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For more information regarding transportation, please see your local school district board policies and the TEA School Transportation Allotment Handbook.
- My child has a disability and receives special education services under IDEA. Does he qualify for special transportation?
- Do parents have to pay for special education transportation?
- My child has significant behavioral needs and needs support on the bus. Does the school district need to provide support services on the bus?
- My child goes to a child-care facility before and after school. Can the bus pick him up and drop him off there, instead of at our home?
- My child receives special education services in the regular education classroom, and uses a wheelchair. When the class goes on a field trip, will my child be included in the field trip, and will she have to ride on the “special” bus by herself?
1. My child has a disability and receives special education services under IDEA. Does he qualify for special transportation?
Not all students with disabilities require special transportation. Some students with disabilities are able to ride the “regular” bus without any support, or with the support of a sibling or a neighborhood friend. It may be beneficial for your child to at least attempt this option with natural supports before automatically determining that special transportation is required. Under IDEA, transportation is considered a “related service.” Related services are provided to children with disabilities to assist them in benefiting from special education services. The need for related services is considered in the Admission, Review, and Dismissal Committee (ARD) meeting. If you believe that your child needs special transportation in order to benefit from the Individualized Education Program (IEP), you should request this service at a meeting of the ARD committee.
2. Do parents have to pay for special education transportation?
No. School districts may not charge for the cost of related services that are included in the IEP.
3. My child has significant behavioral needs and needs support on the bus. Does the school district need to provide support services on the bus?
Yes. If transportation is part of the IEP, then support services must be provided.
4. My child goes to a child-care facility before and after school. Can the bus pick him up and drop him off there, instead of at our home?
Yes, as long as the child-care facility is within the approved routes of the district for the school which the student attends. See your local school board policy regarding transportation approved routes.
5. My child receives special education services in the regular education classroom, and uses a wheelchair. When the class goes on a field trip, will my child be included in the field trip, and will she have to ride on the “special” bus by herself?
Students who receive special education services must also receive free transportation to participate in class field trips. Parents should discuss possible options with their child’s teacher/principal. If a bus with a lift is needed, maybe some or all of the students could ride in the bus with the lift. Work together with your school to come up with safe solutions that work for all of the students.