First Student's proprietary behavioral training and support program, First Serves, is now approved to provide Continuing Education Units (CEUs) for social workers in Michigan. 

This marks a first for the industry, with First Student becoming the first provider to train professionals who support students with special needs, the company said on August 7. The program was 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. 

The program is currently implemented in school districts across North America and has a track record of reducing behavioral incidents on school buses by an average of 27%, according to the company. 

“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 presented at Michigan Association of Administrators of Special Education (MAASE) Summer Institute on August 10. This event brought together Michigan’s special education leaders to engage in conversations about leadership development, policy updates, and professional learning. There, First Student presented 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 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.”