Ensuring the safety of children while traveling in vehicles is paramount for every parent and caregiver. The District Department of Transportation (DDOT) understands this critical need and operates a federally funded Child Safety Seat Program, known as Project Safe-Child, to support District residents. This initiative focuses on educating the community about the correct and consistent use of child safety seats for all children, every single car ride. Through this comprehensive program, eligible residents of Washington D.C. can receive a Free Car Seat Program, which includes infant and toddler car seats, as well as booster seats, coupled with essential education on proper installation and child securement techniques. Project Safe-Child is a collaborative effort involving DDOT, the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD), the DC Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), and Safe Kids Washington DC, all working together to enhance child passenger safety.
Access Free Car Seats and Car Seat Inspections
Project Safe-Child is dedicated to providing accessible resources, offering a free car seat to all District residents who possess a valid government-issued ID and have an infant or toddler in need. These resources are made available through two primary avenues:
- Voucher Program: Vouchers for free car seats are distributed strictly by appointment at the DDOT Headquarters, located at 250 M Street, SE. To broaden access, vouchers are also available at various locations throughout the District, including schools, health centers, and youth centers. Participating locations include Children’s National Hospital, Garfield Elementary School, and Tubman Elementary School, making it easier for families across D.C. to obtain the necessary vouchers.
- Booster Seat Program: Recognizing the needs of older children, the program also provides free booster seats for children who are at least four years old and weigh a minimum of 30 pounds. This ensures that children of different ages and sizes have access to appropriate safety restraints.
Redeeming vouchers and receiving booster seats is more than just a distribution process. At designated locations, Certified Passenger Child Safety Technicians are on hand to not only distribute the seats but also to expertly install them. Crucially, these technicians provide invaluable education to parents and caregivers on the importance of consistent child safety seat use and the correct methods for securing children. These comprehensive services, including free car seat inspections, are available without the need for appointments at the following locations:
Child Passenger Safety Workshops
To further enhance community knowledge and skills, Project Safe-Child offers free Child Passenger Safety Workshops. These workshops, lasting between 2 to 4 hours, are designed to thoroughly cover critical aspects of child passenger safety. Participants will learn about District laws pertaining to child restraints, how to select the appropriate car seat for their child’s age and size, and the techniques for correct installation. A strong emphasis is placed on the absolute necessity of properly buckling up children on every single car journey, no matter how short. Workshops are conveniently offered monthly at various locations throughout the District and can also be arranged upon request for groups or organizations.
National Child Passenger Safety Technician Certification Training
For individuals seeking to become actively involved in promoting child passenger safety within their communities, the program offers a National Child Passenger Safety Technician (CPST) Certification Training Program. This intensive four-day (32-hour) training program prepares participants to become nationally certified Child Passenger Safety Technicians. The curriculum is comprehensive, covering car seat safety in depth and equipping technicians with the skills to effectively assist families at public safety events, private car seat clinics, or workshops. The training methodology is hands-on, combining classroom instruction with practical, indoor and outdoor activities. Participants will engage in skills assessments using actual car seats and vehicles and participate in a community safety checkup, ensuring they are well-prepared to educate and assist others.
For more detailed information about the free car seat program and its various components, please contact:
District Department of Transportation
250 M Street SE, Washington, DC 20003
Contact Persons: Karen Gay, [email protected] , (202) 409-0234, or [email protected].
