New for School Year 2025–26: Families Will Submit Transportation Requests Directly in the OSSE Parent Portal
OSSE is changing how transportation requests for eligible students are submitted. The launches on June 9. This new, user-friendly online platform is for families of students with active individualized education programs (IEPs) that include transportation services so that parents can directly submit their transportation preferences for the 2025–26 school year.
This direct parent submission of transportation preferences will replace the submission of transportation request forms (TRFs) by LEAs.
Once parents indicate their transportation preference in the portal, then LEAs will receive notification requests in the Integrated Data Submission (IDS) Tool to provide supporting information in order to deliver the necessary transportation services and accommodation.
Why This Change?
In past years, transportation service for students with special needs has been impacted by incomplete or outdated information on transportation request forms. The OSSE Parent Portal puts families in the driver’s seat and allows them to con?rm or update their transportation details, such as addresses and service preferences.
LEAs Remain Critical Partners in Student Transportation
The portal will rely on primary guardian contact information from LEA Student Information Systems (SIS). Please update and maintain SIS records to ensure families can access the portal without delay.
- Parents must be designated as a primary guardian to receive access to the OSSE Parent Portal. A student can have more than one parent designated as the primary guardian.
- Ensure that each primary guardian has an email address and phone number in the appropriate contact fields.
- Enter the full school calendar in eSchoolPLUS by Tuesday, June 24.
- All calendar details must be entered into the Integrated Data Submission (IDS) tool.
Take Action After Families Submit Preferences
LEAs will need to review and take action for any parent who selects OSSE-DOT transportation to ensure alignment with the student’s IEP.
Promote OSSE’s Parent Support Resources
OSSE will provide in-person technical support to families from June 10–28 and July 14-26:
- Tuesdays and Thursdays | 4–7 p.m.
- Saturdays | 10 a.m.–2 p.m.
Location: OSSE, 1050 First St. NE, Washington, DC 20002 (Note: Closed June 19 for Juneteenth). Training videos will also be available within the portal.
Additional Information
Visit the Parent Portal . Please email [email protected] if you have any questions.