Performance Standard Procedures Person(s) Responsible (a)

Transcription

1 (a) 1) to and from center-based programs AA, ED is provided through contracted services with local providers. 2) Bussing is made available to all children enrolled in center-based classrooms, within designated busing areas. (a) Each agency must assist as many families as possible who need transportation in order for their children to attend the program in obtaining that transportation. La Crosse/Onalaska: Busing areas are determined annually based on numbers of children enrolled within certain neighborhoods in La Crosse/Onalaska and bus route time constraints. Tomah/Sparta/Viroqua/Prairie du Chien: Busing areas are determined annually based on numbers and pick-up/drop-off addresses of children enrolled and bus route time constraints. May of each program year Bus Route Map Enrollment Records 3) Children who live outside the busing areas are given a choice, when possible, of enrolling in a home-based program with reimbursement for mileage for Friday clusters, or providing their own transportation to a center-based program. 1

2 (b) 1) Busing is made available to all children enrolled in AA, ED center-based classrooms, within designated busing (b) When an agency has areas. decided not to provide 2) Children who live outside the busing areas are transportation services, given a choice, when possible, of enrolling in a either for all or a home-based program with reimbursement for portion of the children, mileage for Friday clusters, or providing their own it must provide transportation to a center-based program. reasonable assistance to 3) In all HSCFDC recruitment notices, transportation the families of such is advertised as busing is available within Head children to arrange Start bus routes. transportation to and from its activities. The specific types of assistance being offered must be made clear to all prospective families in the program s recruitment announcements. Ongoing; Aug-May Bus Route Map Enrollment Records Recruitment Notices 2

3 (c) 1) Invitations for transportation contract bids are AA, ED published under legal notices in the La Crosse (c) Each agency providing Tribune at the end of each contract in May. transportation services 2) Bids are evaluated upon receipt by the Board of is responsible for Directors. The Board reviews all bids and selects a compliance with the contractor for each Center service area. applicable requirements 3) are written to include all language from 45 of this Part. When an CFR 1310, and contractors are responsible for agency provides meeting all requirements therein. transportation through another organization or an individual, the agency must ensure the compliance of the transportation provider with the requirements of this part. May- June; at the end of each contract Board of Directors Meeting Agendas and Minutes 3

4 (d) 1) are written to include all language from 45 CFR 1310, and contractors are responsible for meeting all requirements therein. 2) All transportation contractors are given a complete copy of 45 CFR 1310 and are provided with updates as new regulations are imposed to the Head Start programs. 3) The AA provides each contractor with written procedures for posting on each bus, which are meant to be used as a reference tool for bus drivers and monitors. 4) Bus checks are conducted each school year by teachers or the Administrative Assistant on each bus used to transport Head Start children. Additional checks are done during the school year as needed. This is to ensure that regulations (d), (a), and are met. (d) Each agency providing transportation services, must 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. AA, ED May Contract addendums as needed On-Bus Procedures Bus Spot Check Form 4

5 (e) Not Applicable to HSCFDC, Inc. (e) Each agency providing transportation services must 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 (a) of this subpart. 5

6 (f) 1) All accidents involving vehicles contracted for AA, ED transportation services by HSCFDC must be reported (f) Each agency providing to the Administrative Assistant immediately. transportation services 2) The Administrative Assistant is responsible for must ensure that all notifying the Day Care Licensing Specialist as soon as accidents involving possible. vehicles that transport 3) As soon as a police report is submitted to HSCFDC, a children receiving such copy is forwarded to Day Care Licensing. services are reported in accordance with applicable State requirements. Ongoing; ASAP Wisconsin Motor Vehicle Accident Reports 6

