WASHINGTON, D.C. — A recent Head Start program instruction announced a third vehicle option for transporting Head Start students thanks to a provision of Public Law 110-28, signed this past May by President Bush, as well as on ongoing study being performed by the U.S. Department of Transportation “on occupant protection on Head Start transit vehicles.”

Initially, Head Start students had to be transported to and from their local program by a vehicle that met all school bus safety standards. Now, not only are allowable alternative vehicles included in the list of employable school transportation, but agencies may now utilize vehicles that meet all specifications of an allowable alternate vehicle, except those “relating to Federal seat spacing requirements and Federal supporting seating requirements related to compartmentalization,” according to a program instruction recently sent out from the Administration for Children and Families (ACF).

As of June 24, Head Start employees are not allowed to use any other type of vehicle to drive students to and from their local programs, such as minivans or non-conforming vans. Agencies funds can now only be used to cover transportation with a school bus or allowable alternate vehicle, including those without the seating requirements.

Previously, Head Start grantees could claim the costs related to parents driving their children as part of their non-federal share, which is defined as the 20 percent of the total annual budget that agencies must obtain from contributions, donations, discounts and volunteer services. Since all children must now be transported in strictly-defined vehicles, the portion formerly counted as non-federal share attributed to parents’ individual costs for driving their own children will not be allowed.

Local programs are being told to work with their regional offices to explore their options. Head Start regional offices may allow a program that applies for a waiver up to a year while that program investigates other sources for their non-federal share.