Drivafy is about helping bus drivers understand their passengers.

There are many resources and training programs created for teachers and educational assistants to work with students, but what about bus drivers? They don’t receive the same training but are expected to know how to manage the kids they drive. Drivafy, created by child psychologist Dorrie Koscielnuk, aims to address the need for enhanced professional behaviour management training, providing drivers with the necessary tips and tools to foster a positive environment on the bus.

MEET YOUR INSTRUCTOR

Child psychologist, Dorrie Koscielnuk brings over a decade of experience in working with children of all ages.

Dorrie specializes in working with complex children and youth. Since her career began, she has worked in residential treatment homes, complex diagnostic and treatment clinics, and classrooms. Within the last few years, Dorrie has begun to work alongside bus drivers as well. Dorrie is committed to supporting children with diverse needs, and helping caregivers create healthy and supportive environments for the children they work with.

WHY DRIVAFY?

What works in a classroom doesn’t necessarily translate to a bus.

A bus usually has more passengers than a classroom and students ranging in grades from K-12. In addition, teachers can walk around their classroom to manage behaviours, while school bus drivers are confined to their seats with passengers sitting behind them - all while operating a large motor vehicle through variable road conditions and traffic. This is a major responsibility. Drivafy understands the unique challenges school bus drivers face and our curriculum offers specific tips and tools that can be used right away on driver’s routes.

It's tailored specifically for the school bus industry.

This program was carefully created for bus drivers. The development process included reviewing the MELT training program, participating in ride-alongs, and interviewing both new and seasoned bus drivers. The course equips drivers with coping skills, intervention tactics, and de-escalation methods through a variety of videos, scenarios, reflective exercises, and quizzes.

Research indicates many drivers quit within their first year.

Managing student behaviours can be stressful. Many drivers report they don’t feel supported or equipped with the proper knowledge to handle passenger’s dynamic personalities and behaviours, so they quit. Replacing drivers can be frustrating, time consuming, and expensive. With Drivafy’s valuable strategies, you can help your employees master the skills to be more confident in their roles and keep them driving for years to come!

OUR COURSES TEACH

✔ How to establish rules and bond with students

✔ Effective communication with parents

✔ An understanding of difficult behaviours and bullying

✔ Corrective feedback techniques

✔ Intervention strategies

OUR VISION

We envision every school bus driver having the opportunity to develop the knowledge and skills to effectively manage behavioural challenges that arise while driving.

OUR OBJECTIVE

Our objective is to provide the strongest behavioural management training program for school bus drivers.

OUR MISSION

Our mission is to help drivers navigate passenger behaviour while safely delivering students to their schools and homes.