Transportation Procedures for Special Circumstances

This page provides guidance for transportation-related situations involving students with special needs, drop-off procedures, and steps taken when a parent or guardian is not present.

Instructions for Students with Special Needs

The driver shall not activate the flashing red light system where a pupil requires physical assistance from the driver or authorized attendant to board or leave the school bus; providing the assistance extends the length of the time the school bus is stopped beyond the time required to load or unload a pupil that does not require physical assistance. (OST instructors Guide Unit VII pg. 67).

Activate the flashing amber warning light system 200 feet before the designated stop, if so equipped. Pull up to the designated stop and secure the bus. Turn off the flashing amber lights.
Once stopped, the driver shall, activate the flashing red signal light system, as defined in Section 22112 of the Vehicle code
When loading/unloading a wheelchair student, the flashing red lights shall NOT be activated. The driver will assist with the loading process and depart the bus stop when safe.

No Show Parents for SpEd Students (At Drop-Off)

The purpose of this module is to describe what steps will be taken in the event that a parent or guardian is not present to receive a student at drop-off.

Drop-Off Policy

Principals should ensure parents of school bus riders are aware of the District’s drop-off policy, and schools should be prepared to receive students back in the event of a no-show parent.

School Bus drivers cannot drop off SpEd students unless a receiving adult is present, or the student has a Release of Liability form on file.
GenEd students may be dropped off without a receiving adult or a Release of Liability form on file

Release of Liability Form

If a family wishes their student to be dropped off each day without a receiving adult present, the self release form must be filled out in order to be processed. (NOTE: only available for students in Grades 6-13)

Contacting No Show Parents

Transportation will always attempt to contact a student’s parent or guardian if they are not present at the student’s drop-off time and location. If we’re able to contact a parent or guardian, but they’re not present to receive their student, we can release the child with verbal consent from the parent. This should not be a recurring practice, and parents will be encouraged to fill out a written Release of Liability form.

Procedures When a Parent or Guardian is Not Present at Drop-Off

	Option	Description
First Option	Release child to their parent or guardian	Transportation will first attempt to contact the student’s parent or guardian. Transportation will exhaust all contact numbers on file before attempting to contact the student’s school.
Second Option	Return child to school	Schools should have somebody on site to answer phones until 10 minutes after the last drop-off time for their school’s bus routes. We will only return a child to school if there is an adult on site to receive the student. If the school can receive the student, they assume responsibility. Transportation makes every effort to contact somebody at the child’s school, including calling Administrators’ personal phone numbers if needed. If nobody is available to receive the child, Transportation will contact Child Protective Services (CPS).
Final Option	Release child to Child Protective Services	If nobody is available to receive the student, the Supervisor of Transportation or designee will contact Child Protective Services (CPS) Hotline (833)722-5437 or (833-SCC-KIDS). Inform CPS that all options to contact family, emergency contacts and school administrators have been attempted and there is no parent or school staff available to assume responsibility for the student. Request CPS to support and meet at the location to stay until the family/adult is located/responds. CPS will assume responsibility for the child.

Learn More About Transportation

Transportation Safety Plan (PDF)