DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. — Districts across Central Florida are dealing with bus driver shortages — but in Volusia County, where nearly 25,000 students take the bus, there are only eight vacancies.

What started out as a part-time job is now, two decades later, a career for LaRosa Anthony — and she says she still loves driving buses for Volusia County Schools.

“As my kids got older, I would be off with them,” Anthony said. “It was just easier that way.”

Family is everything for Anthony and she says being a mother of two taught her patience — a skill she takes with her every day.

“Just be patient," she said. "That’s the key with everything — just be patient because kids are a challenge."

As she finishes her checklist, making sure the bus is ready for students, other drivers wave as they head out on their first route of the day. It’s that family mindset that helps her know the bus drivers have each other’s backs.

“It’s all about togetherness. Working together. The most important thing is getting the kids home and getting them to school safe,” Anthony said.

As the school year gets underway, officials are working to make sure buses are on time.

However, there can be some delays due to traffic, driver absenteeism and other factors. Parents can download the “Where’s the Bus” app to track their child’s assigned bus.

Volusia County Schools are also stepping up their safety game. Some of those measures include giving law enforcement access to campus security cameras to help monitor any suspicious activity. They are also increasing mental health professionals within each school. Superintendent Dr. Carmen Balgobin said both are important as students should focus on their education.