The School Bus Safety Company (SBSC) announced today they have just completed the update and re-creation of their Train the Trainer Instructional Course for school bus driver trainers. The Train the Trainer Instructional Course is an advanced educational course for trainers in the school bus industry.  It can be delivered online or from a thumb drive.  The course includes seven programs and a 50 question final exam. Jeff Cassell, President of SBSC, explained, “The most important factor in providing safe student transportation is the training received by the drivers.  The quality of this training is a direct result of the knowledge and skills of the trainers providing the training. In many cases, a trainer is a promoted senior driver who has never been properly trained to be a trainer and is left to navigate the process without guidance. Going through this course ensures that every trainer knows all the techniques and methods to provide the most effective training to the drivers. This will result in them doing it right, the first time, every time in everything they need to do to safely transport students. There are many techniques to maximize information retention when providing the training to the drivers. This course explains all the techniques and how and when to use them to instill the safest behaviors into the drivers. Our original Train The Trainer Certification Course is now almost ten years old and we have included many improvements in this new updated course. If you already have a thumb drive copy of our original course, upgrade to this updated course for a discounted price. If you access our courses online, you will automatically have access to this new course for no additional cost. Good trainers are rare because we never make the time and effort to help them become professionally trained trainers. They are usually left to figure it out for themselves. Trainers going through this course will have a whole new set of skills to become the best trainers they can be.” To purchase this course, or obtain further information, contact Kelly Turner (kturner@schoolbussafetyco.com)  or call 866 275 7272.  

The start of the school year is always a whirlwind for transportation professionals. With challenges like driver shortages and fluctuating student numbers, coordinating transportation can quickly become overwhelming. Amidst these challenges, one group of students requires special attention—McKinney-Vento students. Understanding McKinney-Vento Students The McKinney-Vento Act defines homeless children as “individuals who lack a fixed, regular, and adequate night-time residence.” This includes students: • Sharing housing due to loss of housing or economic hardship • Living in motels, hotels, trailer parks, or campgrounds due to lack of alternative accommodations • Residing in emergency or transitional shelters • Staying in places not meant for regular sleeping accommodations (e.g., park benches, public spaces, abandoned buildings) According to the Learning Policy Institute, the number of students experiencing homelessness is rising, with a 39 percent increase in the last ten years. These students often move frequently, making it challenging for school districts to plan consistent transportation routes. Their needs require a flexible, adaptive approach to ensure they have the same educational opportunities as their peers. McKinney-Vento students face numerous challenges that can impact their education. The instability in their living situations makes it hard to establish a routine. They may also face social and emotional difficulties due to their circumstances. Ensuring that these students have reliable transportation to and from school is crucial in providing them with an opportunity to proper education. Impact on School Districts Routing Changes: McKinney-Vento students move often or live in temporary housing, making it difficult to establish consistent transportation routes. The frequent need to reroute buses for a small group of students may strain resources and increase operational costs. Geographical Spread: McKinney-Vento students may live far from their school of origin, requiring long and complex routes. Coordinating these routes while maintaining efficiency and safety is a significant logistical challenge. Focusing on McKinney-Vento students can result in delays and inconsistencies for other students, causing inconvenience and affecting attendance. Alternative Student Transportation can play a vital role in addressing these challenges efficiently and effectively, alleviating strain and ensuring reliable services for all students. McKinney-Vento students face numerous challenges that can impact their education. The instability in their living situations makes it hard to establish a routine. The Case for Alternative Transportation Efficiency and Flexibility: Alternative Student Transportation can adapt quickly to the changing needs of McKinney-Vento students when traditional bus routes may not be feasible due to their unpredictable schedules and living conditions. Alternative transportation solutions, that use smaller vehicles, offer the flexibility to accommodate these variations without disrupting existing routes. Save Time and Resources: Rerouting an entire bus system for a small group of students can be both time-consuming and resource intensive. By