Use the Right Kind of Car Seat or Booster Seat and Use it Correctly
Be sure you have the correct size and type of car seat for your child and that it is secured firmly in your car using a seatbelt or latch system. Also be sure that the straps in your child’s car seat are set so that when loaded into it they are always securely strapped in with all parts clicked in and fastened snugly. (For instance, you shouldn’t be able to fit more than one finger under the strap of a five-point harness.) Remember to set a good example by always wearing your own seatbelt and requiring everyone in your vehicle to be properly strapped in. Be sure to remove bulky coats before strapping a child into a car seat that uses a 5-point harness.
Please be aware that our teachers and supporting staff need your help and support to ensure your child is safely strapped in. Thank you for your cooperation and understanding as we help you and your child to be safely on your way at pickup time. Please review this flyer, which details the current laws about car seats: The-Right-Seat-English-2010
- Restraints must be installed correctly (according to car seat and vehicle instructions).
- Kids 8-12 years up to 4 feet 9 inches tall must ride in appropriate child restraints (eg. car seat, booster seat).
- Infants and toddlers under age 2 should ride in rear-facing car seats.
- When children use the seat belt they must wear it correctly (never under the arm or behind the back) or continue to use a child restraint or booster seat.
- Children under 13 should always ride in the back seat.
- Cars with lap belts only are exempt from booster seat requirements.
For more information on car seat safety you may wish to visit:
- http://www.800bucklup.org/
- http://depts.washington.edu/booster/
- http://www.safercar.gov/parents/Car-Seat-Finder.htm
Make sure anyone picking up your child has an appropriate car seat and knows how to secure it properly. Parents may leave a seat at the school (please label with your child’s name as many seats look alike).
The school may also have some loaner car seats available. The driver must park and come into the school to select a car seat him/herself. (Per state law the vehicle’s driver accepts full responsibility for the selection of an appropriate car seat and for ensuring all children under the age of 16 are properly secured.) Please return any loaner seats the next day. Notify the school if a school loaner car seat has been involved in any type of collision so that it can be disposed of. Thank you.
