate their motorized
wheelchair onto lifts. ACTIONS OF ANY KIND THAT MAY RESULT IN INJURY ARE NOT
ALLOWED.
o Partner with school personnel and parents about where the students should sit on the
bus. Enter the information on the bus seating chart. This is where the student is expected
to sit each day.
 Establish Clear-Cut, Simple Rules that Students are Capable of Following

All students desire and need guidelines for proper conduct. It is helpful to students for
drivers and attendants to make a short list of rules for bus behavior. Keep it simple.
 Students should know the consequences for breaking the rules
 The rules should not be in conflict with the school district or the Transportation Department
 Do not manage students using fear, threats, or by making unreasonable demands
 NEVER punish the entire group for the inappropriate behavior of one student

 Help Students to Communicate Effectively
o The bus is a learning environment just like the classroom. Help students to learn and give
them praise when they are displaying positive and appropriate behavior. If students are
having issues, try the following:
o If a student’s behavior erupts, wait until the student has calmed down before trying to
talk to the student, and only if they want to talk. It may take 15-20 minutes to calm down
following a crisis situation. This is for both drivers/attendants and students.

Page 57 of 149
Communicating