Course Descriptions

The eight core courses of this program is mandatory training for New Jersey School Transportation Supervisors. This certificate program is a cooperative effort between Rutgers Center for Government Services and the School Transportation Supervisors of New Jersey, is designed to meet the professional and educational needs of school district transportation supervisors, bus contractors, and those interested in enhancing their knowledge in these areas.

Management and Supervisory Skills 

27 hours
This course covers the roles, responsibilities, and relationships of a manager with staff, other departments, and administrators. The course explores topics and skills that are necessary to oversee the school transportation function in areas such as management, human resources, and communication. Topics include strategic planning; hiring, evaluating, and disciplining employees; identifying and forming a leadership style; motivating staff; building team relationships; and building internal and external communication networks.

Transporting Students with Disabilities 

21 hours
Transporting students with disabilities requires special knowledge and skills. Course topics include related laws and regulations, understanding the Individual Education Program (IEP), identifying roles and responsibilities within the transportation department, preparing for and responding to emergencies, safe loading and unloading practices using adaptive equipment, and strategies for effective communication and behavioral management.

Codes, Statutes and Regulations

15 hours

This course discusses the regulatory codes, statutes, and rules that govern the school transportation department's operations. Instructors explore the various rules and regulations, how they are developed, and how they impact the daily functions of the department.

Employee Training and Safety Education

21 hours

This course discusses the development of effective school bus driver and student training programs. School bus driver training topics include general vehicle training, drug and alcohol testing, blood borne pathogens, accident reporting, defensive driving, and more. Additional course topics include selecting appropriate methods for developing and delivering effective school bus driver and student training.

Emergency Management 

12 hours

Course attendees will learn the steps involved in developing an emergency plan for their department. The course explains emergency management on all levels, including district, municipal, and state responsibilities. Additional topics include the types of emergencies, communication, and accident procedures.

Financial Operations 

18 hours

This course covers the financial components related to school transportation. Topics include accounting and budget, payroll, state aid, bidding, and contracting for transportation services.

Fleet Management

12 hours

This course discusses the various components of overseeing the Transportation Maintenance Department. Topics include preparing for NJ Motor Vehicle inspection, garage safety, PEOSHA regulations, and types of equipment used for special needs transportation.

Routing and Scheduling

18 hours

Students will learn the aspects of safely developing bus routes and criteria for establishing bus stops. Other topics include bus routing, routing techniques, types of routes, route analysis, creative scheduling, and system efficiency.

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