This document provides information about special transportation services for Branson Public Schools. It lists the coordinator and staff for special education services. Transportation is considered a related service that is required by law to assist children with disabilities to benefit from special education. The IEP team determines if special transportation is needed based on a child's individual needs, which may include accommodations like wheelchairs, harnesses, or adult assistance. The roles of para-professionals and teachers regarding behavior issues on the bus are also outlined. Confidentiality of student information is required by law.

1. Special Transportation
Branson Public Schools
2013-2014

2. Special Services Department
• Ms. Julia Scott – Coordinator of Special
Education/Services
• Ms. Gwen Smith – Administrative Assistant for
Special Education/Services
• Process Coordinators
– Ms. Laura Eakins – ECSE and K Cedar Ridge
– Ms. Kelly Jenkins – 1-3 Cedar Ridge and K Buchanan
– Ms. Samantha VandenHoek – 1-3 Buchanan and 4-6
Cedar Ridge
– Ms. Samantha Henderson – 4-6 Buchanan and Jr. High
– Ms. Shawna Sartin – High School
– Ms. Kristen Arnette – 504 K-12
Special Service Office 9711 - Gwen

3. Children with Disabilities
Children with disabilities have a
right to a free appropriate
public education (FAPE).
Children differ in mental
abilities, sensory
development, physical traits,
emotional or social behaviors,
or communication skills.
Some may require
modification to their school
program or special education
and related services in order
to benefit from their
schooling.
– See Attached Pages

4. Transportation
as Related Service
• Federal and State Requirements
– Transportation is included in the definition
of related services
– Federal regulations define transportation to
include
• Travel to and from school and between schools
• Travel in and around school buildings
• Specialized equipment if necessary to provide
transportation to a disabled child.

5. What is Special Transportation
• Special Transportation as defined for
Branson Public Schools
– Separate Busing System
– Students with a variety of needs (i.e. wheel char,
para assistance, seat belt, booster seats
harnesses)
– Modifications and Accommodations
• these are required by law

6. Transportation
as Related Service
How is it determined
• The determination of Special
Transportation is decided at the IEP
meeting by the IEP team (LEA, Teacher,
Parent, etc.)
• Transportation is required to assist a child
with a disability to benefit from special
education.

7. Confidentiality
Confidentiality – the right that personal
information about a child and family is not
released without parent consent or only
when permitted or required by law.

8. Behaviors are messages
• Behaviors serve a purpose
• Find out what message the student is
trying to send

9. Why do they misbehave?
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Escape/avoidance
Attention
Control
Sensory needs
Poverty
Boredom

10. Strategies To Use
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Use a calm tone of voice
Be polite and respectful
Be fair
Give consistent responses
Use the student’s name
Use fewer words
Give clear, concise directives
Avoid empty threats
Give choices that are appropriate
for the setting

11. Strategies To Use Cont.
• Use positives when they do well
• Try to give 3 positives for every 1 negative
• Get to know the students & talk to them
about their interests
• Repeat directions calmly & avoid a power
struggle
• Once it’s been dealt with, move on

12. When Problems Occur?
Para-Professional’s Role:
* Relay messages (i.e. non specific)
* Transition from school to bus
* Safety
Teacher’s Role:
* Face to Face Contact
* Problem solve bus situations
* Inform Process Coordinators of bus
incidents

13. Questions?