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Policies & Procedures
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Procedures
Seat restraint use on yellow buses
The following provides information on the possible use of seat restraints on yellow buses that provide transportation to students who cannot safely ride other types of transportation due to the severity of their disability. Seat restraints, such as lap-belts or harnesses, are only to be used when a rider experiences involuntary movements due to a physical disability. Riders who display inappropriate or unsafe conduct should receive behavior modification actions including travel training, safety training, seat plans, buddy-systems, and various levels of constructive discipline. A behavioral issue by any one student can put all occupants of the bus at risk; therefore, these restraints are only used to minimize the chance of self-injury and/or to ensure the safety of all other riders.
A common concern for first time yellow bus riders is the fact that seat belts are not required on school buses. Seat belts are not a requirement on school buses because the compartmentalized design of the buses provides safety to the rider. Additionally, car seats are not acceptable seat restraints for use on yellow buses and cannot be considered as an option.
Requirements
Seat restraints may only be used upon the recommendation of the school principal and with the agreement of the student's parent or guardian. In the event the parent or guardian does not support the use of a restraint, the parent/guardian will be responsible for making alternate transportation arrangements. If any of the post-agreement responsibilities are not fulfilled daily and in a timely manner, the bus driver may refuse to transport the student.
Procedures
In the event both parties agree a seat restraint is necessary, a Seat Restraint Form must be completed and sent by the school to Student Transportation via truck mail. School staff must maintain one copy of the Seat Restraint Form in the student's cumulative file. The form must clearly indicate the type of restraint that is to be implemented - lap-belt or 4-point harness.
Changes to requirements
- If the seat restraint is no longer needed, the Principal is responsible for informing Student Transportation of the cancellation.
- If a reinstatement or change of the seat restraint is necessary, a new Seat Restraint Form must be submitted in the same fashion as a new restraint. A newly dated and initialed copy of the original will suffice.
Post-agreement responsibilities
- Lap-Belts:
The bus driver will ensure that the student is properly secured.
- Four-point harness:
The parent/guardian is responsible for: fitting the student with the harness prior to the bus arrival; escorting the student on to the bus; securing the harness on the bus; meeting the bus on its return trip; releasing the child from the harness; and storing the harness overnight.
- The bus driver will provide supervision to ensure that the student is properly secured.
- The school is responsible for: releasing the child from the seat upon arrival at school; storing the harness during school hours; fitting the student with the harness prior to the bus arriving; escorting the child on to the bus; and securing the harness on the bus.
- The bus company is responsible for ensuring that a bus with the appropriate equipment is available.
- Daycares, babysitters and other caregivers are accepting the roles of the parents/guardians and should refer to parents/guardians for responsibilities.
Acceptable Types of Seat Restraints
The acceptable seat restraint for use on Edmonton Public Schools special needs buses includes, and is limited to Canadian Standards Association (CSA) approved 4-point harnesses or lap-belts.
Harnesses can be purchased through Edmonton Public Schools' Distribution Centre -- phone 780-453-8000 or check online at http://distributioncentre.epsb.net/root/index.cfm. Costs associated with seat restraints will be paid by the school.
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