On a bright and sunny summer morning in Mission Bay, a UCSF shuttle deviated from its usual campus route for a unique journey, all without leaving the premises or putting a foot on the gas. This special route was designed to provide the children of the Mission Bay Childcare Center with a unique learning experience about shuttle safety and best practices for riding a bus in the future.
CLSers* pose in front of the special shuttle.
Transit Supervisor Thupten Lhundup (pictured above) and Director of Transit Erik Zandhuis, in collaboration with Nathalie Larsen, the Director of Family Services (pictured to the left), organized this memorable day for the kids of UCSF. The kids eagerly lined up to board the shuttle, greeted by the warm smiles of the Campus Life Services (CLS) staff.
When asked where they wished the bus would take them, the children’s answers varied from Los Angeles to San Francisco, and of course, Disneyland. Their excitement was palpable as they funneled aboard the shuttle and took their seats.
The tots were taught essential shuttle-riding tips, such as staying behind the yellow lines to avoid being hit by the doors and greeting their driver with a friendly hello when boarding. The lesson concluded with an emergency evacuation drill, where the children practiced stepping out of the bus on the ramp and learned about its purpose.
“Real-life experiences, such as this one play a crucial role in children's learning and development,” reflects Larsen. “By engaging in hands-on activities and practical applications, children can better understand abstract concepts and integrate new knowledge with what they already know. This process of scaffolding, where new learning builds on existing knowledge, helps children make meaningful connections and supports their cognitive development.”
Kids sit (barely) on the UCSF shuttle.
As the kids stepped off the bus, they received a transportation sticker and a certificate that read "Safety Above All," proudly displaying their new knowledge of shuttle safety.
This event marks the first of three special shuttle stops, with plans to reach to all UCSF childcare locations. Campus Life Services is honored to host events that enrich the future through collaboration with the childcare center. Being intertwined with the community, both large and small, is a cherished aspect of Campus Life Services, dedicated to make life better here at the University.
*CLS staff pictured: Joanna Trammell, Yolanda Marquez, Nathalie Larsen, Erik Zandhuis, Jon Giacomi, Bernadette Jimenez, and Johanna Garcia
