The Maine Department of Education encourages the provision of transportation to children attending public preschool programs in compliance with guidelines established by National Highway Traffic Safety Agency (NHTSA). Transportation will ensure preschool access to children who may otherwise not be able to attend the program.
Maine Education and School Statutes, Title 20-A, 5401, 3-A, provides a provision for a waiver by the education commissioner for the requirement that school administrative units provide transportation for public preschool students.
Refer to NHTSA for federal safety guidelines:
- Safe transportation of preschool-age children in school buses
- Proper use of child safety restraint systems on school buses
- Choose the correct school bus for transporting preschool-age children
A public four-year-old program that is in partnership with Head Start must adhere to the Head Start Transportation and Safety Requirements found in 45 CFR Part 1310.
For specific information about transportation requirements/procedures, contact the Maine DOE School Transportation Office.