Louisiana Administrative Code
Title 28 - EDUCATION
Part CLXI - Bulletin 137-Louisiana Early Learning Center Licensing Regulations
Chapter 21 - Minimum Transportation Requirements and Standards
Section CLXI-2101 - General Requirements (Center-Provided, Parent-Provided or Contract Transportation)

1. Transportation arrangements shall conform to all state laws, as amended, including but not limited to those requiring the use of seat belts and child restraints.

2. Only one child shall be restrained in a single safety belt.

3. The number of persons in a vehicle shall not exceed the manufacturers recommended capacity.

4. Children shall never be left unattended in a vehicle.

5. Each child shall enter and exit a vehicle from the curb side of the street or shall be escorted across the street.

6. Children shall not be transported more than 1 1/2 hours per trip on a routine basis.

7. Children shall not be transported to prevent the center from being over capacity.

8. Vehicles shall be maintained in good repair.

9. Each vehicle shall have evidence of a current safety inspection.

10. First aid supplies shall be located in each center vehicle or contracted vehicle. First aid supplies (at least one per trip) shall be available for each field trip when parents provide transportation.

11. Center emergency information shall be prominently posted in each vehicle and shall provide the name of the director and the name, phone number and address of the center.

12. The use or possession of alcohol or tobacco in any form, illegal substances, unauthorized toxic substances or firearms of any kind is prohibited in any vehicle used to transport children.

13. The center shall maintain a copy of a valid appropriate Louisiana or other state-issued driver's license for all individuals who drive vehicles used to transport children, whether said drivers are staff members or contracted drivers.

14. Centers shall maintain at all times current commercial liability insurance for the operation of center vehicles to ensure medical coverage for children in event of accident or injury. This policy shall extend coverage to any staff member who provides transportation for any child in the course and scope of his/her employment. The provider is responsible for payment of medical expenses of a child injured while in the centers care. Documentation shall consist of the insurance policy or current binder that includes the name of the early learning center, the name of the insurance company, policy number, period of coverage and explanation of coverage. If transportation is provided by parents for field trips or transportation is provided by contract, whether daily of field trip, a copy of the current liability insurance shall be maintained on file at the center.

15. Centers using contract transportation shall maintain a copy of the written contract that includes an express provision stating that the contractor shall comply with all state laws and regulations, as amended, regarding motor vehicles, including but not limited to seat belts and child restraints.

16. Child Safety Alarm. In accordance with R.S. 32:295.3.1, a center may have a child safety alarm installed in any vehicle that has a seating capacity of six or more passengers in addition to the driver. This vehicle has to be owned or operated by the early learning center, its owner, operator, or employees and used to transport children to or from the early learning center. The child safety alarm is an ignition-based alarm system that voice prompts the driver to inspect the vehicle for children before exiting the vehicle and shall be installed by a person or business that is approved by the manufacturer of the child safety alarm. An owner or director of an early learning center who elects to have a child safety alarm installed in a vehicle owned or operated by the early learning center shall ensure that the child safety alarm is properly maintained and in good working order each time the vehicle is used for transporting children to or from an early learning center.