7 (g) 1) At orientation, each parent is asked to fill out two emergency cards on which they list adults they (g) Each agency must authorize to release and/or accept custody of their ensure that children are child. A copy of the emergency card is kept on the only released to a bus at all times, and bus drivers or monitors are parent or legal instructed to ask for identification if they do not guardian, or other recognize the adult picking the child up from the bus. individual identified in Parents shall give special written permission to the writing by the parent or Head Start teacher/administrative office to release the legal guardian. This Head Start student to a minor between the ages of 17 regulation applies when and 12 years. children are not 2) In an emergency situation where named individuals transported and are are not available, parents will call the teacher to give picked up from the verbal permission to release the child to an adult not classroom, as well as currently listed on the emergency card. Identification when they are dropped will be verified. off by a vehicle 3) A copy of the emergency card for each child Agencies must receiving transportation services is kept at the main maintain lists of the office of the transportation contractor. persons, including 4) Copies of emergency cards are kept in the child s alternates in case of files at their center and in the Teacher s classroom emergency, and up-todate file. child rosters must 5) Parents who wish to add or remove an adult from the be maintained at all list of authorized adults must fill out two new times to ensure that no Emergency Card and submit them to the Teachers. child is left behind, 6) Up to date class lists and transportation logs are kept either at the classroom on each bus, and bus drivers/monitors are required to or on the vehicle at the keep accurate records of each child s riding history end of the route. for each ride to and from the HSCFDC classrooms. The transportation logs are submitted to the Teachers upon arrival to the center. 7) Bus Drivers/Monitors must check the bus from front to the back of the bus before the bus leaves the Head Start center and at the end of each route. AA, Teachers Ongoing Log Student Emergency Cards On-Bus Procedures 7

8 (a) 1) All contracted transportation providers are required to provide height-weight appropriate restraint (a) Effective June 21, systems; as stated in the 2004, each agency. providing 2) All HSCFDC employees are told of this requirement transportation services and are asked to notify the Administrative Assistant must ensure that each if they see that the restraint systems are not being vehicle used to used properly. transport children 3) The agency must write an annual waiver request if receiving such services they are unable to meet the regulation for heightweight is equipped for use of appropriate restraint systems. Waivers must height- and weightappropriate be approved by the regional office prior to non- child safety implementation. restraint systems. 4) In addition bus checks are completed twice per school year by teachers or the Administrative Assistant on each bus used to transport Head Start children. This is to ensure that regulations (d), (a), and are met. AA, ED Ongoing Bus Spot Check Form 8

9 (a) 1) All contracted transportation providers are required to provide height-weight appropriate restraint systems and reverse beepers; as stated in the. 2) The agency must write an annual waiver request if they are unable to meet the regulation for height-weight appropriate restraint systems. Waivers must be approved by the regional office prior to nonimplementation. (a) Effective January 18, 2006, each agency providing transportation services must ensure that children enrolled in its program are transported in school buses or allowable alternate vehicles that are equipped for use of height- and weightappropriate child restraint systems, and that have reverse beepers. As provided in 45 CFR (a), this paragraph does not apply to transportation services to children served under the homebased option for Head Start and Early Head Start. AA, ED Ongoing 9

10 (b)(1)&(2) Not Applicable- HSCFDC contracts for Services. (b) Effective February 20, 2001, each Head Start and Early Head Start agency receiving permission from the responsible HHS official to purchase a vehicle with grant funds for use in providing transportation services to children in its program or a delegate agency s program must ensure that the funds are used to purchase a vehicle that is either a school bus or an allowable alternate vehicle and is equipped (1) for use of height- and weight-appropriate child restraint systems; and (2) with a reverse beeper. 10

11 (c) Not Applicable- HSCFDC contracts for Services. (c) As provided in 45 CFR (a), paragraph (b) of this section does not apply to vehicles purchased for use in transporting children served under the homebased option for Head Start and Early Head Start. 11

12 ) All equipment maintenance and safety checks are completed by the transportation services contractor Each agency providing within the guidelines stated in their contracts. transportation services must 2) Documentation of safety checks and maintenance ensure that vehicles used to are kept with the transportation contractors and are provide such services are available to HSCFDC staff upon request. maintained in safe operating 3) Bus checks are conducted each school year by condition at all times. The teachers or the Administrative Assistant on each bus organization operating the used to transport Head Start children. Additional vehicle must establish and checks are done during the school year as needed. implement procedures for: This is to ensure that regulations (d), (a), and are met. (a) a thorough safety inspection of each vehicle on at least an annual basis through an inspection program licensed or operated by the State; (b) systematic preventive maintenance on such vehicles; and (c) daily pre-trip inspection of the vehicles by the driver. AA, ED Ongoing Bus Spot Check Form 12

