Necessary transportation is considered a related service under federal regulations defining the responsibilities of local school districts. Specific arrangements should be in the IEP for every student that needs transportation to access school programs or placements. In addition, travel training is included in the definition of special education in 34 CFR 300.39(a) (2)(ii), and is specifically defined in subsection 300.39(b)(4). In a number of cases, the issue of transportation for a student is critical but left as the last consideration by the IEP team.
We have seen cases where the school district has agreed that the student would be placed in a private day special education school, but refused to provide the parents with a school vehicle for transportation. Sometimes the placement is a significant distance from the child’s home. Even when the school agrees to reimburse the parents for mileage to take their child back and forth, the strain on parents and children can be significant.
Some ideas to help parents and advocates to deal with this problem include:
• Have school transportation officials attend the IEP meeting to help solve transportation issues.
• Consider requiring training for school staff to transport special needs children. Also, provide for transition support and training for children requiring special transportation.
• Question whether driving over 1hour each way to a private or alternative school placement defeats the IDEA requirement for the least restrictive environment close to the child’s home.
