Specializing in Special Education

Safe, Dependable Transportation for Every Student

Trusted by school districts, families, and special education programs across the Chicagoland area. We specialize in safe, individualized transportation for students with special needs, IEP requirements, and accessibility needs.

Student Transportation Services

We partner with schools, districts, and families to provide safe, reliable transportation tailored to every student's needs.

Special Education Transportation

Safe, dependable transportation designed for students with special needs. We provide IEP transportation services, out-of-district special education transportation, and 504 plan transportation. Our drivers are specially trained to work with students who have physical, cognitive, or behavioral needs. We work closely with schools and families to create individualized transportation plans that ensure every student travels safely, comfortably, and with dignity.

One-on-One Student Transportation

Dedicated 1-to-1 rides for students who require individualized transportation support. Whether your student attends a therapeutic school, behavioral program, autism program, or special education cooperative, we provide a consistent driver and vehicle for every ride. Our one-on-one service ensures each student receives the personal attention and care they deserve, with drivers who understand their specific needs and routines.

School District Transportation

We partner with public schools, private schools, and special education programs to provide reliable, compliant student transportation. Our vehicles are equipped with modern safety technology including live GPS, dashcams, and specialized cameras. Every driver is fully trained, background checked, and experienced in student transportation. We offer online ride scheduling, real-time dashboards, and monthly invoicing to make district partnerships seamless.

Understanding IEP Transportation Compliance

An Individualized Education Program (IEP) is a legally binding document that outlines the educational services and supports a student with disabilities is entitled to receive, including transportation. When transportation is specified in a student's IEP, the school district is legally required to provide it.

IEP transportation compliance involves ensuring that all transportation arrangements meet the specific requirements outlined in each student's IEP. This can include door-to-door pickup, wheelchair accessibility, one-on-one aide support, specific vehicle types, and behavioral accommodations.

Legally Mandated Service

When transportation is listed in a student's IEP, the district must provide it. Failure to comply can result in due process complaints and corrective action.

Individualized Accommodations

Each student's transportation plan must match their IEP specifications, including vehicle type, aide requirements, wheelchair access, and behavioral supports.

Trained, Qualified Drivers

IEP compliance requires drivers who understand each student's needs, including medical conditions, behavioral protocols, and emergency procedures.

Documentation and Reporting

Proper documentation of ride times, attendance, incidents, and accommodations is essential for compliance audits and IEP reviews.

Online Ride Scheduling
Real-Time Dashboard
Monthly Invoicing
Live GPS Tracking
Dedicated Coordinator
Round-Trip Scheduling

How School Districts Partner with Shriners

We make it easy for school districts to outsource specialized student transportation. Our partnership model is built around transparency, reliability, and compliance.

Districts gain access to our online ride scheduling platform where administrators can request, modify, and track rides in real time. Our real-time dashboard provides live GPS tracking of every vehicle, giving staff and parents peace of mind. We handle billing through simple monthly invoicing, and our dedicated coordinator works directly with your special education team to ensure every IEP transportation requirement is met. We offer round-trip scheduling for daily routes and flexible scheduling for one-off needs.

How Transportation Challenges Impact Students

Unreliable transportation creates a ripple effect that impacts students, families, and school administrators alike.

Impact on Students

  • Missed school days leading to academic decline
  • Disrupted routines causing anxiety and behavioral issues
  • Loss of access to therapy and specialized programs
  • Reduced social development and peer interaction
  • Inability to participate in after-school activities

Impact on Families

  • Parents forced to miss work or reduce hours
  • Financial strain from lost wages and gas costs
  • Increased stress and caregiver burnout
  • Difficulty coordinating schedules for multiple children
  • Isolation from lack of reliable transportation options

Impact on Administrators

  • Compliance risks when IEP transportation fails
  • Increased parent complaints and due process hearings
  • Staff time consumed by transportation coordination
  • Budget overruns from last-minute transportation solutions
  • Difficulty retaining reliable transportation vendors

Trusted by Parents & School Districts

Hear from the families and educators who rely on Shriners Transportation every day.

★★★★★
I was honestly terrified to let someone else drive my son. He has autism and doesn't handle change well. But from the very first ride, his driver Marcus was patient and kind. Now my son runs to the door when he sees the van. Shriners gave me my mornings back — and my peace of mind.
Sarah R.
Parent — Special Needs Student
★★★★★
As a transportation director, I've worked with many providers. Shriners stands out for their professionalism, reliability, and communication. Their real-time tracking keeps our staff and parents informed, and their on-time rate is consistently above 99%. They're a true partner.
Michael J.
School District Transportation Director

Getting Started Is Simple

We make onboarding easy and stress-free for schools and families alike.

Contact Us

Reach out by phone, email, or our online form. Tell us about your student's needs and we'll respond within 24 hours.

Custom Plan

We design a personalized transportation plan based on your student's schedule, IEP requirements, and any needed accommodations.

Meet Your Driver

We introduce you to your assigned driver before service begins, so your student is comfortable and you feel confident.

Ride With Confidence

Track every ride in real time and enjoy the peace of mind that comes with choosing Shriners.

School Transportation FAQ

Answers to the most common questions from parents and school administrators about our student transportation services.

Every Shriners driver undergoes a comprehensive background check including FBI fingerprinting, state criminal history, and sex offender registry checks. They also complete drug and alcohol testing, defensive driving certification, and specialized training in working with children who have physical, cognitive, or behavioral needs. Training is ongoing with regular refresher courses throughout the year.
Absolutely. Our fleet includes ADA-compliant vehicles equipped with hydraulic lifts, wheelchair securements, and space for medical equipment. We work directly with families and medical professionals to understand each child's specific requirements and ensure our vehicles are properly outfitted before service begins.
Yes. We regularly partner with school districts to fulfill Individualized Education Program (IEP) transportation mandates. Our team understands the regulatory requirements and works closely with special education coordinators to ensure full compliance while providing a comfortable, safe experience for every student. We handle all documentation and reporting needed for compliance audits.
In the event of a medical emergency, our drivers follow a strict protocol: they immediately contact 911 and our dispatch center, pull over to a safe location, and assist as needed. Parents are notified right away. We also keep each child's emergency contacts and medical information on file so responders have the details they need.
In most cases, we can begin service within 5-7 business days of finalizing your transportation plan. For urgent needs, we offer expedited onboarding. We'll assign a dedicated coordinator to ensure a smooth transition and introduce you to your child's driver before the first ride.
We serve school districts and families throughout the Chicagoland area and all surrounding suburbs. Contact us with your specific location and we'll confirm coverage and provide a customized transportation plan.

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Serving the Chicagoland Area and All Surrounding Suburbs

Fully insured and operating in full compliance with all applicable laws and regulatory requirements.

Get a Free School Transportation Plan

Tell us about your student's needs and we'll create a customized transportation plan within 24 hours.

No obligation. We'll respond within 24 hours.

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