Failure to Yield to Head Start Buses Against Law and Endangers Lives
August 20, 2004 - The Metropolitan Action Commission’s Head Start program will begin bus transportation for enrolled children beginning Monday, August 23.
Stops will take a little longer because of the extra precautions and Federal regulations that Head Start staff must follow in order to ensure the safety of the children on the buses.
Head Start program serves children between the ages of 3 and 5 years old, loading and unload takes longer because staff must have their parent’s signature and properly restrain children in safety seats prior to the bus moving to the next stop.
“We would like to ask motorists to exercise extreme caution and patience when following behind any Head Start bus,” said Lisa Gallon, Public Information Representative.
Motorists should obey stop signs that extend from the buses and flashing lights, which are similar to Metro School buses. Failure to yield is punishable by law and could endanger crossing children and parents.
Currently, Head Start has 24 routes throughout the city and expects to transport more than 550 children this school year. The program will provide early childhood education to 1,485 children.