National Child Passenger Safety Certification Training Program

Module 12

Installation & Communication

12-1

12-2

Module 12 Objectives

• Determine safest seating positions and appropriate

restraints for all occupants.

• Communicate effectively with caregivers.

12-3

Vehicle Seating Positions

Seating Position Safety Considerations

Front seat Near the windshield and front airbag

Closest to front impact crash

More safety features

Second row driver side outboard seat

Passenger on closest side to oncoming traffic

Typically on traffic side when parking on a street

Near side air bags, if present

Not easy to glance at a child from this seat

Side impact crash could impact seat

Second row passenger side outboard seat

Passenger on farthest side from oncoming traffic

Typically on curbside when on a street

Near side air bags, if present

Easier to glance at the child from front seat

Side impact crash could impact seat

Second row center seat

Furthest from impact in any direction

Away from airbags

Suggested added

bullets for

consistent

presentation.

Center Rear Seat

Rear center seat may not be an option when:

• No rear center seating position

• Car seat cannot be installed in center position

• Multiple children and car seats

• Physical limitations of the caregiver

• No lower anchors in the center position and

caregiver wants to use LATCH

12-3a

Consider needs of all family members

when discussing seating positions

Typically, putting the child needing the most protection in the center seat is favored.

12-4

Practice Activity

Identify Safe Seating Arrangements

12-4a

12-5

Communicate Effectively with

Caregivers

• Use simple, correct terms.

No shortened versions of

terms (such as ALR, ELR)

or slang.

• Define technical

terms/words before using.

• When possible, use

caregiver’s primary

language, an interpreter, or

photographs/illustrations.

12-6

Engage Caregivers

• Involve caregivers as

active participants.

• Ask follow-up questions

to determine what

caregivers need.

• Look up information about

the vehicle and car seat to

answer questions.

12-7

Additional Considerations

Caregiver should be a full partner from beginning to

end. Adults learn best by practicing skill being taught.

Your job is to educate – NOT to install for – caregiver.

Have caregiver demonstrate and explain correct

installation for a better learning experience.

Do NOT rush caregivers; some will need more time.

Be positive and encouraging. Point out what they

have done correctly.

12-8

Additional Considerations

Keep up-to-date and current on new technology.

Seek answers to questions you cannot answer.

Remind caregivers of vehicle safety features.

Practice Activity

Practice Seat Check

12-8a

Progress Check

Answer these questions in the TG:

1. Which seat location is the safest in a vehicle

for an occupant?

2. What is the main goal for a CPS Technician

who is working with a caregiver?

3. Why is it so important for caregivers to

practice installing their car seats and

booster seats?

12-8b