Dear Hero:

I like chatting with you too, Hero.

“Things could have gotten so bad where child protective services could have been called on me and I could have been labeled as a unfit parent“- anyone can report a parent to Child Protective Services (CPS) but it takes enough evidence to convince a judge, following an investigation, that a parent is unfit. To be labeled unfit by a judge, it takes proving that the parent does not have his or her child’s best interest in mind. From all that you shared through the years, you’ve had both your children’s best interest in mind and heart.

You wrote in your most recent post: “the job that I end up doing would have to work around my son’s school schedule“- this is evidence that your highest priority is your son’s best interest.

* CPS personnel knows that no parent is perfect, so imperfections by themselves are not basis to determine that a parent is unfit.

“I’m 31 turning 32 soon… In the past I’ve been a stay at home mom for the child with cerebral palsy, Certified Nurse Assistant, Cashier, Security Officer (these jobs don’t fit my son’s schedule) . Now currently, a Preschool teacher/assistant for 9 months…Preschool teacher pay is low and I work super hard… I was thinking of becoming a school bus driver. I’d have to become cdl trained I’m  nervous …  I don’t want minimum wage or to stress about finding childcare. This is hard . hero”- driving a school bus for a living reads good to me if it pays significantly better than your current job.

indeed. com/ career advice reads: “School bus drivers typically get paid by the hour. That rate can vary depending on the school, geographic location and the driver’s experience and safety record… Most schools require their bus drivers to have at least a high school diploma or GED…  School bus drivers typically complete several months of training. They might spend some of this training in the classroom learning rules, routes and safe practices. They will spend the other part of their training showing their ability to drive the bus and follow traffic laws. New drivers might also spend time alongside an experienced driver until they can drive on their own… School bus drivers must have a commercial driver’s license (CDL). There are different types of CDLs, but school bus drivers must have one that says (S) on it, showing they have passed additional tests specific to school buses…

“School bus drivers must follow several mandatory steps to get licensed. These include: 1. Completing high school… 2. Completing training… 3. Getting hired… 4. Maintain license: Drivers will need to pass physical exams every two years to maintain a license to drive a school bus”.

There is much more in that website, if you want to look at it. I am guessing that you are thinking about working as a bus driver in the same school district you are currently working for, or maybe another school district in your area, and each pays a different salary and benefits: something for you to investigate.

“I’m nervous“, you wrote. Even heroes feel nervous, so I am not surprised that you are feeling nervous.

anita