New National Research on the Impact of Transportation Consistency
Alternative Student Transportation for children in early childhood education ensures timely and safe access to educational settings, facilitating consistent participation in learning and social activities which are crucial for cognitive and social development during these formative years.
Early childhood education students can refer to kindergarteners or preschoolers. In the U.S., early childhood education is defined as the teaching of children from birth up to the age of eight, which is the typical age of a third grader. Reliable transportation may not be provided by a school or district at the early childhood education level, and that’s where EverDriven solution comes in – providing young students access to alternative transportation options to and from school.
Alternative Student Transportation uses small-capacity vehicles, such as SUVs, sedans, and minivans. These vehicles can be customized to incorporate features that meet the needs of young passengers. From specialized seating arrangements to safety vests, these adaptations allow for more comfortable journeys and protect the well-being of early childhood education students.
Local Educational Agencies may use subgrant funds under the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) to provide preschool-aged children with school transportation services.
Districts participating in Title I’s schoolwide funding program can allocate these resources to extend school transportation services to all students in need, regardless of whether those students individually qualify as low-income. This approach ensures equitable access to educational opportunities for preschoolers and kindergarteners within the district while improving school attendance.