Step 7: Transportation Agreement

    TRANSPORTATION POLICY 

    Reason this policy is important:

    The safety of children, adults and staff must be provided in all activities of LeBlanc Consultin programs. Proper restraint systems and the correct use of them are critically important during travel to/from the child care program as well as a part of the activities of the setting.

    Procedure and Practices, including responsible person(s):
    • A Consent form will be filled out for each child or adult clients  being transported.
    • Smoking is prohibited in vehicles used to transport children.
    • Children will be transported properly in a seat belt, car seat, or booster seat according to current California regulations.  Parents may be required to supply a booster or car seat as needed for their child if field trips involving use of transportation are a part of the program.  Staff will be sure that car seats, booster seats and seat belts are used properly and each child and adult is properly secured before setting the vehicle in motion. Staff will assist with releasing children or disabled adults from their transportation safety restraints, when needed. All adults in the vehicle will use proper restraining devices according to the vehicle manufacturer’s recommendations.
    • The number of passengers in the vehicle will not exceed the manufacturer’s stated capacity for the vehicle.
    • Children and adult clients will be prohibited from eating, drinking, standing, or other dangerous or distraction activities during transportation.
    • Children and adult clients will never be left unattended in a vehicle, even for brief periods.  All children will be accompanied by an adult to/from the vehicle to insure safety.
    • All children adult clients will be accounted for before leaving the facility and again before returning.
    • Children and adult clients with special needs will have their transportation plans addressed in the Special Care Plan. A staff member who is familiar with the child’s or adult clients special needs will accompany the child or adults clients during transportation.
    • All travel routes will be planned in advance.

    Vehicle Requirements
    • Only insured, licensed, well-maintained vehicles will be used to transport children and adult clients. 18 passenger vans are not permitted.
    • A back up vehicle mustl be available (which you have to cover) in case of an emergency.
    • A first aid kit and list of emergency contacts for all children and adults MUST be in the vehicle during transportation of children.
    • A cell phone will be available in case of emergency.

    Driver Qualifications
    • Drivers will be legally-licensed and shall not be under the influence of any chemical substance that may alter their ability to drive safely.
    • Drivers will meet staff qualifications including a criminal history check.
    • Drivers will be first aid and CPR certified if another staff member present is not.
    • Drivers will obey all traffic regulations.
    • The driver shall not be included in the child: staff ratio.  Drivers must not be distracted from safe driving practices by being simultaneously responsible for the supervision of children.
    • The driver will be familiar with the planned route ahead of time.
    • Drivers will have evidence of a safe driving record for the previous 5 years.
    • To prevent distractions the driver is not permitted to talk on a cell phone or play loud music.

    When the policy applies: 

    This policy is in force anytime children or adult cleitns are transported by anyone working with LeBlanc Consulting.  Staff will adhere to the policy guidelines even if no children are present or when using a vehicle owned by LeBlanc Consulting.  ​