W. Va. Code R. § 126-92-5

Current through Register Vol. XLI, No. 50, December 13, 2024

Section 126-92-5 - Regulations for Transporting Students with Disabilities Requiring Special Transportation

5.1. Students with disabilities' Individualized Education Programs (IEP), individualized health care plans, and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Pub. L. No. 93-112 Plans (504 Plan) shall specify the bus modifications and support required for transporting the student, when appropriate.

5.2. When transportation of a student with disabilities necessitates a transfer while en route, appropriate supervision at the point of transfer remains the responsibility of the county board.

5.3. Vehicle requirements for use in transporting students with disabilities shall be guided by this policy.

5.4. The operator and/or the bus aide, when appropriate, shall:

5.4.a. assist and supervise students with disabilities.

5.4.b. complete first aid and Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) training.

5.5. All operators, including substitutes and any operators who transfer to a bus transporting students with special health care needs, shall receive six hours of initial training for the transportation of students with special health care needs including the requirements of Policy 2422.7. All operators shall receive a minimum of one hour of refresher training that shall be completed annually.

5.5.a. The operator shall facilitate receiving the student and properly securing the wheelchair. Aides shall assist the operator as necessary.

5.6. All aides shall receive six hours initial training in the proper operation of the lift, restraints, emergency equipment, emergency procedures, and proper loading and unloading procedures for students with special health care needs. Any combination of classroom and hands-on training may be utilized. A minimum of one hour of refresher training shall be completed annually. This training is conducted by a WVDE certified trainer.

5.7. Any operator who normally does not operate a bus that transports students with special health care needs and accepts an assignment to transport those students, such as a field trip, shall be responsible for determining the need for refresher training in the proper operation of the lift, restraints, emergency equipment, emergency procedures, and proper loading and unloading procedures of students prior to beginning that assignment.

5.8. The county special education director/designee and/or school nurse shall provide the following information to the county transporation director (county director)/designee, operator, and aide:

5.8.a. student's name and address.

5.8.b. parent's name, address, home, and telephone number(s).

5.8.c. emergency health care plan information and/or individualized health care needs.

5.9. When the IEP, individualized health care plan, or 504 Plan requires that medicine be administered to a student with disabilities while being transported, the procedures shall be in accordance with Policy 2422.7.

5.9.a. The school nurse shall delegate to and train the aides in medication administration or in the delivery of medication and other basic or specialized health care procedures as specified in Policy 2422.7.

5.10. Parents/guardians of students with disabilities, pursuant to the IEP, shall assist in the transportation of their child by:

5.10.a. providing documentation on the special care needed.

5.10.b. bringing the student to the bus stop and providing the necessary supervision.

5.10.c. picking up the student at the designated time at the designated bus stop.

5.10.d. contacting the county transportation office if the child is to be absent.

5.11. The county board shall implement Policy 4373 in conjunction with 126 CSR 16, Policy 2419, Regulations for the Education of Students with Exceptionalities (Policy 2419).

5.12. The county director/designee shall be included in the IEP meeting when special transportation is required.

W. Va. Code R. § 126-92-5