As created by: Carolyn J. Garcia “Performance Standards: Measuring Up” Carolyn J. Garcia TSD Conference March 24, 2015

Objectives 1. Participants will review Transportations Standards as they pertain to Head Start requirements. 2. Participants will discuss and share some ideas of what is done at their program 3. Participants will be prepared for a Federal Review or agency monitoring.

Transportation Safety

(a) Are procedures in place to ensure the bus is maintained in safe operating condition-annual safety inspection licensed by the state? When drivers do the Daily Walk-Around Inspections, any items of concern are reported to the Center Manager and the bus is taken in for further inspections and repairs as needed. The vehicles are inspected annually by the state.

Are procedures in place to ensure systematic prevention maintenance? (b) Other maintenance such as tire repairs and replacement, oil changes and professional winterizing are conducted throughout the season.

Are reasonable efforts made to coordinate transportation resources with other human services agencies in the community? (a) Surveys should be sent out to the School districts, human services agencies regarding the possibility of coordinating transportation service. Networking is also a way to partner with other agencies in these efforts.

Each time you see a little bus on the slide, after the question, means they can review this item while doing the ‘bus ride’.

Does each driver have a valid commercial drivers license (CDL)? (a)(1). Show the Drivers License, must be current CDL, w/PS endorsements. _____________________________ Applicant Review Process (specific background check) (b). Applications are pre-screened to make sure they meet qualifications and are told of criminal background checks. They cannot be hired until results of the background checks are cleared, as well as finger printing & a Drug and alcohol test.

Is the vehicle equipped with a communication system to call for assistance? 1310.(d)(1) All vehicles should be equipped with working cell phones or radio system to contact the office. Does the vehicle have a charged fire extinguisher properly mounted near the drivers seat with a sign indicating its location? 1310.(d)(2) Make sure it is charged, currently inspected and staff are trained on how to inspect it each month and also on how to use it.

Does the vehicle have a first aid kit and sign indicating its location? 1310.(d)(3) Physically double check this item. Make sure it is fully stocked in accordance to the list of items of the major first aide kit. Check with your state requirements.___________________________ Does the vehicle have a seat belt cutter and a sign indicating its location? 1310(d)(4) Physically check and know that the requirement is only for one (1) seat belt cutter, however some agency require for two (2), anchored down with Velcro, one in front and one in the back of the bus

Are baggage and other items transported in the passenger compartment properly stored and secured, aisles cleared and doors and emergency exits unobstructed at all times? (b) Pay special attention to purses, medication boxes, open glove compartment, binders, pens, and lanyards. Everything must be tied down (and secured). ‘Projectiles’ can cause dangerous injuries in case of an emergency or traffic accident. _________________________________

PROJECTILES!!!!!

Does the bus driver complete a daily pre-trip inspection of the vehicle? (c) Pre-trip inspections should be done before every trip on a daily basis. Do not move bus if anything is not functioning properly. Report immedialely. _________________________________ Does the bus driver avoid backing up or making “U” turns, beyond what is necessary for safety reasons or because of physical barrier? (b)(3) If back-up is necessary, Bus Aide should get up and guide the driver for safety reasons.

Are specific procedures in place for using alternate routes in case of hazardous conditions that could affect the safety of the children being transported? (b)(7) A fixed route is followed daily. If an alternate route becomes necessary, the driver will decide the best route to take. He will get the children to a safe area and notify the center manager of the incident and change in route. (Show the fixed route in one color and the alternate route in different color on the map. Post the map in the Parent Bulletin board and the bus driver’s notebook.

Are transit times for children 1 hour or less each way, unless a shorter route is unavailable, unsafe, or impractical? 1310.(b)(1) 1.Report all routes over the hour, to Center Manager and TF/C. 2.A meeting will take place to discuss options of either splitting, re-evaluating route or hiring of another driver. 3.If no other alternative-request authorization from Administration to continue the route as is.

