2.15 Transportation

The existing routes within the district servicing elementary and secondary schools are expected to be able to provide satisfactory transportation for the majority of students in all programs. An additional route, or a modification to an existing route, may be required throughout the year to meet the needs of some exceptional students. In certain situations alternate means of transportation to school board transportation will be provided either by entering into an agreement with another facility or by a direct purchase of service.

Once placement in a special education program has been determined, with parental support, through an IPRC the Lambton Kent District School Board Transportation Department is notified. The Department will then make appropriate arrangements for the transportation of the student. Specialized buses are available for transporting students with physical disabilities. The information gathered during the IPRC process is used by the Transportation Department to make a determination of the need for specialized transportation. Transportation arrangements for students attending Provincial and Demonstration Schools are made through the district Transportation Department. Any questions or requests for information regarding transportation in the district can be forwarded to the Transportation Department Manager.

A limited summer school program is offered in the district through provincial grants. These grants do not provide for the cost of transportation.

There has been no requirement for transportation in the district’s care, treatment, and correctional facilities (START Group Home, CHOICES Youth Centre, and CKICS) due to the residential nature of the program.

All board transportation providers meet board and ministry safety criteria. Specialized training is provided on an on-going basis. Prior to any drivers receiving their license they must have thirty hours of in-vehicle training and twelve to fourteen hours of driver improvement training (defensive driving). In addition to that, the Lambton Kent District School Board requires that all drivers have four hours of bus evacuation training and first-aid training. On-going professional development is provided in first-aid and driver improvement.