[Code of Federal Regulations]
[Title 45, Volume 4]
[Revised as of October 1, 2002]
From the U.S. Government Printing Office via GPO Access
[CITE: 45CFR1310.17]

[Page 252-253]
 
                        TITLE 45--PUBLIC WELFARE
 
CHAPTER XIII--OFFICE OF HUMAN DEVELOPMENT SERVICES, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH 
                           AND HUMAN SERVICES
 
PART 1310--HEAD START TRANSPORTATION--Table of Contents
 
                 Subpart B--Transportation Requirements
 
Sec. 1310.17  Driver and bus monitor training.

    (a) Each agency providing transportation services must ensure that 
persons employed to drive vehicles used in providing such services will 
have received the training required under paragraphs (b) and (c) of this 
section no later than 90 days after the effective date of this section 
as established by Sec. 1310.2 of this part. The agency must ensure that 
drivers who are hired to drive vehicles used in providing transportation 
services after the close of the 90 day period must receive the training 
required under paragraphs (b) and (c) prior to transporting any child 
enrolled in the agency's program. The agency must further ensure that at 
least annually after receiving the training required under paragraphs 
(b) and (c), all drivers who drive vehicles used to provide such 
services receive the training required under paragraph (d) of this 
section.
    (b) Drivers must receive a combination of classroom instruction and 
behind-the-wheel instruction sufficient to enable each driver to:
    (1) operate the vehicle in a safe and efficient manner;
    (2) safely run a fixed route, including loading and unloading 
children, stopping at railroad crossings and performing other 
specialized driving maneuvers;
    (3) administer basic first aid in case of injury;
    (4) handle emergency situations, including vehicle evacuation 
procedures;
    (5) operate any special equipment, such as wheelchair lifts, 
assistance devices or special occupant restraints;
    (6) conduct routine maintenance and safety checks of the vehicle; 
and
    (7) maintain accurate records as necessary.
    (c) Drivers must also receive instruction on the topics listed in 45 
CFR 1304.52(k)(1), (2) and (3)(i) and the provisions of the Head Start 
Program Performance Standards for Children with Disabilities (45 CFR 
1308) relating to transportation services for children with 
disabilities.
    (d) Drivers must receive refresher training courses including the 
topics listed in paragraphs (b) and (c) of this section and any 
additional necessary training to meet the requirements applicable in the 
State where the agency operates.
    (e) Each agency providing transportation services must ensure that 
drivers who transport children receiving

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the services qualify under the applicable driver training requirements 
in its State.
    (f) Each agency providing transportation services must ensure that:
    (1) the annual evaluation of each driver of a vehicle used to 
provide such services includes an on-board observation of road 
performance; and
    (2) before bus monitors assigned to vehicles used to provide such 
services begin their duties, they are trained on child boarding and 
exiting procedure, use of child restraint systems, any required 
paperwork, responses to emergencies, emergency evacuation procedures, 
use of special equipment, child pick-up and release procedures and pre- 
and post-trip vehicle check.