Q. What is a Child Passenger Safety Technician?
A. Child Passenger Safety (CPS) Technician is an individual who has completed a standardized curriculum on proper child passenger safety, which is provided by Safe Kids Worldwide. CPS Techs are trained to educate parents and caregivers on how to properly use child passenger safety equipment. Training for CPS techs is provided through an intense one-week course. After the training, CPS techs have considerable knowledge and expertise, and can be indispensable in helping parents and caregivers know when and how to use car seats appropriately. CPS technicians and instructors keep up-to-date on the latest technical information about child passenger safety through seminars and other continuing education opportunities.
If you are interested in becoming a CPS tech, visit http://cert.safekids.org/become-tech to find a course near you. If you would like to provide child passenger safety education in your community, but would not like to become one, consider partnering with one! For more information on finding a CPS tech in your area, go to Module 9.2.
A CPS tech is likely to want to partner with your tribe to provide community education, because:
- CPS techs are trained to keep kids safe by providing education, child safety seat checks, and other means of community support.
- CPS techs have to provide community education to get re-certified by Safe Kids Worldwide (the CPS Technician certifying organization). The recertification process must be completed every two years and involves several steps, including providing at least four hours of community education.
Connect with the NW Tribal Injury Prevention Project Coordinator and NW Tribal serving CPST; Olivia at owhiting@npaihb.org for CPS assistance and guidance. They are eager to help!