What should you do if a child is not waiting for the bus at their designated stop?

The best choice in this situation is to continue with the route but report the incident to the school. As a school bus driver, your primary responsibility is the safe and timely transportation of all students. If a child is not present at their designated stop, it is important to adhere to the bus schedule and keep the route moving for the safety and punctuality of the other passengers.

While it is essential to be concerned about the child who is missing, notifying the school allows trained staff to handle the situation appropriately. They can then take the necessary steps to ensure the child's safety, such as contacting parents or checking if the child is absent that day.

Waiting for a few minutes may seem considerate, but it could disrupt the entire bus schedule and potentially delay other students. Calling the child's parents directly may not be effective in the moment, as they might not be reachable or aware of the situation. Lastly, stopping and searching for the child poses a safety risk for all passengers on board and could lead to unnecessary delays. Therefore, reporting to the school while continuing the route ensures a balanced approach to maintaining order and safety on the bus.