Transportation

First Time Riders Program

What is the First Time Riders Program?

"First Time Riders" is an educational and awareness program designed to promote school bus safety for young children and their parents.

The First Time Riders program familiarizes young school children with school buses to help them overcome any fears they may have about riding on the "big yellow bus".

It also informs children and their parents of school bus safety procedures, including how to get on and off the bus safely. The program is planned as a fun learning experience for all participants.

Who is it For?

The First Time Riders program is primarily designed for young children beginning school and regularly riding a school bus, however all new students can benefit from the program since school buses are often used throughout the school year for field trips. Parents will appreciate the information the program provides about school bus safety procedures.

How Does it Work?

The First Time Riders program, sponsored by the Upper Canada District School Board, bus contractors and school volunteers is approximately 45 minutes in length and normally includes:

• a safety video,
• an actual ride on a school bus, and
• a review of school bus safety procedures.

The program begins with the presentation of a children's video entitled Winnie the Pooh's Great School Bus Adventure. Afterwards, the children are asked to proceed to the bus where the safety rules learned from the video are reviewed prior to the children boarding the bus with their parents.

The school bus is driven, with children and parents aboard, to a designated area at the same school or a different school. The children and parents then exit the bus and the safety rules are reviewed once again.

Particular attention is provided to the safety procedures concerning boarding and walking in front of the bus.

Parents are also reminded of other important school bus rules such as supervising young children while waiting at the bus stop and ensuring that all children are picked up and dropped off on time.

When and Where Does it Happen?

The First Time Riders program will be scheduled for a specific school day during the month of September. The program will be provided at the school that your child attends for kindergarten.

You will receive notification from your school concerning the date and time of this program.

Why?

School bus transportation is extremely safe. To maintain this safety record, children and parents need to understand and abide by important school bus safety rules.

The First Time Riders program provides an opportunity for the Upper Canada District School Board and school bus contractors to familiarize children and parents with school bus safety.