Introduction

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has developed the following Child Passenger Safety (CPS) training courses. They provide accurate, up-to-date occupant protection information to CPS advocates who work with State and local CPS programs to promote the correct use and installation of appropriate child safety seats. (Child safety seats refer to any type of child restraint, including booster seats.)

Creating a Child Passenger Safety Outreach Network
When viewed together, the training courses are designed to help communities and States create networks of CPS advocates who can work concurrently to promote child passenger safety. The courses vary in content and length, and only one, the National Standardized Child Passenger Safety (NSCPS) Training Program, certifies individuals as CPS technicians and instructors.

The NSCPS Training Program is offered in Spanish, as well as English. Because of the technical nature of some of the information, the program may be challenging for participants and instructors who only have rudimentary Spanish speaking and reading capabilities.

The other courses are shorter versions of the NSCPS Training Program for law enforcement personnel and childcare and healthcare workers. These individuals, along with certified CPS technicians and instructors, form a community child passenger safety outreach network. Although the NSCPS Training Program can be delivered only by a certified CPS instructor, presentation of the other training courses is at the discretion of the host organization.

The Role of the CPS Technician
CPS technicians play a critical role in all CPS outreach programs. Their technical skills, experience, and knowledge on the proper installation and use of child safety seats are necessary for the conduct of child safety seat inspections at permanent sites, special clinics, and mobile inspection units. The requirement for re-certification ensures that they are kept apprised of the technological changes and Federal regulations that affect the correct installation of child safety seats.

The Child Safety Seat Inspection Team
Although certified CPS technicians play a critical role at child safety seat inspections, not everyone who works at an inspection site needs to be certified. Other trained individuals can support the certified technician by

• Setting up and managing inspection stations
  
  
• Educating parents and caregivers on proper installation
  
  
• Checking child safety seat installation and fit under the supervision of a certified technician
  
  
• Directing parents and caregivers to resources about child safety in motor vehicles
  

Since 1998, tens of thousands of individuals have helped reduce deaths and serious injuries among young children by educating parents and other caregivers about the correct use and installation of child safety seats. We need to continue their work by supporting local needs for trained individuals who can promote child passenger safety.

For More Information
Unless otherwise noted, for more information about the courses, contact your NHTSA Regional Office and ask to speak to the training coordinator. You can find a list of the Regional Offices at the end of this web site.