Missouri Ozarks Community Action

Missouri Ozarks Community Action Head Start Transportation Services

Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to ensure the safe and effective operation of the MOCA Head Start transportation system.

This policy applies to all of the MOCA Head Start transportation system.

Authority 1310.10 General.

Policy

(a) MOCA Head Start will assist as many families as possible who need transportation in order for their children to attend the program in obtaining that transportation.

(b) When MOCA Head Start has decided not to provide transportation services, either for all or a portion of the children, it will provide reasonable assistance to the families of such children to arrange transportation to and from its activities. The specific types of assistance being offered will be made clear to all prospective families in the program's recruitment announcements.

(c) MOCA Head Start transportation services is responsible for compliance with the applicable requirements of this Part. When MOCA Head Start provides transportation through another organization or an individual, it will ensure the compliance of the transportation provider with the requirements of this part.

(d) MOCA Head Start transportation services will ensure that each vehicle used in providing such services is equipped with: (1) A communication system to call for assistance in case of an emergency: (2) Safety equipment for use in an emergency, including a charged fire extinguisher that is properly mounted near the driver's seat and a sign indicating its location; (3) A first aid kit and a sign indicating the location of such equipment; and (4) A seat belt cutter for use in an emergency evacuation and a sign indicating its location.

(e) MOCA Head Start transportation services will ensure that any auxiliary seating, such as temporary or folding jump seats, used in vehicles of any type providing such services are built into the vehicle by the manufacturer as part of its standard design, are maintained in proper working order, and are inspected as part of the annual inspection required under Sec. 1310.13(a) of this subpart. Missouri Ozarks Community Action Head Start Transportation Services

(f) Missouri Ozarks Community Action Head Start Transportation Services will ensure that all accidents involving vehicles that transport children receiving such services are reported in accordance with applicable State requirements.

(g) MOCA Head Start will ensure that children are only released to a parent or legal guardian, or other individual identified in writing by the parent or legal guardian. This policy applies when children are not transported and are picked up from the classroom, as well as when they are dropped off by a vehicle. MOCA Head Start will maintain lists of the persons, including alternates in case of emergency, and up-to-date child rosters must be maintained at all times to ensure that no child is left behind, either at the classroom or on the vehicle at the end of the route.

Procedure

(a) A fixed route will be established to accommodate families who need transportation for their child to attend Head Start.

(b) MOCA Head Start will provide assistance to families who are not on the route by helping organize car pool.

(c) Transportation services provided by MOCA Head Start, another organization, or an individual will ensure each vehicle used is equipped with: 1) Cell Phone 2) Fire Extinguisher (labeled) 3) First Aid Kit (labeled) 4) Height and weight-appropriate child safety restraint system 5) Seat Belt Cutter (labeled) 6) Reverse Beeper

(d) All MOCA Head Start vehicles will be purchased with seats built into the vehicle by the manufacturer. Seat Belts are to be inspected as part of the daily inspection, and maintained in proper working condition.

(e) All MOCA Head Start vehicles involved in an accident will report to; 1) The immediate Supervisor, and 2) The Director of Transportation

(f) All MOCA Head Start vehicles involved in an accident will fill out the; 1) Vehicle Accident Report Missouri Ozarks Community Action Head Start Transportation Services

(g) MOCA Head Start will ensure that children are escorted to and from MOCA Head Start property by parent, legal guardian or other individual identified in writing by the parent or legal guardian on the Enrollment Form or on the MOCA Authorized Person form.

1) An up to date children roster must be maintained to ensure no child is left behind at the end of the day, either in the classroom or on the bus.

2) All children will be signed in and out by parent, legal guardian or other individual identified in writing by the parent or legal guardian on the Enrollment Form or on the MOCA Authorized Person Form.

3) Area and Site Supervisors will review monthly the Child Sign In and Out log for completeness and accuracy.

4) Child Sign In and Out logs will be submitted to Central Office.

5) Child Sign In and Out will be maintained by the Director of Facilities/Transportation.

6) Error/Omissions on the Sign In/Out log will result in disciplinary action.