Which grade levels are required to be escorted across the street at bus stops?

The requirement that pre-kindergarten, kindergarten, and grades 1 through 8 students must be escorted across the street at bus stops is based on the understanding that younger children are particularly vulnerable and may not have yet acquired the skills necessary to safely navigate traffic. Younger students often lack the ability to judge the speed of oncoming vehicles and may not be aware of the risks associated with crossing streets.

Escorting these students helps ensure that they are physically guided across the street in a safe manner, reinforcing safe pedestrian behaviors and allowing for direct supervision during a critical moment. The inclusion of all grades up to 8th acknowledges the developmental maturity levels, which can vary within this age range, focusing on protecting those who may still require additional help to cross safely.

As students progress into higher grades, they typically gain a greater understanding of road safety and pedestrian rules, which is why the requirement specifically emphasizes the lower grades where supervision is deemed most critical.