HopSkipDrive today announced key enhancements to its safety program. The company has launched a strengthened educational curriculum for CareDrivers, developed in partnership with child development experts, and will roll out a more sophisticated, skills-based CareDriver certification process. 

This aims to offer enhanced support for all students, including those with diverse needs and Individualized Education Plans (IEPs).

This dual investment shifts from fixed quantitative requirements to a more thoughtful, qualitative assessment of a candidate’s caregiving capabilities, according to the company's announcement. As part of HopSkipDrive's 15-point certification process, a skills-based video screening evaluates a candidate's situational judgment, empathy, and readiness to work with children. 

HopSkipDrive also launched new educational modules designed to provide CareDrivers with leading-edge skills to support neurodivergent riders. The curriculum was developed in partnership with Jenifer Eaton, MA, BCBA, and Timothy Humphrey, M.S.Ed., BCBA, of Rooted in Play, as well as Steve Nederveld, former director of mental health for Cherry Creek Schools. Eaton and Nederveld also recently joined HopSkipDrive’s Safety Advisory Council. The program focuses on understanding sensory sensitivities, de-escalation techniques, and communication strategies.

"Safety and trust are the foundation of everything we do, and this evolution of our programs represents a deeper commitment to those values. We know that being a great caregiver starts with prior experience, and is further developed with the resources and education HopSkipDrive provides once CareDrivers are on the platform,” said Jen Brandenburger, SVP of safety at HopSkipDrive. “By pairing a more intelligent, skills-based certification process with expert-led continuing education, we can help ensure CareDrivers are exceptionally prepared to support every child. This holistic approach raises the standard for the entire student transportation industry and reinforces our commitment to being the most trusted partner for schools and families."

The company and the new initiative aim to provide an empathetic and effective specialized transportation solution, built upon a foundation that includes trauma-informed care education, Child Abuse and Neglect screenings, and three types of rigorous background checks.

The new education modules are now available to all CareDrivers on the platform, and the enhanced certification process will begin rolling out to new applicants in the coming weeks.