13 Not Applicable- HSCFDC contracts for Services. Each agency providing transportation services must ensure that bid announcements for school buses and allowable alternate vehicles for use in transporting children in its program include the correct specifications and a clear statement of the vehicle s intended use. Such agencies must ensure that there is a prescribed procedure for examining such vehicles at the time of delivery to ensure that they are equipped in accordance with the bid specifications and that the manufacturer s certification of compliance with the applicable FMVSS is included with the vehicle. 13

14 (a) 1) All HSCFDC enrolled children who weigh less than 60 pounds required are to wear safety restraints (a) On a vehicle equipped while being transported to and from HSCFDC for use of such devices, classrooms. any child weighing 50 2) When the AA is notified of a child approaching the pounds or less is seated weight limit through regular height-weight checks, in a child restraint the transportation contractor is notified and the system appropriate to restraint system is switched out for a regular seat the height and weight belt. When a child boards the bus, the bus monitor of the child while the and/or driver (employed by the transportation vehicle is in motion. contractor) ensure that the child is seated and properly buckled into required safety restraints. 3) The bus monitor and/or driver require that all children remain seated and buckled into their restraints at all times when the bus is moving. 4) The agency must write an annual waiver request if they are unable to meet the regulation for heightweight appropriate restraint systems. Waivers must be approved by the regional office prior to nonimplementation. AA, ED Ongoing On-Bus Procedures 14

15 (b) 1) Children s backpacks and any other baggage are Teachers, stored under the children s seats while the bus is in Teacher motion. Aides, AA, (b) Baggage and other 2) The Bus Monitor and/or Driver are responsible for ED items transported in the ensuring that the aisle remains clear and that the passenger compartment doors and emergency exits remain unobstructed at are properly stored and all times. secured and the aisles remain clear and the doors and emergency exits remain unobstructed at all times. Ongoing On Bus Procedures 15

16 (c)(1) 1) Each Contractor provides a paid Bus Monitor whose presence is required on all HSCFDC trips during which children are present. 2) The Bus Monitor is responsible for assisting the Driver in ensuring the safety of the Head Start children while they ride, board, and/or exit the bus and for assisting the Driver during emergencies. 3) The agency must write an annual waiver request if they are unable to meet the regulation for bus monitors. Waivers must be approved by the regional office prior to non-implementation. 4) In the event a Bus Monitor waiver is approved, the bus driver will assume the bus monitor duties as stated in the transportation contract. (c) (1) Effective June 21, 2004, there is at least one bus monitor on board at all times, with additional bus monitors provided as necessary, such as when needed to accommodate the needs of children with disabilities. As provided in 45 CFR (a), this paragraph does not apply to transportation services to children served under the homebased option for Head Start and Early Head Start. AA, ED Ongoing On Bus Procedures Log 16

17 (a) 1) Contractors are required to provide qualified Bus Drivers for each HSCFDC bus route. 2) Bus Drivers must: a) Possess a valid CDL Driver s License at all times employed in transporting HSCFDC children; b) Pass a criminal background check (letter of certification sent to HSCFDC by Contractor); c) Pass a DOTI (Department of Motor Vehicles Official Transcript Information); and d) Pass a medical examination. e) Maintain certified basic first aid f) Report child abuse and neglect to the appropriate agency that comply with applicable State and local laws (a) Each agency providing transportation services must ensure that persons who drive vehicles used to provide such services, at a minimum: (1) in States where such licenses are granted, have a valid Commercial Driver s License (CDL) for vehicles in the same class as the vehicle the driver will be operating; and (2) Meet any physical, mental, and other requirements established under applicable law or regulations as necessary to perform job-related functions with any necessary reasonable accommodations. AA, ED Ongoing Contracted Bus Driver/Bus Monitor Training Checklist 17