incorporating alternative transportation, school districts save time by avoiding frequent route adjustments and can focus on optimizing their primary routes while still ensuring McKinney-Vento students receive the consistent transportation they need. Safety First: Safety is the top priority for any student transportation program, and alternative transportation options are no exception. The smaller vehicles used in alternative transportation provide a secure and controlled environment for McKinney-Vento students. Equipped with modern safety features and driven by trained professionals who understand these students’ unique needs, the students’ well-being will be ensure every step of the way. Implementing Alternative Student Transportation Partner With Experienced Providers: Collaborating with an Alternative Student Transportation partner can help school districts seamlessly integrate alternative transportation solutions into their existing programs. These providers have the expertise and resources to handle the logistical challenges associated with transporting McKinney-Vento students, ensuring a smooth and efficient process. Maintain Quality and Accountability: When selecting a transportation provider, it’s important to choose one that prioritizes safety, reliability, and accountability. Look for a partner that conducts thorough background checks on drivers, provides ongoing driver education, maintains high standards through ongoing safety checks, and has a proven track record of delivering quality service. By partnering with a reputable provider like EverDriven, school districts can ensure that McKinney-Vento students receive the best possible transportation experience. A Flexible, Efficient, and Safe Solution Navigating the complexities of transporting McKinney-Vento students can be challenging, but it shouldn’t be overwhelming. School districts can provide a more flexible, efficient, and safe solution for these vulnerable students using Alternative Student Transportation. Partnering with an alternative transportation provider can set transportation professionals and McKinney-Vento students up for a successful school year, ensuring every student can thrive. Courtney Zell, EverDriven’s vice president of marketing, is a dedicated leader with a passion for student safety. With a rich background in strategic marketing, Courtney is devoted to building a brand that represents all students, ensuring that EverDriven’s services are inclusive and equitable for every child in need. Learn more about EverDriven at www.EverDriven.com.

Presented by Q’STRAINT As Q’STRAINT rockets into its 40th anniversary, they celebrate their out-of-this-world contributions to the safety of school bus transportation for students with disabilities. Since its launch in 1984, Q’STRAINT has been a trailblazer, engineering wheelchair securement solutions that have not only set industry standards but have also propelled the lives of countless students into new realms of safety, accessibility, and independence. This milestone is more than a countdown to success—it’s a celebration of the liftoff and flight path that has brought Q’STRAINT to the forefront of school bus safety for four decades. At the core of Q’STRAINT’s mission is a commitment to launching students into a future of safety, independence, and confidence. This mission is particularly crucial in school transportation, where the ability to travel safely to and from school is fundamental to a student’s education and overall well-being. Q’STRAINT securement systems have played a key role in empowering students with disabilities, giving them the confidence to embark on their journeys independently. For many students, the school bus is more than just a mode of transportation—it’s a launch pad for their daily adventures, enabling them to participate fully in school life. By ensuring that these students can travel safely and securely, Q’STRAINT has helped dismantle barriers to education and inclusion, ensuring that every child has the opportunity to soar. The Early Launch: Addressing a Critical Need In the early 1980s, the need for safe and reliable transportation solutions for wheelchair users was becoming increasingly apparent. School buses, in particular, were facing challenges in accommodating students with disabilities safely. Many schools lacked the necessary equipment to secure wheelchairs effectively, leading to potential safety risks during transit. It was in this context that Q’STRAINT introduced its first wheelchair securement system, revolutionizing the industry by providing a solution that was both easy to use and highly effective. Q’STRAINT’s first wheelchair securement system was the catalysts  that ignited a new era in transportation safety. By introducing the original Q’STRAINT system, featuring a four-point securement method. This breakthrough provided a safe, reliable, and easy-to-use solution that was particularly significant for school buses, where the need for intuitive and effective securement systems was mission-critical. Expanding the Orbit: Innovations in School Bus Securement Over the past 40 years, Q’STRAINT has continued to push the boundaries, introducing cutting-edge products designed to meet the evolving needs of the school bus segment. The company’s relentless pursuit of innovation has led to the