Behavior problems may arise during the field trip that have not developed during normal special needs route service. You must understand that the field trip is managed by the Driver and Assistant on the special needs bus that has been assigned the field trip. Normal safety measures are never suspended. One of the most common concerns of Driver Teams with chaperones on field trips is there standing while the school bus is in motion. You must be seated while the bus is moving.
Field trips pose other problems within the special needs bus.
Where the coolers, food, water cans and other supplies are kept within the bus is a major safety issue. You as a parent must be alert to support the safety issues and procedures on your special needs bus while you are a chaperone. Using specially-equipped buses on field trips or extracurricular activities when those same buses are also needed for regular route service prevents effective transportation service to students with disabilities. Students whose unique wheelchair characteristics or whose other mobility aids require special wheelchair securement limits that student to a specific bus with the necessary equipment configuration. When the bus is on a field trip the student dependent on a specific bus is not provided effective service.