18 (b)(1) 1) Contractors are required to provide qualified Bus Drivers for each HSCFDC bus route. 2) Bus Drivers must: a) Possess a valid CDL Driver s License at all times employed in transporting HSCFDC children; b) Pass a criminal background check (letter of certification sent to HSCFDC by Contractor); c) Pass a DOTI (Department of Motor Vehicles Official Transcript Information); and d) Pass a medical examination. e) Maintain certified basic first aid f) Report child abuse and neglect to the appropriate agency that comply with applicable State and local laws (b) Each agency providing transportation services must ensure that there is an applicant review process for use in hiring drivers, that applicants for driver positions must be advised of the specific background checks required at the time application is made, and that there are criteria for the rejection of unacceptable applicants. The applicant review procedure must include, at minimum: (2) all elements specified in 45 CFR (b), with additional disclosure by the applicant of all moving traffic violations, regardless of penalty; AA, ED Ongoing Contracted Bus Driver/Bus Monitor Training Checklist 18

19 (b)(2) 1) Contractors are required to provide qualified Bus Drivers for each HSCFDC bus route. (3) a check of the 2) Bus Drivers must: applicant s driving a) Possess a valid CDL Driver s License at all record through the times employed in transporting HSCFDC appropriate State children; agency, including a b) Pass a criminal background check (letter of check of the applicant s certification sent to HSCFDC by Contractor); record through the c) Pass a DOTI (Department of Motor Vehicles National Driver Official Transcript Information); and Register, if available in d) Pass a medical examination. the State; and e) Maintain certified basic first aid f) Report child abuse and neglect to the appropriate agency that comply with applicable State and local laws AA, ED Ongoing Contracted Bus Driver/Bus Monitor Training Checklist 19

20 (b)(3) 1) Contractors are required to provide qualified Bus Drivers for each HSCFDC bus route. (4) after a conditional offer 2) Bus Drivers must: of employment to the a) Possess a valid CDL Driver s License at all applicant and before times employed in transporting HSCFDC the applicant begins children; work as a driver, a b) Pass a criminal background check (letter of medical examination, certification sent to HSCFDC by Contractor); performed by a c) Pass a DOTI (Department of Motor Vehicles licensed doctor of Official Transcript Information); and medicine or osteopathy, d) Pass a medical examination. establishing that the e) Maintain certified basic first aid individual possesses the f) Report child abuse and neglect to the physical ability to appropriate agency that comply with applicable perform any job-related State and local laws functions with any necessary accommodations. AA, ED Ongoing Contracted Bus Driver/Bus Monitor Training Checklist 20

21 (a) Drivers 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 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. 1) Contractors are required to provide comprehensive training for all Bus Drivers and Monitors. 2) Training records are made available to HSCFDC staff upon request. 3) The Head Start AA will cover a portion of the required training prior to the start of each school year. The contractor will be responsible to train all staff that are unable to attend or are hired after the provided training. AA, ED Ongoing 21

22 (b) 1) Contractors are required to provide comprehensive training for all Bus Drivers and Monitors. 2) Training records are made available to HSCFDC staff upon request, and records are checked during the annual Self Assessment process. 3) The Head Start AA will cover a portion of the required training prior to the start of each school year. The contractor will be responsible to train all staff that are unable to attend or are hired after the provided training. (b) Drivers must receive a combination of classroom instruction and behindthe-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 and 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. AA, ED Ongoing Self Assessment Records 22

23 (c),(d)&(e) 1) Contractors are required to provide comprehensive training for all Bus Drivers and Monitors. 2) Training records are made available to HSCFDC staff upon request, and records are checked during the annual Self Assessment process. 3) The Head Start AA will cover a portion of the required training prior to the start of each school year. The contractor will be responsible to train all staff that are unable to attend or are hired after the provided training. (c) Drivers must also receive instruction on the topics listed in 45 CFR (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 the services qualify under the applicable driver training requirements in its State. AA, ED Ongoing 23

