Every morning before heading off to work, we leave the care of our children in the hands of school bus drivers and attendants.

These men and women are familiar faces who know our kids and their individual needs. This is especially true with special education students. Good drivers and attendants are able to diffuse escalating situations, understand a child who is non-verbal, tend to physical needs, and be patient with behavioral and developmental challenges.

It is not an easy job—but it is a noble one.

Our children deserve the best care, and the best school bus workers who are professional, reliable and most importantly—experienced.

The Employee Protection Provisions will require bus companies to retain experienced workers and ensure that the people who care for our children receive fair wages and benefits that reflect their expertise.

We trust school bus drivers and attendants to put the safety and well-being of our children first. We should be able to trust the Department of Education to do the same.

Join us in calling on the Department of Education to restore the Employee Protection Provisions. It’s the right thing to do for our children, and for the hard working New Yorkers who keep our children safe on the way to and from school.