BPS To Discontinue Bus Service For Head Start Program In Bismarck

Changes Coming To Bus Service for Head Start

According to a press release from the Bismarck Public Schools, the district will have to refocus transportation resources to meet required special education services. Beginning the 2026-2027 school year, Bismarck Public Schools will discontinue district-provided transportation for the Head Start program in Bismarck.

What is the Head Start Program?

In case you are not familiar, Head Start is a FREE, federally funded, comprehensive early childhood development program for low-income families with children from birth to age five, intended to get these children ready for kindergarten. It's operated through the Bismarck Early Childhood Education Program, which promotes school readiness through education, health, nutrition, and parent involvement.

Programs offered include the Early Head Start from birth to age 3, and Head Start from 3 to 5, focusing on social-emotional development, literacy, math, and health screenings. For families to be eligible, they must be low-income, including children with disabilities, in foster care, or experiencing homelessness.

Why does BPS have to discontinue bus service to Head Start?

This is due to ongoing transportation staffing challenges and the need to prioritize legally required services. Staffing challenges continue to be a problem at just about every line of business since the pandemic.

In addition to the driver shortages, Head Start transportation requires consistent bus monitoring staffing levels to meet safety regulations. Due to those challenges, Bismarck Public Schools is no longer able to reliably provide this service in full compliance with Head Start requirements.

Transportation services for Head Start will continue for the remainder of the current school year in Bismarck.