24 (f)(1)&(2) 1) Contractors are required to provide comprehensive training for all Bus Drivers and Monitors. 2) Training records are made available to HSCFDC staff upon request, and records are checked during the annual Self Assessment process. 3) The Head Start AA will cover a portion of the required training prior to the start of each school year. The contractor will be responsible to train all staff that are unable to attend or are hired after the provided training. (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. AA, ED Ongoing Contracted Bus Driver/Bus Monitor Training Checklist On the Bus Procedures 24

25 (a)&(b) Trip routing. 1) to and from center-based programs is AA, Teachers provided through contracted services with local ED providers. (a) Each agency providing transportation services must ensure that in planning fixed routes the safety of the children being transported is the primary consideration. (b) The agency must also ensure that the following basic principles of trip routing are adhered to: (1) The time a child is in transit to and from the Head Start or Early Head Start program must not exceed one hour unless there is not shorter route available or any alternative shorter route is either unsafe or impractical. (2) Vehicles must not be loaded beyond the maximum passenger capacity at any time. (3) Vehicles must not be required to back up or make U turns, except when necessary for reasons of safety of because of physical barriers. (4) Stops must be located to minimize traffic disruptions and to afford the driver a good field of view in front of and behind the vehicle. (5) When possible, stops must be located to eliminate the need for children to cross the street or highway to board or leave the vehicle. (6) If children must cross the La Crosse/Onalaska: Busing areas are determined annually based on numbers of children enrolled within certain neighborhoods in La Crosse/Onalaska and bus route time constraints. Tomah/Sparta/Viroqua/Prairie du Chien: Busing areas are determined annually based on numbers and pick-up/drop-off addresses of children enrolled and bus route time constraints. 2) Class lists are developed by the Administrative Assistant and submitted to the Contractor by August 10 th of each program year. 3) Contractors are responsible for planning bus routes based on pick-up/drop-off addresses and time constraints. Bus routes are planned to ensure that no child is on the bus for longer than one hour unless there is documented proof that no shorter route is available, or any alternative shorter route is either unsafe or impractical. 4) Bus routes timed at longer than hour must be reported to the Administrative Assistant for review. The Contractor is responsible for submitting and maintaining documentation about bus route length. 5) Contractors are required to meet all guidelines regarding route safety listed in 45 CFR ) In La Crosse/Onalaska, when there is a change in pick-up or drop-off location, parents submit a request to HSCFDC, and the Administrative Assistant Prior to start of classes; Ongoing File Update Forms Logs 25

26 street before boarding or after leaving the vehicle because curbside drop off or pick up is impossible, they must be escorted across the street by the bus monitor or another adult. (7) Specific procedures must be established for use of alternate routes in the case of hazardous conditions that could affect the safety of the children who are being transported, such as ice or water build up, natural gas line breaks, or emergency road closing. In selecting among alternatives, transportation providers must choose routes that comply as much as possible with the requirements of this section. notifies the Contractor. In outlying centers, classroom Teachers make the necessary route changes with the Contractor. 26

27 Safety education. 1) Teachers conduct pedestrian and transportation safety training with each child/family at the annual 1) (a) Each agency must provide orientation conference. Teachers, training for parents and 2) Contractors are responsible for CFSM children in pedestrian safety. conducting a minimum of three bus evacuation drills The training provided to children must be per classroom per program year. 2) AA developmentally appropriate 3) The Bus Evacuation Drill forms are submitted to the and an integral part of program Administrative Assistant for review. If concerns experiences. The need for an arise, the Administrative Assistant contacts the adult to accompany a preschool Teacher to discuss the issue and create an action child while crossing the street plan. The Teacher then follows-up with the must be emphasized in the Administrative Assistant regarding progress. training provided to parents and children. The required transportation and pedestrian safety education of children and parents, except for the bus evacuation drills required by paragraph (d) of this section, must be provided within the first thirty days of the program year. (b) Each agency providing transportation services, directly or through another organization or an individual, must ensure that children who receive such services are taught: (1) safe riding practices; (2) safety procedures for boarding and leaving the vehicle; (3) safety procedures in crossing the street to and from the vehicle at stops; (4) recognition of the danger zones around the vehicle; and (5) emergency evacuation procedures, including participating in an emergency 1) Orientation; August or at enrollment 2) September, January, & March of each program year Pedestrian & Safety Packet Head Start Bus Evacuation Drill Forms 27

