1. 1 Program Guidelines Safe Transport Project Transporting Tomorrow’s Future Region One Education Service Center

2. 2 The mission of the Safe Transport Project is to recruit, prepare, mentor and certify responsible professional bus drivers for Region One ESC school districts and the state of Texas. Safe Transport Project will provide a structured classroom and hands- on behind the wheel bus driver preparation program designed to prepare candidates to obtain their Commercial Drivers License with a P (Passenger) & S (School Bus) Endorsement. Participants will also successfully complete the Department of Public Safety Bus Driver Certification training to become fully certified school bus drivers and qualified to safely transport students in Texas public and private schools. Once the candidate completes the three tier modules he/she will be eligible to be hired by a school district of Texas. Mission Statement

3. 3 ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES Region One Education Service Centers Local Public and Non-Public Schools

4. 4 INITIAL SCREENING 18 Years of Age Ability to pass alcohol and drug test Ability to complete written and verbal instructions Possess a valid Texas driver’s license (Class “C”) Ability to communicate effectively

5. Pre-Requisite Requirements “Acceptable” Criminal history check “Acceptable” Driver’s license and proof of safe driving record “Acceptable” Alcohol and Drug-screening test “Acceptable” Physical Examination 5

6. Preparation Schedule Once candidates have met all Pre-Requisite Program Requirements he/she will receive classroom and hands-on training in three module areas: Module #1 CDL Handbook Training (secure Learner’s License) Module #2 CDL Behind-the-Wheel Training Module #3 School Bus Driver Training 6

7. 7 18 Yrs. Of Age CDL-P & S Endorsement Acceptable Driving Record Acceptable Criminal Record Acceptable Physical/Mental Exam Acceptable Knowledge/Skills regarding the safe operation of school buses Upon successful completion of all three training modules, participant will be fully certified to be employed by a school district as a school bus driver.

8. QUESTIONS 8 How much does it pay? How many hour do they work? Do they pay retirement benefits? Is this a year-round job? Do some districts have stricter hiring guidelines? I have some traffic violation tickets – am I automatically disqualified?

9. 9 For additional information, contact: Fidela E. Hinojosa Region One Education Service Center Coordinator for School Safety & Bus Driver Training Services (956) 984-6000 fhinojosa@esc1.net