Current through September 18, 2024
Authority: IC 12-13-5-3
Affected: IC 9-19-11; IC 12-17.2-4
Sec. 72.
The following rules apply to all center transportation of children in vehicles owned or leased by the center:
(1) The center shall assume responsibility for a child between the place where the child is picked up and the child care center, and from the time he or she leaves the child care center until he or she is delivered to his or her parent or the responsible person designated by his or her parents.
(2) The center shall do the following:
(A) Obtain signed parental permission to transport prior to providing transportation for a child.
(B) Maintain child/staff ratios when transporting children, except as in clause (C).
(C) When transporting more than twelve (12) children on a school bus or Head Start bus to and from school or home, have at least one (1) qualified caregiver not including the driver supervise the children.
(D) License any vehicle operated by the center in accordance with the laws of Indiana.
(E) Carry liability insurance to cover all passengers riding in the vehicle.
(F) Maintain vehicles in safe operating condition.
(G) Keep the vehicle clean and free of obstructions on the floors, seats, and rear window area.
(H) Present documentation that vehicles used in transporting children are appropriately licensed and maintained.
(I) Not transport more children than the manufacturer's rated passenger capacity.
(J) Not permit children to ride in the front seat of any vehicle.
(K) Post a sign in the vehicle stating that this is a smoke free vehicle.
(L) Check driver has proper license from bureau of motor vehicles on at least an annual basis.
(3) Staff shall comply with the following:
(A) Not leave children in any vehicle unattended.
(B) Load and unload children from the curbside of the vehicle.
(C) Not permit children to open and close the vehicle doors.
(D) Lock all passenger doors while the vehicle is in motion.
(E) Have in the vehicle emergency medical authorization for all children and emergency contact numbers for all occupants.
(4) The driver shall comply with the following:
(A) Be at least twenty-one (21) years of age and hold a proper license to operate the vehicle.
(B) Turn the vehicle off when loading or unloading children. (This does not apply to regulation school buses.)
(C) Seat all children in proper safety restraints to comply with IC 9-19-11 while the vehicle is in motion.
(D) Not have used alcohol within twelve (12) hours prior to transporting children.
(E) Not use illegal drugs.
(F) Ensure that any prescription drugs will not impair their ability to drive.
(G) Not have any medical conditions that would affect the driver's ability to safely operate the vehicle.
(5) The director or administrator shall require drug testing of employees when illegal drug use or alcohol use as in subdivision (4)(D) is suspected.
(6) Vehicle equipment shall include the following:
(A) A first aid kit, fire extinguisher, and blanket when transporting children.
(B) One (1) restraint per child.
(C) Door locks.
(7) When transporting a child in a wheelchair, vehicles shall accommodate the placement of wheelchairs with tie downs affixed according to the manufacturer's instructions.