28 evacuation drill conducted on the vehicle the child will be riding. (c) Each agency providing transportation services must provide training for parents that: (1) emphasizes the importance of escorting their children to the vehicle stop and the importance of reinforcing the training provided to children regarding vehicle safety; and (2) complements the training provided to their children so that safety practices can be reinforced both in Head Start and at home by the parent. (d) Each agency providing transportation services must ensure that at least two bus evacuation drills in addition to the one required under paragraph (b)(5) of this section are conducted during the program year. (e) Each agency providing transportation services must develop activities to remind children of the safety procedures. These activities must be developmentally appropriate, individualized and be an integral part of the Head Stat or Early Head Start program activities. 28

29 Children with AA, CFSM, disabilities. HSM, ED (a) Effective January 18, 2006 each agency must ensure that there are school buses or allowable alternate vehicles adapted or designed for transportation of children with disabilities available as necessary to transport such children enrolled in the program. This requirement does not apply to the transportation of children receiving home-based services unless school buses or allowable alternate vehicles are used to transport the other children served under the home based option by the grantee. Whenever possible, children with disabilities must be transported in the same vehicles used to transport other children enrolled in the Head Start or Early Head Start program. (b) Each Head Start, Early Head Start and delegate agency must ensure compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (42 USC et seq.), the HHS regulations at 45 CFR part 84, implementing Section 1) When children with disabilities are to be transported on Contractor buses, the Administrative Assistant contacts the Contractor to inform them of the child s specific needs. 2) The Contractor is responsible for ensuring that a bus with necessary equipment installed is used for the route in question. (ie, wheelchair restraint, wheelchair lift, etc). 3) For children for whom special circumstances or procedures are necessary, the CFSM, HSM, parents, and Administrative Assistant develop an Individual Plan to meet all needs. Copies of the Plan are submitted to the child s Teacher, the Parents, Central Office student file, and the. Ongoing; implemented at time of enrollment Log Individual Plan 29

30 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29USC 794), and the Head Start Program Performance Standards of Services for Children with Disabilities (45 CFR part 1308) as the apply to transportation services. (c) Each agency must specify any special transportation requirements for a child with a disability when preparing the child s Individual Education Plan (IEP) or Individual Family Service Plan (IFSP), and ensure that in all cases special transportation requirements in a child s IEP or IFSP are followed, including: (1) special pick-up and drop-off requirements; (2) special seating requirements; (3) special equipment needs; (4) any special assistance that may be required; and (5) any special training for bus drivers and monitors. 30

31 Coordinated AA, ED transportation. (a) Each agency providing transportation services must make reasonable efforts to coordinate transportation resources with other human services agencies in its community in order to control costs and to improve the quality and the availability of transportation services. (b) At a minimum, the agency must: (1) identify the true costs of providing transportation in order to knowledgeably compare the costs of providing transportation directly versus contracting for the service; (2) explore the option of participating in any coordinated public or private transportation systems existing in the community; and (3) where no coordinated public or private non-profit transportation system exists in the community, make every effort to identify other human services agencies also providing transportation services and, where reasonable, to participate in the establishment of a local transportation coordinating council. 1) HSCFDC currently contracts with local transportation providers to transport center-based children to and from classrooms. 2) Invitations for transportation contract bids are published under legal notices in the La Crosse Tribune every third year in May. 3) Bids are evaluated upon receipt by the Board of Directors. The Board reviews all bids and selects a contractor for each Center service area. 4) are written to include all language from 45 CFR 1310, and contractors are responsible for meeting all requirements therein. 5) Prior to releasing the request for bids to Contractors every third program year, the Administrative Assistant completes a comparison study to determine the true cost of contracting transportation services versus purchasing buses to provide transportation services directly. Results of the cost comparison study are submitted to the Board of Directors for review. The Board uses the information to make decisions regarding how to proceed in the provision of transportation services. 1-4) May- June; every third program year 5) March; every third program year Board of Directors Meeting Agendas and Minutes 31