Ensuring your child’s safety while traveling is paramount, and proper car seat usage is a critical aspect of this. Many parents and caregivers seek assistance in obtaining car seats and learning how to use them correctly. Fortunately, various programs are available to help, such as Project Safe-Child in Washington D.C., which provides resources and free car seats to eligible residents. This initiative, supported by the District Department of Transportation (DDOT) and other agencies, focuses on educating the community about child passenger safety and offering tangible support.
Accessing Free Car Seats and Booster Seats
Project Safe-Child offers free car seats to District of Columbia residents who have infants or toddlers. They also provide booster seats for older children. Here’s how you can access these resources:
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Voucher Program: Eligible residents can obtain vouchers for free car seats. It’s important to note that vouchers are distributed by appointment only. You can schedule an appointment to pick up a voucher at the DDOT Headquarters, located at 250 M Street, SE. Additionally, vouchers are sometimes available at various community locations throughout D.C., including schools like Garfield Elementary School and Tubman Elementary School, as well as health and youth centers and Children’s National Hospital. Contact the program to inquire about specific locations and availability.
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Booster Seat Program: For children who are at least four years old and weigh a minimum of 30 pounds, Project Safe-Child provides free booster seats. These are distributed at the designated voucher redemption locations.
When you redeem your voucher or receive a booster seat, you will also benefit from the expertise of a Certified Passenger Child Safety Technician. These technicians will ensure the car seat is correctly installed in your vehicle and provide you with essential education on the proper use and importance of child safety seats.
Free car seat inspections are also available at voucher redemption and booster seat distribution locations without needing an appointment. This service ensures that your existing car seats are installed correctly and that you are using them properly.
Child Passenger Safety Workshops
To further enhance community knowledge, Project Safe-Child offers free Child Passenger Safety Workshops. These workshops, lasting between 2 to 4 hours, cover vital topics such as District laws related to child passenger safety, how to select the appropriate car restraint for your child, and the correct installation techniques. A strong emphasis is placed on the crucial practice of properly buckling up children every single time they ride in a vehicle.
Workshops are conducted monthly at different locations throughout the District and can also be arranged upon request for groups. This makes it easier for parents and caregivers to access this potentially life-saving information.
Becoming a Certified Child Passenger Safety Technician
For individuals interested in taking a more active role in promoting child passenger safety, the program also offers a National Child Passenger Safety Technician (CPST) Certification Training Program. This comprehensive 32-hour, four-day course prepares participants to become nationally certified CPSTs.
The training includes classroom instruction, hands-on practice with car seats and vehicles, and skills assessments. CPSTs play a vital role in educating families at safety events, car seat clinics, and workshops, making them a valuable asset to community safety initiatives.
Contact Information
For more detailed information about Project Safe-Child and how you can benefit from their programs, or to schedule an appointment for a voucher, please contact:
District Department of Transportation
250 M Street SE, Washington, DC 20003
Contact Persons:
- Karen Gay: [[email protected]](mailto:[email protected]) or (202) 409-0234
- General Inquiries: [[email protected]](mailto:[email protected])
By reaching out to Project Safe-Child, you can take a significant step towards ensuring your child’s safety on the road by accessing free car seats, expert installation assistance, and invaluable educational resources.