Does the bus driver ensure stops are located to eliminate the need for children to cross the street or highway when boarding or exiting the vehicle and that when children must cross the street before boarding or after exiting the vehicle, does the bus monitor or another adult escort them across the street? 1310.(b)(5); (b)(6) Insure this is being done. Use the “I see you-you see me” method each time. The bus aide will cross the child to the

Is the number of occupants in the vehicle within maximum passenger capacity? (b)(2) Know the capacity of each bus, no one is allowed to be standing up- all must be seated with their CSRS/Seatbelt on. _____________________________ Are all vehicle occupants, except the bus monitors assisting children, seated in height- and weight appropriate restraint systems while the vehicle is in motion? (a); (d) Assure proper Height and weight appropriate car seats are assigned to each child.

Are children released on to a parent, legal guardian, or other individual as designated in writing by the parent or legal guardian? (g) The Certificate of Eligibility, will qualify each child/the Eligible Child-Demographics must be on the bus while transporting the child. Remember that this is confidential and must be taken inside the center after each route and kept under lock and key. _________________________________ Has a bus evacuation drill been conducted within the first 30 days of service? (b)(5) Show documentation of this with continued drills for late entries. Do the drills monthly for ensuring of compliance when you have any new children enrolling.

Is each vehicle purchased after February 20, 2001, equipped for use of height and weight appropriate child safety restraint systems and with a reverse beeper? (c); (b)(1); (b)(2) All vehicles should be in compliance. _____________________________________ Does the agency ensure that all accidents involving vehicles that transport children are reported in accordance with applicable State Requirements? (f) All accidents are reported immediately and by calling for police/9ll as applicable, calling center manager for contacting parents, notifying Licensing Dept, and reporting to the scene of the accident and starting the accident packet documentation and take pictures. Driver will be sent in for Drug/Alcohol test. The decision to evacuate is always that of the bus driver.

Is at least one bus monitor on board at all times? (c)(1) There should always be at least one, State licensing requires each bus maintain Child/Staff ratio, as in the classroom. _____________________________________ Has each bus monitor, been trained on child boarding and exiting procedures, use of child restraint systems, required paperwork, emergency response and evacuation procedures, use of special equipment, child pickup and release procedures, and pre-and post-trip vehicle check? (f)(2) Must show documentations of training Certificates upon request.

Do bus drivers receive a combination of classroom and behind-the-wheel training to operate the vehicle safely and efficiently? (b)(1) Certification training at Region 20, and annual update from Pre-Service, In-service, and cluster trainings by the Transportation/Facilities Coordinator or other certified trainors, such as Operation Lifesaver, _________________________________ Do bus drivers receive a combination of classroom and behind-the-wheel training on how to run a fixed route safely including loading and unloading children, stopping at railroad crossings, and performing other specialized driving maneuvers? (b)(2) show sample agendas sign in sheets of their training as requested, or certificates of these trainings.

Do bus drivers receive a combination of classroom and behind-the-wheel training on how to administer basic first aid in case of injury? (b)(3) Be prepared to show certifications and/or cards. ___________________________________ Do bus drivers receive a combination of classroom and behind-the-wheel training on how to operate special equipment such as wheelchair lifts, assistance devices, or special occupant restraints? (b)(5) Same as above, be prepared to show certificates and cards upon request.

Do bus drivers receive a combination of classroom and behind-the-wheel training on how to conduct routine maintenance and safety checks on the vehicles? (b)(6) Training from Region 20 or other required trainings, such as routine maintenance training also from the transportation coordinator. _________________________________ Do bus drivers receive a combination of classroom and behind-the-wheel training on how to maintain accurate records, as necessary? (b)(7) Same as previous, Region 20, Pre-service, In- service, Cluster Trainings as needed for new hires.

Do bus drivers receive annual evaluations, which must include an onboard observation of road performance? (f)(1) Evaluations are done at six months, then annually. Show documents of the Driver-On-Board Observations that are done. _________________________________ Does the agency help as many families as possible obtain transportation who need transportation for their children to attend the program? (a) Yes, daily bus routes to and from home, medical appointments, field trips, etc., and the like.

SAFE DRIVING/SAFE RIDING Texas Migrant Council, Inc.

Safe Transportation Begins With You ! Bus Drivers & Bus Aides….. Be alert at all times. Practice positive interaction w/parents Practice greeting children w/a happy face and positive attitude – you’re the first persons they see each day The school bus is a classroom on wheels, activities must take place during each route. Practice safety at all times, considering child appropriateness and stages of development Monitor bus activities and role model Educate staff, parents and children