For which grade levels must school bus drivers use a handheld stop sign to escort students?

The use of a handheld stop sign by school bus drivers is designed to ensure the safety of students as they board and disembark from the bus. This requirement applies to all grade levels from Pre-K to eighth grade, as children in these age groups are often less aware of their surroundings and may not fully understand the need to maintain safe distances from moving vehicles. The handheld stop sign serves as a clear visual indicator to both students and other drivers that it is not safe to proceed, thereby helping to prevent accidents in critical moments when children are near or on the road.

Younger children, especially those in Pre-K and kindergarten, may require extra precautions due to their developmental stages, making it vital for bus drivers to utilize this safety tool consistently across all grades up to eighth grade. This comprehensive policy helps to create a uniform standard of safety for all students who are transported by school buses.