NHTSA Guidelines
Guideline for the Safe Transportation of Pre-school Age Children in School Buses
Original NHTSA document on using child safety restraints on school buses for children below kindergarten age/size. Posted as a still-useful reference.
Choosing the Correct School Bus For Transporting Pre-School Age Children
The transportation of pre-school age children in school buses has increased significantly, and will continue to increase. Organizations providing pre-school transportation extend beyond traditional school systems to include child care and Head Start programs. Regardless of which organization is transporting pre-school age children, the goal of all is to do so safely. This NHTSA publication will help you select the type of school bus you need and determine the features and equipment necessary to allow you to transport safely your pre-school passengers.
Safe Kids Worldwide Guidelines
Best Practice Guidance for Transporting Children on School Buses
Safe Kids Worldwide (SKW) has provided this document as a reference for developing and implementing national, state, and local guidance and best practices regarding pupil transportation in school buses.
NASDPTS Position Papers and Reports
The National Association of State Directors of Pupil Transportation Services (NASDPTS) issues statement papers reflecting best practice on school transportation topics. Find links to all position papers at https://www.nasdpts.org/Position-Papers.
NASDPTS Papers and Reports of Note
Lap/Shoulder Belts in School Buses (May 2020) See the NASDPTS paper (pdf)
Sharing Student Health and Medical Information (Report by Peggy Burns, Esq., Oct 2014) See the NASDPTS paper (pdf)
NTSB Reports
The National Transportation Safety Board is a governmental, non-regulatory agency that thoroughly investigates all significant U.S. crashes, including those involving school buses. A webpage that compiles and links to student-transportation-related NTSB reports can be found on the NASDPTS site. At www.nasdpts.org, look under Resources or go to https://www.nasdpts.org/NTSB-Reports-Recommendations.
Head Start Performance Standards
Head Start providers that transport children are required to follow Head Start Performance Standards, CFR 45, 1303 Subpart F. (In 2016, this replaced Part 1310.) While the standards are requirements anyone transporting children to/from/during Head Start, they also provide an example of best practice policy for any student transporter. The standards include requiring the use of school buses or alternative allowed vehicles (Multi-Function School Activity Buses), that at least one non-driver monitor be on board, and that each child be properly secured in a CSRS.
Go to Head Start Performance Standards for Transportation