Since transportation expenses constitute 7% to 10% of a typical school budget, it is not surprising that transportation departments have been under a microscope lately. Everyone on the district's decision-making team, from the school board and school superintendent to the managers who oversee each component of the transportation department, is searching for cost-effective ways to address the daily challenges of getting thousands, if not tens of thousands of children to and from school safely. One of the most expensive aspects of school transportation is that of transporting children with special needs. Unfortunately, there is no best, most efficient way to provide transportation to these children. There are, however, a few essential elements and key components of every cost-effective, efficient, and successful special-needs transportation operation. Transporting children with special needs is a complex undertaking, but it is also manageable, especially when there is a focus on the essential elements and key components of the infrastructure, including professional development. Successful school bus operations use best practices and teamwork to help these vulnerable children access the learning opportunities that prepare them for adulthood.