For many young children, riding a school bus for the first time can feel like a big step. Thanks to Buncombe County Schools' Sunshine the Safety Bus program, local preschoolers are getting a head start before their first day of kindergarten.

Since 2024, the Buncombe County Schools Transportation Department has taken Sunshine the Safety Bus to preschools throughout the county, helping children learn the basics of school bus safety while building excitement for the journey ahead.

Transportation Director Jeremy Stowe and Assistant Transportation Director Seth Crooke visit local preschools with a full-size yellow school bus, giving children the opportunity to climb aboard, explore the bus and become familiar with what they can expect when they begin school.

During each visit, students practice important safety skills, including how to safely board and exit the bus, where to sit, and why it's important to listen to the bus driver. The interactive experience helps ease first-day jitters and gives children the confidence to ride the bus safely.

"One of our goals is to make sure every child feels comfortable before they ever step onto a school bus for their first day of kindergarten," Stowe said. "When students know what to expect, they're more confident, and that helps create a safer experience for everyone."

The visits also give children a chance to meet members of the Transportation Department and ask questions in a relaxed, welcoming environment.

By combining hands-on learning with safety education, Sunshine the Safety Bus continues to help Buncombe County's youngest learners prepare for one of their first school adventures. Through each preschool visit, the program reinforces that the yellow school bus is not only a safe way to get to school, but also the beginning of an exciting educational journey.

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