Simple ways to get your child ready for the school bus
School bus companies work hard every year to ensure the safety of the children they transport. Drivers undergo extensive training and buses go through high-tech maintenance checks to get them ready for the school year. But according to First Student, which transports 6 million children every day, parents can also do their part to make sure all children arrive at school – and back home – safe and sound.
“It is important for parents to be involved in every part of their child’s education, including school bus safety,” said Gary Catapano, senior vice president, First Student Safety. “Working together we can help ensure the safety of each student riding the bus.”
Catapano offers a few simple things parents can do to get their children ready to ride the bus:
• Meet your child’s bus driver. It’s important for your child to know his bus driver’s name and bus number.
• Set up a consistent routine with your child. Kids, like adults, thrive on consistency. Begin preparing for school at least a week in advance by waking up and eating breakfast earlier. Once school begins, establish a schedule and routine, which includes having plenty of time to walk to the bus stop.
• Make sure your child’s belongings are clearly marked. Put your child’s name and bus number inside her backpack where it’s easy to access.
• Talk to your child about bullying before the school year begins. First Student drivers are extensively trained on how to recognize and prevent bullying, so your child should know that the driver is a trusted adult who can help if bullying occurs at school or on the bus.
• Talk to your child after school every day. If you sit down and ask your child every day about his school day, your child will feel more comfortable telling you if there is an issue.
For information and school bus safety tips visit www.firststudentinc.com.