development of advanced securement solutions that address the specific challenges faced by students with disabilities, ensuring they can board their buses with confidence and security. One of the key innovations in this area has been the development of the QRT-360. This product was designed with the school bus environment in mind, providing a robust solution that ensures the safety of wheelchair-using students during their daily commute. The QRT-360’s ease of use, combined with its advanced safety features, has made it a popular choice among school districts across the country. The Power Behind the Mission: Our Committed Sales Team Q’STRAINT’s success in the school bus segment is not only the result of its innovative products but also the dedication and passion of its committed sales team. This team of professionals has been instrumental in driving the adoption of Q’STRAINT securement systems across school districts nationwide. With their deep understanding of both the product and the unique needs of their clients, Q’STRAINT’s sales team has helped to build strong, lasting relationships with school districts, transportation providers, and advocacy groups. “At Q’STRAINT, we understand that every securement solution we provide is more than just a product—it’s a commitment to the safety and well-being of students with disabilities. It’s a responsibility we take very seriously, and we’re proud to be part of a team that helps schools across the country launch safer journeys every day.” — Trisha Nolen, Southern Regional Manager Looking Ahead: The Future of School Bus Safety As Q’STRAINT celebrates its 40th anniversary, the company is not only reflecting on its past achievements but also looking ahead to the future. The challenges faced by students with disabilities are continually evolving, and Q’STRAINT is committed to staying at the forefront of innovation in this area. Another area of future development is the expansion of Q’STRAINT’s training and education programs. As new securement technologies are introduced, it will be essential to ensure that school bus drivers and aides are fully trained in their use. Q’STRAINT is committed to providing the resources and support needed to ensure that its products are used to their fullest potential. Q’STRAINT’s 40th anniversary is a testament to the company’s unwavering commitment to transportation safety and innovation. Over the past four decades, Q’STRAINT has made significant contributions to the school bus segment, ensuring that students with disabilities can travel safely and confidently to and from school. Through its pioneering securement solutions, advocacy efforts, and partnerships, Q’STRAINT has set the standard for school bus safety and has had a profound impact on the lives of countless students and their families. As Q’STRAINT looks to the future, the company remains dedicated to advancing the cause of transportation safety for all wheelchair users. By continuing to innovate and collaborate with industry partners, Q’STRAINT will undoubtedly play a key role in shaping the future of school bus safety for the next generation of students, ensuring that every journey is a launch toward a brighter, safer future.

The School Bus Safety Company (SBSC) announced today they have just completed the update and re-creation of their Train the Trainer Instructional Course for school bus driver trainers. The Train the Trainer Instructional Course is an advanced educational course for trainers in the school bus industry.  It can be delivered online or from a thumb drive.  The course includes seven programs and a 50 question final exam. Jeff Cassell, President of SBSC, explained, “The most important factor in providing safe student transportation is the training received by the drivers.  The quality of this training is a direct result of the knowledge and skills of the trainers providing the training. In many cases, a trainer is a promoted senior driver who has never been properly trained to be a trainer and is left to navigate the process without guidance. Going through this course ensures that every trainer knows all the techniques and methods to provide the most effective training to the drivers. This will result in them doing it right, the first time, every time in everything they need to do to safely transport students. There are many techniques to maximize information retention when providing the training to the drivers. This course explains all the techniques and how and when to use them to instill the safest behaviors into the drivers. Our original Train The Trainer Certification Course is now almost ten years old and we have included many improvements in this new updated course. If you already have a thumb drive copy of our original course, upgrade to this updated course for a discounted price. If you access our courses online, you will automatically have access to this new course for no additional cost. Good trainers are rare because we never make the time and effort to help them become professionally trained trainers. They are usually left to figure it out for themselves. Trainers going through this course will have a whole new set of skills to become the best trainers they can be.” To purchase this course, or obtain further information, contact Kelly Turner (kturner@schoolbussafetyco.com)  or call 866 275 7272.