Maine Township HSD 207
Transportation for Students with Disabilities and Special Health Care Needs 

The safe transportation of a child with special needs requires a plan that considers and adapts the transportation services to the individual needs of the student. The appropriate school team (e.g. IEP team) will determine and outline the services of the Transportation Plan as either a sub-part of the IEP or 504 Plan when transportation is a related service. The transportation plan considers the range of transportation services, including the use of supplementary aids and modifications available to students with disabilities to address questions about the appropriate mode of transportation and safety for each student.

As we have monitored the mask-optional environments in our schools along with our community maintaining a low COVID-19 level, mask-wearing is optional for those students that utilize special transportation services. The decision to wear a mask is still based on personal preference and should be informed by the individual’s personal level of risk.

As part of the mandate of a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE), related services including transportation are required when determined necessary to assist a child with a disability to benefit from special education. Transportation as defined in The Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act (IDEIA) includes:

• Travel to and from school and between schools;
• Travel in and around school buildings; and
• Specialized equipment (such as special or adaptive buses, lifts, and ramps), if required to provide special transportation for a child with a disability.

Transportation Route Plan

Maine Township HSD 207’s Transportation Coordinator, Erin Dunleavy will schedule and communicate all specific details to the appropriate contracted transportation company per the individual transportation request. Keep in mind that all new requests typically take up to three (3) school days in order for the student to be assigned a route. The student’s case manager or designee provides a detailed request outlining any additional support required.

Questions Regarding Transportation

• Route Information is shared with families either by phone or Email notification prior to the first day of transportation services. The Assigned contracted transportation company along with an estimated pick-up and drop-off time will be provided. If assigned to SafeWay or American Taxi, the route information is available via the online App (see below for more information).
• Extreme Delay in Pick-up or Drop-off occurs contact:
  • 1) School – East (847) 692-8469 | South (847) 692-8163 | West (847) 692-5945;
  • 2) Transportation Coordinator at Maine 207 and/or;
  • 3) Contracted Transportation Company (see below)
• If Transportation Concerns arise, please communicate with Maine 207’s Transportation Coordinator to assist in resolving the issue. Vendor Contact information is provided below in case of an emergency or to report any further concerns.
  Erin Dunleavy, Transportation Coordinator by Email at [email protected] or by phone at 847-292-6521
  Edward Pieczynski, Director for Special Education by Email at [email protected] or by phone at 847-292-6393
• To DECLINE transportation either contact the transportation coordinator at Maine 207 or complete the form linked below. At any time, transportation can be reinstated with 3-5 days’ notice.
  Decline Transportation

Maine 207 Contracted Transportation Providers