Open Source Content Management

Brand spanking new here, hope this post makes it too you all. I am having major parent issues, basically a momma who is never ever happy no matter what! Thoughts, ideas, any of you been here before?

The Combi Navette may fit depending on the seat spacing on your bus. The Chicco Key Fit might fit as well, again depending on seat spacing. Both seats can be purchased at Child-Source.
Betty Mason

Does anyone know what kind of infant seats will fit on a bus seat rear facing seats also thank you

Seating configurations are available for both, but NHTSA research says the "optimal distance" between school bus seats is 24 inches. "Seat backs cannot be farther apart than a distance that is deemed safe. Clearly, if the seats are too far apart, the child could be thrown too far before being cushioned and/or could be thrown outside the compartment altogether." Excerpted from http://www.stnonline.com/resources/seat-belts/compartmentalization. Additional comments?

Update on new Head Start National Centers. Last week the new National Center on Health contract was awarded to the American Academy of Pediatrics. Transportation resources can be found at:
http://eclkc.ohs.acf.hhs.gov/hslc/resources/Transportation, but each of the centers will be dealing with various aspects of transportation services. Stay tuned....

The contract for Migrant and Seasonal Head Start T/TA has been extended until September 30.

Anyone know the maximum standard seat spacing for compartmentalization? Isn't it 24 inches? Can a bus be ordered with 28" rather than the standard 24"?

Thanks for the info about using CSRS in emergency window seats. I've never seen the reason for that restriction and am glad to read your response. Also please note the following:
I received this on 3/15/10 from Charles Hott, Office of Crashworthiness Standards NHTSA via Dick Fischer. I had asked Dick about using integrated seats in emergency window position on type A bus
(28 passenger capacity) which has been my solution to the CSRS in exit window seat issue.
Mr Hott's response (in quotes):
"The FMVSS for emergency egress does not require any additional emergency exits on school buses until the capacity of the bus exceeds 45 passengers."
"The FMVSS does not prevent manufacturers from installing integrated child seats next to emergency exit windows. However, it does require a label above the window that states "DO NOT BLOCK". The label was required because people using the school buses were intentionally blocking the emergency exit. It is up to the manufacturer as to whether they will install an integrated child seat next to an emergency exit window. I suppose it could be a liability issue if the exit were blocked. Why would you require an emer exit window if you were intentionally going to block it with a small child that needs a child restraint?"
He went on with FMVSS history of emer window requirement from 1980's.
Perhaps most relevant is the part of his question ". . if you were intentionally going to block it with a small child that needs a child restraint?" which could apply to child in integrated, STAR, BESI PRO II, etc. no matter what size bus.
Potential liability is always an issue, but I've always wondered what might prove more obstructive, CSRS that would collapse once it's empty (as opposed to car seat which would always be an obstruction) or an injured & unconscious larger child or adult? Then why have a seat next to an
emer window in the first place.
Libby

NHTSA published a booklet in 1999 titled Guidelines for Transporting pre-k Students. As a guideline booklet, it is a set of strong recommendations for best practice, but it is not a federal regulation. What this means is that the STAR can be placed in front of an exit window only if absolutley necessary, but it is the last place you should consider putting it. As a best practice, you want to make sure that the emergency exit access area is always kept open. Placing any child seat in that row interferes with that access and could be an obstacle in an emergency situation. The STAR is smaller and has less of an interference profile that conventional add-on passnger car child seats, however if at all possible, STAR and any other child restraint should still not be used in the emergency exit window rows.

The Safeguard STAR is a five-point, add-on restraint system that adjusts to provide a proper, secure fit for children 25 to 65 pounds, up to 57 inches tall.

What is STAR seats. Here at my Head Start we use EZ-ON Child Restraint Vest.

Thanks! That is a big help. Hopefully that will clear up the confusion around here.

Christine,
Our understanding is the STAR seats can go in the emergency window rows because they still allow access to the windows. You cannot, however, put an infant seat or a convertible seat in those rows. Hope this helps.

Hi, I was wondering if someone could help me out with an issue we are having here at Headstart? Some of the driver's say we can't put star seats in the emergency window rows. Those are supposed to be left empty. Does anyone know the answer to that? We can't find in writing where it states this. Thanks!

Glad to hear Christine, hopefully we'll see you again next summer!

This was my first year to attend the conference in Reno and I had a great time. I learned alot and it was enjoyable.

I am in Hanford, CA, attending the Migrant and Seasonal Head Start Family Child Care Forum - this group has met 2-3 times a year since 1996 and represents those MSHS programs that are using the Family Child Care program option. The regulations are silent about the actual transportation of Head Start children in this option, and all of the FCC providers are contracted "staff". I am trying to get on the agenda to discuss safe transportation of Head Start children and how it applies to children in this form of care. 1310 was promulgated prior to the recognition of this option by Office of Head Start, and there are thousands of children who go to Family Child Care Homes every day to receive their Head Start services. I'll keep you posted. Your comments are welcome!

Please spread the work about STNSOCiAL! We keep growing every day!

Nathan, I use Versa Trans Fleet Vision, it works very well for our fleet and is user friendly.

Nathan - I would be glad to show you what we offer at our company for bus fleet software, give me a call - (406) 728-0893 ex 3177 -

For all of you Trans. Coordinators - what type of software do you use to track your fleet maintenance? I'm looking at purchasing one, just want some feedback.

Thanks!

I enjoyed meeting many of you at STN Expo! Hope to see more of you.