March 01, 2004

By: Christi Smith
Website: http://www.1st-in-kids.com

SAFE KIDS Launches National Program to Educate Child Care Providers on Child Passenger Safety

In a recent National SAFE KIDS Campaign survey, nearly half of parents reported that kids transported in child care are inappropriately restrained for their age and size. In addition, the survey revealed that nearly half of children are transported once a week or more, and one-third are transported daily by their provider.

That’s why SAFE KIDS is launching a nationwide child passenger safety initiative geared toward child care providers in recognition of Child Passenger Safety Week.

The National SAFE KIDS Campaign and other advocates have done a wonderful job of educating parents on how to transport children safely in motor vehicles, said Dr. Jeffrey W.

Runge, administrator, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. This new program will help ensure that children receive the same attention when they are transported while in someone else’s care.

The SAFE KIDS report, Transportation in Child Care Settings: Parent Knowledge and State Regulations, analyzed parents’ knowledge and experiences regarding children in child care, specifically as they relate to transportation practices.

SAFE KIDS surveyed hundreds of parents of children ages 14 and under who were currently receiving child care and transported by their providers. The report also analyzed state child care transportation regulations.

Key findings:

· 49 percent of parents reported that their children were transported by caregivers once a week or more.

· 60 percent of children were reported to be cared for in home settings versus 38 percent in program/center settings.

· 60 percent of children cared for in the home were reported to be cared for by their grandparents.

· 46 percent of children from birth to age eight who should have been in child safety seats were reported to be transported in lap belts and shoulder belts.

Even most state regulations do not assist parents or child care providers in getting it right. They often fail to offer proper guidance because they are inconsistent in scope and coverage, said Heather Paul, Ph.D., executive director of the National SAFE KIDS Campaign. If children cannot be transported safely in their child care environment, then they should not be transported at all.

Address this need, SAFE KIDS announced the launch of a nationwide program to train child care providers on child passenger safety. In 96 communities, SAFE KIDS coalitions are teaching the Moving Kids Safely in Child Care curriculum. This training tool was developed by the American Academy of Pediatrics and Healthy Child Care America, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, and the Health Resources and Services Administration/ Maternal and Child Health Bureau.

In recognition of Child Passenger Safety Week, SAFE KIDS coalitions will host over 200 child safety seat check up events, reaching an estimated 10,000 children across the country. Technicians will check child safety seats free of charge for age- and sizeappropriateness, proper installation and use, and whether seats have been recalled or visibly damaged.

SAFE KIDS BUCKLE UP, with support from the UAW-GM Center for Human Resources and General Motors, has already committed nearly a half million dollars to this comprehensive CPS Week initiative. SAFE KIDS will continue this effort with nationwide community-based educational workshops for child care providers, free child safety seat checkups and free educational materials.

In addition, SAFE KIDS will continue to provide child safety seat resources to lower income families to help ensure their safe transportation. Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of uninte ntional injury-related death among children ages 14 and under.

About The Author:

Christi Smith is a successful author and regular contributor to http://www.1st-in-kids.com.  Helping parents find kid-approved clothes, toys, games, books, activities and more.