Virginia Department of Health Protecting You and Your Environment
Administration Newsroom Local Health Districts VDH Programs Health Topics A-Z Employment Opportunities Contact Us
Updated: 14-May-2007
VDH Homepage
Family Health Services Home
Division of Injury & Violence Prevention Home
Buckle Up VA! Home
Virginia Law
Transportation Guidelines
Low Income Safety Seat Program
Safety Seat Inspections
For Parents
Training
Public Information Campaigns
Calendar of Events
Data & Research
Resources
Email List
Contact Us

Child Passenger Safety Seat Trainings

Calendar of Virginia Child Passenger Safety Events

Summary Sheet of Virginia's NHTSA Sponsored Occupant Protection
and Child Passenger Safety Training Courses

Standardized Certification Course

The Standardized Certification Course targets individuals aspiring to become technically competent to participate in or conduct child safety seat checks or anyone involved in child passenger education. Upon successful completion of this course, the individual may be eligible for the national certification technician level by the certifying agency, Safe Kids Worldwide.

This standardized course was developed by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and is taught by certified instructors through a process of lecture, discussion, role-playing and extensive hands-on practice involving numerous varieties of child safety seats and vehicle belt systems. Hands-on and written tests, as well as supervised participation in a scheduled child passenger safety seat inspection are required for successful completion.

Course Providers and Contact Information:

  • Virginia Department of Health - DIVP: Marcia Franchok-Hill: 804 864-7737
  • Virginia Commonwealth University - TSTC: Bob Breitenbach: 804 828-6235
  • Virginia Association of Chiefs of Police: Robert Wall: 703 304-9771
  • Virginia Beach Health Department: Patricia Davidson: 757 518-2683
  • Fairfax County Police Department: Deputy Charlie Brown: 703 449-7200

Back to Top


Operation Kids Training (2-Days)

This two-day training targets individuals who desire to expand their knowledge in child passenger safety at the introductory level. The course will introduce participants to the basics of correct selection, usage, and installation of child restraints. Upon completion of the course the participant should be able to offer education to parents and assist at child safety seat checks. Operation Kids training does not offer certification upon completion of the class. However, this training will provide exposure to the world of child passenger safety for the participants prior to attending the Standardized Certification course, which does offer certification. Either an actively involved certified technician or a technician instructor may instruct Operation Kids.

Course Providers and Contact Information:

  • Virginia Association of Chiefs of Police: Robert Wall: 703 304-9771
  • Safe Kids Roanoke Area: Jill Lucas: 540 224-4958
  • Prince William Safe Kids: Mike O'Brien: 703 792-4474
  • Loudoun County Fire and Rescue: Joy Dotson: 703 771-5551

Back to Top

Update / Refresher Child Passenger Safety Training (1-Day)

The Update / Refresher course is a full-day course intended for those individuals who have previously attended either the 2-day Operation Kids training or the Standardized Certification Course prior to January 2005. This refresher course will not reinstate a previously certified technician to current status nor is this class a requirement for Standardized Certification Course re-certification. The intention of the course is to apprise students of the changes that have evolved since their training and provide updates regarding topics such as LATCH, TREAD, side impact air bags, controversial products and installation techniques. Instructors will be available after the course for questions regarding the Renewal Course and approval of hands-on installations required for recertification and reinstatement.

Course Providers and Contact Information:

  • Virginia Department of Health - DIVP: Marcia Franchok-Hill: 804 864-7737
  • Virginia Commonwealth University - TSTC: Bob Breitenbach: 804 828-6235
  • Virginia Association of Chiefs of Police: Robert Wall: 703 304-9771
  • Virginia Beach Health Department: Patricia Davidson: 757 518-2683
  • Fairfax County Police Department: Deputy Charlie Brown: 703 449-7200

Back to Top

Safe Travel for All Children: Transporting Children with Special Health Care Needs Training (2-Days)


This two-day special needs training was developed by Riley Hospital for those individuals who have successfully completed the Standardized Certification Course and who are currently certified. The information shared in this training is designed to expand the knowledge base of the technician who will hopefully serve as a resource in situations involving transporting children with medical conditions and procedures. This comprehensive training not only provides lecture on the various medical conditions and the appropriate selection and securing of the restraint system for each condition, it also provides hands-on exposure. The Safe Travel for All Children: Transporting Children with Special Health Care Needs Training is only offered once on an annual basis by the VDH, Division for Injury and Violence Prevention. Please check the calendar of events periodically for the annual training date.


Course Providers and Contact Information:

  • Virginia Department of Health - DIVP Marcia Franchok-Hill: 804-864-7737

Back to Top

Certification Renewal Course (1-Day)

The Certification Renewal Program is designed for previously certified technicians or instructors of the Standardized Certification Course who allowed their certification to expire. Participants will be provided instruction and hands-on skills assessment. Upon completion of this one-day testing course, the participants will go online to the certifying agency, Safe Kids Worldwide web site and take an on-line re-certification test to regain their CPS technician status. All expired instructors will need to repeat the instructor candidacy process after successful completion of the technician re-certification process.

Course Providers and Contact Information:

  • Virginia Department of Health - DIVP: Marcia Franchok-Hill: 804 864-7737
  • Virginia Commonwealth University - TSTC: Bob Breitenbach: 804 828-6235
  • Virginia Association of Chiefs of Police: Robert Wall: 703 304-9771
  • Virginia Beach Health Department: Patricia Davidson: 757 518-2683
  • Fairfax County Police Department: Deputy Charlie Brown: 703 449-7200

Childcare Provider Transportation Awareness Trainings

This training is offered on request

These trainings are provided to child care facility directors and their staff. The training is approximately 90 minutes of basic child passenger safety information pertaining to what type of seat is appropriate depending on a child's age, height, and weight and proper placement in the facility vehicle(s). Facilities can also request small safety seat checks for parents during pick-up at the location.

Course Providers and Contact Information:

 
© Copyright 2006. Virginia Department of Health. Contact Web Manager.