School bus transportation of children with special health care needs

School systems are responsible for ensuring that children with special need s are safely transported on all forms of federally approved transportation provided by the school system, and a plan should be developed to provide th e most current and proper support to children with special transportation r equirements. This statement provides current guidelines for the protection of child passengers with specific health care needs, including those with a tracheostomy, those requiring use of car seats, or those transported in wh eelchairs. Guidelines that apply to general school transportation should be followed, including the training of staff, provision of nurses or aides if needed, establishment of a written emergency evacuation plan, and a compre hensive infection control program. Research provides the basis for recommendations concerning occupant securem ent for children in wheelchairs and children with other special needs who a re transported on a school bus. Pediatricians can help their patients by be ing aware of guidelines for restraint systems for children with special nee ds and by remaining informed of new resources. Pediatricians can also play an important role at the state and local level in the development of school bus specifications.