BUS TRANSPORTATION AND SAFETY
Transportation is limited and may be provided if no other transportation is available. Head Start participates in a contractual agreement with a local school bus company( Smyth Bus) and the Enfield Public Schools. Children are secured in their seats with a 5-point restraint system. If transported, your child’ s bus pick up and drop off location must be consistent. We must have a minimum of two-weeks’ notice of any change in writing. It may, under some circumstances, be impossible to pick up your child directly in front of your house. Your street may be too narrow for the school bus to maneuver; however, every attempt is made to plan the bus routes in the best interest of every child. Your cooperation is needed to find what works most effectively.
After the first few days of the school year, you will know when to expect the bus in the morning and afternoon. Allow 45 minutes on either side of your scheduled pick-up or drop-off time. The bus may be early or late for reasons beyond our control.
If you are not at your child’ s stop at the end of the day, your child will be returned to school, and we will contact you.
Families must bring their child to the bus monitor on the bus each morning and come to the bus for their child in the afternoon. No one under 13 years old is allowed to take a child off the bus. The bus driver or the bus monitor cannot get off the bus and walk your child to the door. It is your responsibility to take your child to the bus and pick him / her up at the bus.
Walk your child completely to the bus, holding their hand. Assist your child as they get onto the bus, making sure that they can walk up the stairs. Be aware of younger children who may be with you. The bus monitor cannot lift your child or get off the bus.
When the bus drops off your child, stand directly at the bottom of the stairs to assist your child in walking down the stairs. Be aware of younger children who may be with you.
Head Start performance standard 1303.74 requires three( 3) bus evacuations or“ bus drills” per school year. These will be done at school.
Sometimes children may have unsafe behavior on the bus. Failure to comply with basic safety regulations and / or attendance that dips below 85 % may result in the loss of bus privileges.
If you drop off and pick up your child at SELC, please use the following procedures:
• DO NOT park in the fire lane. The buses cannot get through. Please Park in a designated parking spot.
• When your car is parked, please TURN OFF THE ENGINE and DO NOT LEAVE ANY CHILD UNATTENDED IN THE CAR.
• Please hold your child’ s hand while walking in. The parking lot can be very busy.
REVISED 2025 13 Family Handbook