Read the scenarios below regarding vehicle safety and answer the questions.

Scenario 1 - Car Talk

Julie is a very compassionate teacher in your program. One of the families in her class recently lost their car. The parents are having trouble bringing the children to your program. Julie just confided in you that she has been secretly picking the children and their mother up in her own vehicle. She has been driving them to and from school in her own vehicle.

1. Is this a problem?
   Yes, this is a problem. Staff should not transport children in their own vehicles. Even though the mother is present in the vehicle, Julie still represents the program. This presents a liability for Julie and the program.

    
2. What would you say to Julie?
   Remind Julie of your program’s policy about transporting children in personal vehicles. Help her find community resources that could help the family find transportation solutions. Connect the family with family advocacy resources.

    

Scenario 2 - On the Bus

Your friend and co-worker, Monica, talked with you after work today. She has a field trip planned for next week. She is very concerned that one of the children, Leslie, will have a hard time on the bus. Leslie is very active. Monica thinks she will not be able to keep Leslie safe on the bus. Her parents say that she has hated child safety seats since she was a tiny infant. She screams, cries, and figures out how to escape from every safety seat.

1. What do you suggest to Monica?
   Begin teaching Leslie about bus safety now. Develop bus safety rules and teach them to the children. Practice role playing the rules in the classroom dramatic play area. If possible, practice getting on and off the bus in the days before the trip. Write a scripted story for Leslie about riding the bus (and riding in safety seats). Read it to Leslie before any trip. Recognize positive behavior: create a “Perfect Passenger” award to encourage Leslie’s safe behavior. Recruit volunteers, perhaps Leslie’s own parents, to help keep children safe on the trip. Take pictures of Leslie sitting safely and give them to her to hold on the bus as a reminder.