First Student Sets New Safety Standard in Student Transportation Training

First Serves training program becomes the first of its kind to offer CEUs to Michigan social workers, advancing student safety beyond the bus

CINCINNATI, Aug. 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- First Student, the company setting the standard for safety and innovation in school transportation, announced today that its proprietary behavioral training and support program, First Serves, has been approved to provide Continuing Education Units (CEUs) for social workers in Michigan. This marks a first for the student transportation industry, with First Student becoming the first provider to train professionals who support students with special needs.

Developed in collaboration with experts from leading research universities and children's hospitals to enhance the student transportation experience, particularly for those with special needs, First Serves has earned national recognition for its rigor and real-world relevance. The program is currently implemented in school districts across North America and has a proven track record of reducing behavioral incidents on school buses by an average of 27%. The approval by CEU underscores the program's academic integrity and growing value to educators, administrators, and student support professionals nationwide.

"At First Student, safety isn't just a priority, it's our purpose," said John Kenning, CEO and President of First Student. "We're constantly raising the bar on what safe student transportation looks like. First Serves reflects that commitment by ensuring our teams are better trained, better supported, and better prepared to protect the students in our care, especially those who need us most."

As further recognition of the program's impact, First Student was selected to present at Michigan Association of Administrators of Special Education (MAASE) Summer Institute on August 10. This premier event brings together Michigan's special education leaders to engage in conversations about leadership development, policy updates, and professional learning. The selection reflects the growing recognition of First Serves as an innovative, student-focused program that goes beyond transportation to help reshape how transit agencies, districts, and educators work together to support student behavior and improve outcomes.

"We're incredibly proud that First Serves is being nationally recognized not just as a transportation solution, but as a meaningful contributor to student success," said Will McDermott, Head of Student Services at First Student. "Being approved to offer CEUs and present at MAASE reflects the value of our program in helping school staff and social workers better support students with special needs. It's a testament to our belief that the ride to school is more than a trip, it's part of the learning experience."

First Student will present at the MAASE Summer Institute in a session titled Drive to Improve: Developing a Partnership between Transportation and Special Education to Improve Bus Behavior. The session was selected through a competitive review process by experts in special education.

"We're thrilled to welcome First Student to the MAASE Summer Institute," said Abby Cypher, Executive Director at Michigan Association of Administrators of Special Education. "Special Education Administrators are committed to working collaboratively with transportation professionals. We are excited to hear from First Serve on how to do this well, improving outcomes for students with disabilities."

About First Student
First Student is reimagining the school bus experience for 5.5 million students across North America every single day, with safety as its foundation and purpose. As the undisputed leader in K-12 transportation, the company is on pace to complete 1 billion student rides during the 2025-26 school year, delivering not just students, but confidence, reliability, and peace of mind to families and school districts alike. Backed by a workforce of highly trained drivers and an industry-leading fleet of 45,000 vehicles, including electric buses, First Student is a mission-driven partner in education. Recently named one of Fast Company's 2025 Most Innovative Companies, First Student offers cutting-edge services including special needs transportation, AI route optimization, fleet electrification, vehicle maintenance services, and charter services. First Student's impact extends beyond logistics: every ride is designed to be a safe and supportive space where students can start their day with a great experience. With innovation at our core, First Student is driving the future of student transportation one ride at a time.

Contact
Brenna Rudisill
[email protected]
513-708-7031 

SOURCE First Student