If the parents are going to transport their child to and from school, take these steps:

1. Document the new arrangement.

“If the parents are willing to transport, be sure to document that in the ‘Additional Notes’ section of the IEP,” Engler says. “However, I would not remove transportation as a related service because you still want to show that you believe the student needs this related service.”

2. Make it clear that the parents can change their minds.

Assure parents that you are ready and willing to resume transporting the student at any time and document this too, Engler says. You don’t want to make the parents feel burdened by accepting the offer to transport their child in case they do change their minds.

3. Offer reimbursement.

Offer to reimburse the parents for their mileage at the IRS-approved rate, as well as any toll charges they may incur in connection with transporting their child to and from school, Engler says.

4. Maintain a copy of the parent’s vehicular insurance card.

Make a copy of the parent’s auto insurance information to ensure that it is up to date and will cover any accident or injury that may occur in the course of transporting the student, Engler advises.

5. Do not discourage parents from taking advantage of transportation.

“The one thing that schools don’t want to do is to pressure parents into agreeing to transport their student in lieu of district-provided transportation,” Engler says. “There should be no discouraging parents from taking of advantage of rights they have under the IDEA.”

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What to do when parents offer to transport their special needs child to school

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