Families Will Submit Transportation Requests Directly in the OSSE Parent Portal for Extend School Year (ESY) 2025-26 and School Year (SY) 2026-27

The OSSE Parent Portal is a user-friendly online platform for families of students with active individualized education programs (IEPs) and 504 forms that include transportation services so that parents can directly submit their transportation preferences for the ESY 25-26 and SY 26-27.

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.

Parents will be able to make ESY 2025-26 selections beginning March 26, 2026 and SY 2026-27 selections on April 8, 2026.

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In past years, transportation service for students with special needs has been impacted by incomplete or outdated information on transportation request forms.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 confirm 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. 
• 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 for ESY Transportation from April 14-23:

• Tuesdays and Thursdays | 4–7 p.m.

OSSE will provide in-person technical support to families for SY2627 transportation in June and July:

• June 9 -18: Tuesdays and Thursdays | 4–7 p.m.
• July 14 - 23: Tuesdays and Thursdays | 4–7 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

• Frequently Asked Questions for LEAs 
• OSSE Parent Portal Information Session Presentation for LEAs 
• OSSE Parent Portal – What LEAs Need to Know 
• OSSE Parent Portal Handout for Families 

Visit the Parent Portal here. Please email [email protected] if you have any questions.