Drivers/Aides are expected to safely transport students and ensure an orderly environment on the bus. This professionalism is demonstrated by:
- Maintaining courteous and respectful communication with students, families, and colleagues.
- Being sensitive and responsive to the diverse needs of all students.
- Exhibiting self-control and patience, especially when dealing with difficult situations or individuals.
Drivers/Aides must proactively monitor student conduct. In the event of inappropriate behavior, staff are required to verbally intervene immediately to restore order. All incidents must be formally documented and reported to the Transportation Supervisor for subsequent notification of the building principal. Safety requires strict adherence to all district policies and rules of the road.
YEARLY TRAINING REQUIREMENTS FOR SCHOOL BUS DRIVERS AND SCHOOL BUS AIDES
The New Jersey Administrative Code mandates that all employers of school bus drivers and aides ensure staff are properly trained to successfully perform their duties. This required training covers safe driving practices as well as student care and discipline. This requirement applies universally, regardless of whether staff are employed by a local board of education, a Coordinating Transportation Services Agency (CTSA), or a school transportation contractor. Ultimately, Local Boards of Education are responsible for ensuring that all CTSAs, contractors, or host districts comply with these training mandates.
Training must address all subjects mandated by the administrative code governing student transportation. Furthermore, it must include specialized, route-specific information concerning the students transported and the unique conditions of the roadways traveled. Employers must ensure drivers and aides receive this instruction prior to being assigned to a new school bus route. Ongoing professional development should be provided through regular training updates and periodic refreshers. Staff must also receive immediate notification and training when a new student with unique needs is added to an existing route.
State Training Regulations:
N.J.A.C. 6A:27-11.3 Training
(a) Employers shall ensure that all school bus drivers and school bus aides are properly trained for the functions of their positions.
(b) Employers shall administer a safety education program for all permanent and substitute drivers and aides. At a minimum, the training shall include:
- Student management and discipline;
- School bus accident and emergency procedures;
- Conducting school bus emergency exit drills;
- Loading and unloading procedures;
- School bus stop loading zone safety;
- Inspecting the school vehicle for students left on board at the end of a route; and
- The use of a student’s education records, including the employee’s responsibility to ensure the privacy of the student and his or her records, if applicable.
c) In addition to the training requirements in (b) above, employers shall administer to school bus drivers a safety education program that includes defensive driving techniques and railroad crossing procedures.