It is possible that a student may require additional equipment on board to be transported safely. To ensure that we have the necessary items ready for transportation, they can be selected from the "Equipment Needed" field on the Student Data tab. These are the different types of equipment we have available for students.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Booster Seat
In passenger vehicles, we are required to use a booster seat for certain students. If a child is under the age of eight, or shorter than 4'9" (57 inches), they must be transported in a booster seat. As a general rule, we mark any child under eight as needing a booster seat. However, if they are above the height requirement, that designation can be removed.
Car Seat
For children under the age of four, we must transport in a car seat. Our vehicles are only equipped with forward facing car seats, and we do not provide transportation for students that use rear facing car seats. As a general rule, we mark any child under four as needing a car seat.
Seat Belt Lock
Some special needs students are prone to unbuckling themselves during transportation, posing a safety hazard. We have buckle guards available when requested in an IEP so that students may be safely transported and are not able to unbuckle their seat belt while the vehicle is in motion.
Cam Strap
Some students need to be transported while wearing a safety vest. These vests need to be secured to the seat during transportation, and cam straps are what keep the vest secured while riding. As a standard policy, we do not provide safety vests for students, but do have cam straps ready for transport when needed.
If you have a student who uses a safety vest, make sure to mark the "Cam Strap" option for them. Drivers will show up with the knowledge that the student is coming out from home or school with the safety vest already on, and only needs to secure the vest to the cam strap. Drivers and aides are instructed to not put safety vests on the student.
Wheelchair
Some students require accommodations to be transported via wheelchair. While many students come with their own wheelchair, it is possible that one may need to be supplied for them during transportation. If the student in question does not have their own wheelchair but needs one to ride, make sure to select this option.
If a student has their own wheelchair already and needs transportation in a wheelchair accessible vehicle, do not select the "Wheelchair" option under Equipment Needed. Instead, choose "Wheelchair Van" under the Van Type column.