Rainbow route frequently asked questions.

​Will there be a use of face Coverings on SMART Buses?
As of this time, face coverings are not required to ride the Rainbow Route. If this changes, notifications will be sent out. 
​WHAT IF WE MOVE DURING THE SCHOOL YEAR? ​
​If you move during the school year, call United Way of Mower County to change the pick-up/drop-off address. There is no guarantee that transportation will continue.
​Will surfaces be sanitized? 
SMART will continue their COVID-19 pandemic sanitizing procedures on all buses during transportation.  ​
How is my child placed on the Rainbow Route?
When placing a student, we review the pick-up/drop-off address, seats available on the bus, distance to and from school, past incidents, etc. Once an application is submitted, we will review the application and work to find a bus route that best fits the student.
If I turn in my application early, is there a better chance of getting on the Rainbow Route?
​There are no placement guarantees when applying. We will review your child’s application thoroughly and identify the appropriate bus route 
​What if my child is placed on the waitlist? 
If a child is placed on the waitlist, he or she will remain on the waitlist until a route is available that fits the child’s pick-up/drop off address and school location. There is no time limit. United Way of Mower County will call the parents when the child is placed on the Rainbow Route.
who will be riding with my child?
Only preschool students as well as a bus aid and bus driver will also be riding the bus. Bus aids will help children on and off the bus and will be available in case of any emergencies. Please keep in mind that, while we make every effort to ensure that a bus aid is available at all times throughout routes, there may be occasions when one is not available and the bus driver will be the only adult present.
Can other community members ride this bus?
No, Rainbow Route routes are specifically for preschool age children going to and from school. 
How much will this service cost? 
​Each ride is $1 and $2 for round trip (to and from preschool). If you are paying for your child’s rides, we encourage you to buy a bus pass rather than pay daily with cash and/or change. 
What happens in the case of inclement weather?
The Rainbow Route busses will follow the school district decision in case of inclement weather. If schools are closed, the bus will not run. If school closes early the bus will pick kids up early. If schools are two hours late the bus will not pick up for morning preschool classes
What happens if I am not there when the bus drops my child off?
The bus driver will contact the SMART dispatcher who will attempt to reach the parent or emergency contact person identified on the child’s registration form. The Bus Aide will stay with the child at the SMART bus garage until the child is picked up by an appropriate adult. If an appropriate adult cannot be located, Law Enforcement will be called. 
​What if my child is sick or does not need to ride the bus?
​If your child is sick, or will not be riding the bus, parents must call SMART to notify the bus driver that a pick-up/drop off is not needed. Please call 855-762-7821. 
​What is the pick-up/drop-off procedure?
For SMART to accept a child on the bus, the bus aide must visually see the parent/caregiver send the child out to the bus. When a child is dropped off, the bus aide will not release a child unless they visually witness a parent/caregiver at the home to accept the child. 
​What if there is an incident on the bus or my child is aggressive towards other children or staff?
​If an incident occurs on the bus, SMART will record a written Incident Report and the parent will be contacted to address any physical, verbal or accidental incident. If verbal or physical aggression continues without change, it is at the discretion of SMART, Parenting Resource Center and or United Way of Mower County to remove the child from riding the bus. ​
If you have additional questions please feel free to contact United Way of Mower County at
507-437-2313 or via email at ksalasramirez@uwmower.org.

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