“A journey of a thousand miles
begins with a single step.”
- Chinese Proverb
The Exceptional Children Transportation Manual Steering Committee is pleased to provide you with this important resource. Growing numbers of children transported to and from the Public Schools of North Carolina have special needs, whether classified as students with disabilities, preschool students or others. Meeting their needs is a challenge to transporters, and it is the intent of this committee to share important information designed to meet this challenge.
Recognizing the importance of the project, the Governor’s Highway Safety Program provided
funding to the Pupil Transportation Program at the Institute for Transportation Research and
Education (ITRE) at NC State University. ITRE coordinated the efforts of concerned parties at the state and local level to compile this information.
While the document is not law, it contains applicable state and federal laws. While it is not State Board of Education policy, it contains relevant State Board of Education policies. In addition to these regulations, the document compiles information gathered by the project team and a “best practice” approach to many relevant situations.
Our objective was to develop a document designed to serve as a reference and best practice guide for state administrators, local school transportation staff, and special education personnel. Its primary purpose is to assist local school districts in safely arranging for and providing special transportation for preschool students and students with disabilities. The document is also intended to serve as a
foundation for training and collaboration. The committee members listed on the back of this page offered their support of this project and their professional expertise. We welcome your questions,
comments, and suggestions.
Sponsored by the School Transportation Group, the Institute for Transportation Research and Education at North Carolina State University, and the University of North Carolina Highway Safety Research Center, in Cooperation with the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction and the North Carolina Special Needs
Transportation Manual Steering Committee. Funded by the North Carolina Governor’s Highway Safety Program.
First Edition, Published January 2003.
Disclaimer
This manual, A Guide for the Transportation of Preschoolers and Children with Disabilities for North Carolina Public Schools, Transportation Policies, Guidelines, and Best Practices, was prepared using resources believed to be current, accurate, reliable, and consistent with best practices in special needs transportation, at the time of publication. The accuracy of the information is not guaranteed nor is any responsibility assumed or implied by neither the Public Schools of North Carolina nor the steering committee, for any injuries or loss resulting from inaccuracies or omissions.
It is published with the understanding North Carolina Public Schools and the steering committee are not engaged in legal, accounting or other professional services. Readers who require legal or other expert opinion or assistance should seek a competent professional.
