Safety Classes

A Car Seat Safety Technician—officially known as a Child Passenger Safety Technician (CPST)—is a certified professional trained to help parents and caregivers install car seats correctly and ensure children are safely secured during travel. Here’s a detailed look at what they do:

Key Responsibilities:

1. Educate Caregivers:
   
   • Teach parents and guardians how to properly install and use car seats, booster seats, and seat belts based on the child’s age, weight, and height.
   • Explain the different types of car seats (rear-facing, forward-facing, boosters) and when to transition between them.
2. Inspect Car Seats:
   
   • Conduct hands-on checks of installed car seats to ensure correct usage.
   • Identify misuse or improper installation and demonstrate the correct technique.
3. Stay Updated on Safety Standards:
   
   • Remain informed about the latest car seat laws, safety recommendations, product recalls, and manufacturer guidelines.
4. Community Outreach:
   
   • Host or participate in car seat check events, often in partnership with hospitals, fire departments, police stations, or public health agencies.
   • Provide free or low-cost seats to families in need through grant or donation programs.
5. Provide Personalized Support:
   
   • Work with families of children with special needs to find and fit the appropriate restraint systems.
   • Offer language-appropriate and culturally sensitive support as needed.

Certification:

CPSTs are certified through the National Child Passenger Safety Certification Program, which is administered by Safe Kids Worldwide. Certification requires training and a practical exam, and it must be renewed every two years.

Why Their Work Matters:

Car crashes are a leading cause of injury and death among children. Car Seat Safety Technicians play a crucial role in preventing these injuries by ensuring that children are protected as effectively as possible every time they ride in a vehicle.

Please contact: Reagan Snyder, MA, CPST at rsnyder@aspirerhs.org.