How would you handle the bus situation?

mommyof4boys

We've had problems with our morning bus driver all school year.  She's late, unapologetic, has no tolerance for our children's individual differences.  Matthew has some physical needs that make it hard for him to get on and off of the bus.  His hips tilt outwards and his tibias go inward.  He is unsteady and his balance is off.  I help him on and off of the bus and the school does the same.

Today I gave him more support getting on the bus and let the driver know that she'd have to have a bit more patience than normal with the situation.  Her response was "Oh, I have tons of patience!" that was said in a snotty tone after she yelled at Matthew for being slow, then she shut the bus doors and drove away.

 I called trasnportation who told me that she's not contractually able to get out of her seat to assist (I said I'd do it).  Then she told me that parents aren't supposed to be on the bus.  If my kid needs help and she's not supposed to do it and I can't get on the bus to help who is supposed to help him?

I'm just beside myself with this!  We've had nothing but issues with this person since the first day of school!

akimbo

That's unacceptable on so many levels.  DS has an aide on his bus (all the preschool kidos ride in a carseat) but more often than not DH or I will physically bring him on the bus and put him in his seat.  DS is way to small to even successfully navigate the stairs.

Suggest calling an emergency IEP meeting requesting an aide if you're not able to get on the bus.  Be firm, un-emotional, state the facts and stand your ground. GL!

bugmommy

Ditto Auntie.  He has a medical condition and they have to make allowances and assist him or at the very least allow you to do so.  You've tried to be nice and handle it on your own, but since they are making that impossible to do so, you have to go through the IEP stuff.  Play nice and just put the emotion free version in the IEP.  People are really annoying.

mommyof4boys

My sister said the same thing, call an emergency IEP meeting.  I also called the director of special services to discuss this with her.  I'm so done with this.  It's been ALL YEAR with this driver.