The Transporter is a publication which addresses transportation issues that affect children. Topics range in scope from safety to new technology. The transporter also includes website related resources, current events, and tips for drivers and monitors.

Driving a school bus can be a highly stressful activity. Do your drivers know of the many ways they can "keep a lid" on their anger when they just want to explode? Also includes tips for managing stress. Knowing how to deal with anger can help avoid complicated situations.

Using behavior management techniques can minimize problem situations. Yelling Offends Us and Minimizes Effectiveness. The brochure outlines 9 DOs for managing behavior and 6 tips for communicating effectively with children.

Having a strong team is essential for an effective and efficient transportation system. Member involvement, effective decision making, role identity and values are necessary to strengthen your team. Includes keys to a successful transportation team, strengths of efficient teams, and DOs and DON’Ts for team leaders.

Volunteers can be invaluable in augmenting the needs of your transportation system. When volunteers are scarce have you thought about a nontraditional source of volunteers? This brochure suggests some nontraditional places you might seek to recruit volunteers. Also included are tips on how to start the recruiting process.

The foundation of these guidelines come from the 1998 national study completed by M. H. West & Co., Inc. Support for the initiative was a two-year SBIR grant funded through the Head Start Bureau. Includes "Best Practices" for the transportation agency, vehicles, drivers, monitors, teachers and parents.

Designed as a starting point for developing a successful transportation system. Highlights the beginning steps for setting up a transportation system including the leadership team, the fleet, drivers and monitors, base office (command center), reporting and evaluating, policies and procedures, and the value of communication.

Developed to aid both experienced transportation managers and the novice, this handbook helps you think strategically about your transportation system. The handbook also establishes key elements of success for providing a safe and effective transportation system. While effective as a stand alone reference handbook the Center also offers a Strategic Thinking Seminar for transportation managers utilizing the handbook and other strategic planning materials.

This bookmark offers 6 keys to effective communication and also identifies what it means for you to communicate effectively. A great handout in workshops and seminars.

Do you know what the top stressors in life are? How about ways to manage them? Stress reduction is important for members of your organization to minimize the incidents of violence in the workplace. A good companion to the effective communication bookmark.

Publications - Please note, manuals are also available as a seminar or workshop

The abstract outlines the relevant points to the presentation which was given at the National Head Start Association’s National Training Conference in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

In October 1997, the Center initiated work on a national study of Head Start transportation programs. The study generated significant data and information about these programs and this document provides highlights of the results.Quick Reference Handbook for Setting Up a Transportation System (Handbook)

Developed to aid both experienced transportation managers and the novice, this handbook helps you think strategically about your transportation system. It also establishes key elements of success for providing a safe and effective transportation system.

Sets forth the foundations of a safe transportation system, the essential procedures supporting that system and options that Head Start agencies may want to consider in future provision of the transportation of their children.

This handbook presents the guidelines for the roles and duties of Head Start personnel and parents and the qualification, knowledge and performance requirement of Head Start personnel in the safe transport of children. It is a companion to Standards to Training and Orienting Head Start Personnel manual.

Originally designed to complement the Quick Reference Handbook for Setting Up a Transportation System, The Strategic Planning process guides you through the steps needed to develop a strategic plan. Learn to use the process to develop a mission and vision for your organization and set the goals and objectives of your transportation program. The Center offers consultation to organizations wishing to develop a strategic plan.

Successful organizations are not handed a “Pot of Gold”; they planned for it. This handbook/seminar will assist your organization to overcome that fear of failing with fund-raising initiatives. You will learn how to mobilize a team to help you to fund-raise and reap the rewards from your hard work.

Learn how to develop the “ups” of recruiting qualified employees and avoid the “downs” of losing them. You’ll gain insight into the factors that lead to developing a workforce that stays with you --- instead of just being along for the “ride.”

When an agency finds difficulty accessing resources or finding employees it may be time to consider the options available through partnerships. The handbook/seminar will allow you to identify the incentives and barriers present, as well as potential organizations to partner with. It also discusses the types of partnerships you may pursue and how to develop a plan of action.

For pricing and ordering click here or contact the NTCSC at
804-782-1938, 1.888.WEST904 or mhwestcon@aol.com  for any of these products.