Special Needs

Overview

The Special Needs Transportation Division boasts an impressive school bus fleet. With the constantly growing student population, the HUSD Special Needs Transportation Division is ready to accommodate any needs by the families of our district. We are proud to live by the Latin motto: "In Omnia Paratus" which translates into "Prepared for All Things." Here at Humboldt, we are committed to student safety as well as exceptional customer service.

Drivers & Assistant Responsibility

Humboldt Unified School District Drivers are professionals who carry several credentials and receive extensive training for their important jobs. Our drivers work directly for the school district, under the supervision of the Department of Transportation.

The driver is responsible for driving the bus safely, transporting the students and staying on schedule. They aide the bus assistant with the handling and care of the students.

The drivers have been instructed not to honk their horns at bus stops, so please do not ask them to. Be ready and waiting outside instead. The bus is only allowed to wait 2 minutes before leaving.

Drivers and Assistants have current training in CPR; first aid and proper wheelchair securement, as well as emergency evacuation skills for special needs students.

Bus Assistants secure seat belts, wheelchairs, and other passenger safety devices.

Maintain discipline; ensure students are safe, and that they remain in their seats.

Administer and seek emergency medical help when needed.

Most commonly interact with the parents.

Assistants are instructed not to go to the door or upstairs with students. Someone designated by the parent/guardian must meet the child at the bus.

Parent/Guardian Responsibility

Morning/Pick Up Responsibilities

Have your child fully clothed, toileted and ready at the pick-up location 5 minutes before pick up time. Drivers and assistants are not responsible nor allowed to dress, groom or feed your child.

Accompany or have a responsible mature person accompany your child to the bus in the morning.

If your child has not ridden for more than 3 days, and we have not received any communication from you, the bus will stop coming until you call the Transportation Department to restart your child's transportation service.

Call in the morning (1 hour before your child's pick-up time or the night before) if you do not need transportation. Leave a message if you call during non-duty hours.

Do not allow your child to board the bus with any food either in their hands or in their mouth.

Let the Assistant know of any short-term health problems.

Afternoon/Drop Off Responsibilities

You or a designated responsible mature person should be at the stop 5 minutes before the bus is scheduled to drop your child off unless you have given written permission for student key entry into the home without supervision.

Students who are not met will be taken back to school if the school is still open, otherwise the student will be taken to the police station and Child Protective Services may be called. You can contact your local authorities.

If you have any concerns regarding transportation for your child, please contact the Director of Transportation.

Moving to a new address or permanently changing the pick-up or drop-off location may result in assignment of a new bus or time change. Please allow 3 - 5 business days for change to become effective.

What are the laws that impact transportation of students with disabilities?

The following laws may be used for reference regarding special needs transportation:

U.S. Constitution - Fourteenth Amendment
Public Law 93-112 - The Rehabilitation Act of 1973
Public Law 94-142 - The Education for All Handicapped Children Act of 1975
Public Law 97-35 - The Head Start Act
Public Law 99-372 - The Handicapped Children's Protection Act of 1986
Public Law 99-457, Part H - The Handicapped Children Amendments of 1986
Public Law 101-336 - The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990
Public Law 101-476, Part B - Individuals with Disabilities Education Act of 1990
Public Law 102-119 - The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act Amendments of 1991
Public Law 105-17 - The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act Amendments of 1997