WA CPS Update
WASHINGTON CHILD PASSENGER SAFETY NETWORK
Attached is a recently updated map of the network of Target Zero Managers, Safe Kids Coordinators, and Child Passenger Safety local leads. Please review and let me know of any updates or corrections.
LIFESAVERS TRAVEL REIMBURSEMENTS
If you were approved for reimbursement of registration and travel expenses for attending Lifesavers 2023 in Seattle, be sure to submit your travel expense report and back up documents to me by June 30, 2023.
MINI-GRANTS
REMINDER to all current mini-grant recipients – invoices for goods received or services performed on or prior to June 30th, must be received by Cesi Velez, Project Manager, by July 10th to qualify for reimbursement.
Interested in applying for a mini-grant for fiscal year 2024 (October 2023 – September 2024)? Watch for an announcement in August. The grants are available to start/support local car seat activities or to hold a Child Passenger Safety Technician (CPST) course. The local grants can include bringing in a CPST Instructor or Technician Proxy to provide CEU workshops and/or seat sign-offs.
NATIONAL DIGITAL CHECK FORM (NDCF)
A very important and mandatory step with using the NDCF is making sure seat check data is uploaded to the program on a regular basis. The program is designed to be used in airplane mode at a seat check; then when wi-fi is accessible; upload to the system. Whether you are using a hard copy or an electric form – input or upload this data in a timely manner. Your local CPS lead will not be able to view your checks in the quarterly raw data file if they are not in the program. I will not be able to view your activity in the statewide report. For this reason, please follow the following schedule.
| NDCF CHECKS | DUE DATE |
| October, November, December | January 10th |
| January, February, March | April 10th |
| April, May, June | July 10th |
| July, August, September | October 10th |
EVERY child passenger safety technician in Washington State should have an NDCF account. This system will have confirmation of your seat checks used for recertification sign-offs. Visit https://carseatcheckform.org/ and go to Guide to Creating an Account.
LOOKING FOR STATE CPS DATA?
You don’t have to look far. Visit https://wacarseats.com/car-seat-data/ and you will be able to view raw data collected from the NDCF program. In addition, we have recently added County and seat distribution. As we collect more seat check data for Washington State, more will be added to this site. Although we currently have limited data available, as we continue to use the NDCF program – the more data we will collect and share.
Also available are the WTSC data dashboards.
Statewide CPS observational and intercept surveys are currently being conducted which will provide us with use data and caregiver knowledge.
CURRENT RECALL LIST
Ensure the most recent recall list is used at your car seat checks. The latest version is dated 5/26/23 and available at Car Seat Recalls/Defects & Safety Notices – Safe Ride News.
Vehicle recalls are important to address as well. For instance, Lincoln has issued a new recall for 142,734 model year 2015-2019 Lincoln MKC vehicles due to a risk of fire. Owners should park their vehicles outside and away from structures and other vehicles until the recall has been remedied. Educate the caregivers by providing the Check to Protect educational handout.
ADDRESSING EXPIRATION DATES ON CHILD RESTRAINTS
Many of us have likely answered the question “why do car seats expire?” It is not because the child restraint manufacturer wants to ensure future purchases to replace expired seats. Here is a great explanation to share from Juvenile Products Manufacturer’s Association (JPMA). Useful Life of Car Seats – Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (jpma.org)
WASHINGTON SAFETY SUMMIT
Mark your calendars for March 19th and 20th, 2024. The 19th will be a full day of technical, enrichment and networking activities for CPST Instructors; the following day on the 20th will be for all Washington State technicians. The WA CPS Program will assist with travel expenses (more info to follow!). This will be an in-person conference to encourage attendance. Plan ahead so you can attend.
Please let me know how I can better support your efforts to provide child passenger safety education and services.