What is the priority of a paraprofessional assigned to bus support?

• A. Drive the bus.
• B. Schedule routes.
• C. Administer medications.
• D. Monitor safety and assist with student needs as required.

Answer: (D)

The priority for a paraprofessional on bus duty is safety: continuously monitor students to prevent injuries and step in to help with their needs as required. This means staying near the students, ensuring seat belts and seating rules are followed, assisting with boarding and deboarding, helping with any mobility devices, and addressing behavior or medical concerns by following district procedures and communicating with the driver or supervisor.

Driving the bus belongs to the licensed driver, not the paraprofessional. Scheduling routes is an administrative task handled by transportation staff. Administering medications is outside the typical paraprofessional scope unless specifically trained and authorized, with proper protocols in place. In an emergency, the paraprofessional should follow the district’s emergency procedures, notify the driver, and seek additional help as needed.

So the main, defining role is to monitor safety and assist with student needs as required.