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Florida Guidelines
for Seating of
Pre-school Age
Children in
School Buses

I n t r o d u c t i o n

Introduction
Each year an increasing number of pre-school age children are bused to public school
programs, including charter schools. As always, safety is the number one concern of
school transportation providers. To assure the safety of pre-school age students on
school buses, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recently
conducted crash testing of pre-school size dummies in school bus seats. The test results
indicated that pre-school age children are safest when transported in a child safety
restraint system (CSRS) that meets Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 213,
“Child Restraint Systems,” and that is correctly attached to the school bus bench seat.
Based on its research, in February 1999, NHTSA released the Guideline for the Safe
Transportation of Pre-school Age Children in School Buses (hereinafter referred to as the
“NHTSA Guidelines”). The NHTSA Guidelines and other information are contained within
these Florida Guidelines for Seating of Pre-school Age Children in School Buses.
The purpose of these Florida Guidelines for Seating of Pre-school Age Children in School
Buses is to convey the NHTSA Guidelines, provide clarification and interpretation of the
NHTSA Guidelines, and provide additional background and Department of Education
recommendations regarding technical and operational issues associated with transporting pre-school age students.
Please note that in several instances within these Guidelines the word “shall” is used. Use
of the word shall is to be interpreted, for the purposes of these Guidelines, as follows:
1) Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) apply, under Federal regulations to the
manufacture and sale of new motor vehicles. Under Section 234.051, Florida Statutes,
and Rules 6-3.017 and 6-3.029, Florida Administrative Code, districts are required to
maintain compliance of buses with FMVSS. Therefore, this document uses the word “shall”
when referring to FMVSS.
2) To the maximum extent possible the recommendations herein should be followed in
total. The word “shall” is used to emphasize that there may be considerable risk in
choosing to adopt part, but not all, of these recommendations, since many of the recommended practices must be implemented together to ensure safety.
If you have any questions or comments about the information and recommendations
contained herein, please e-mail Ronnie McCallister at mccallr@mail.doe.state.fl.us or
call him at (850) 488-4405, SunCom 278-4405.

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I n t r o d u c t i o n

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Definitions of terms .......................................................................................... 3
Applicable standards and rules
Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) .................................................... 4
Florida Statutes (FS) ......................................................................................... 5
Florida State Board of Education and Commissioner of Education Rules (Florida Administrative Code, or FAC) ......................................................................................... 6
Technical procedures for equipping buses to transport pre-school age students .......... 7
Operational procedures for transporting pre-school age students .............................. 9
Answers to frequently asked questions (FAQs) ..................................................... 11
Appendices:
A

Guideline for the Safe Transportation of Pre-school Age Children
in School Buses ..................................................................................... 15

Infants Ride in Rear-facing Car Seats ......................................................... 19

Pre-schoolers Over One Year and Over 20 pounds Ride in Front-facing
Car Seats............................................................................................... 20

Car Seat Parts ........................................................................................ 21

Child Passenger Safety Contacts ................................................................ 22

Florida School Bus Seat Spacing Information .............................................. 28

American Academy of Pediatrics, Babies Ride Backwards to Save Their Necks ..... 32

American Academy of Pediatrics, Recommendations on Selecting Appropriate
Car Safety Seats ..................................................................................... 34

American Academy of Pediatrics, 2000 Family Shopping Guide to
Car Safety Seats ..................................................................................... 35

Acknowledgments ................................................................................... 36

Bibliography .......................................................................................... 38

Website Resources .................................................................................. 39

M Manufacturers’ Product Literature .............................................................. 40

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D e f i n i t i o n s

Definitions of Terms
Child Safety Restraint System (CSRS) Any device (except a passenger system lap seat
belt or lap/shoulder seat belt) designed for use in a motor vehicle to restrain, seat, or
position a child who weighs less than 50 pounds.
Pre-school Age Child For the purpose of this document, a pre-school age child is a child
that is less than kindergarten age and weighs 50 pounds or less.
“Seat-Belt-Ready Seats,” “Lap-Belt-Ready Seats,” & “CSRS-Ready Seats” These terms
are used interchangeably throughout the document. They refer to the FMVSS 210 seats
that come from the factory ready to accept two-point lap type seat belts and, therefore,
child safety restraint systems.
Type A School Bus The Type A school bus is a conversion or body constructed upon a
van-type or cutaway front-section vehicle with a left side driver’s door, designed for
carrying more than 10 persons. This definition shall include two classifications: Type AI, with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) over 10,000 pounds; and Type A-II, with a
(GVWR) of 10,000 pounds and under.
C. E. White Integrated Child Restraint School Bus Seat* A school bus seat that has an
integrated child restraint seat. The bus seat can also be used as a regular school bus
bench seat. The child restraint features of the integrated seats are designed for children weighing 20-50 pounds (see Appendix M and video F-088, Integrated Child Restraint Seat, available through the Department’s School Transportation Management
Section, 1-850-488-4405, or SunCom 278-4405).
Thomas Built Buses Mobile Occupant Mini-Seat (MOMS) Seating System* A school bus
seating system consisting of a specially designed school bus bench seat that is
equipped with child restraint anchorages (compliant with FMVSS 210) that work in
conjunction with a removable Century infant or convertible child safety seat, designed
specifically for the system (see Appendix M).
Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) Federal requirements for safety
equipment and performance specifications, under which new vehicles, or items of motor
vehicle equipment, sold in the United States must be built (49 CFR, Part 571). Applicability of FMVSS to different vehicle types (including School Buses) is defined within
each FMVSS. See next section, Applicable Standards and Rules, for summary of FMVSS
referred to in these guidelines.
*Please note that the Department of Education neither condones nor recommends against
the purchase of specific products and services. Products performing similar functions may
be available from other sources.

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S t a n d a r d s

a n d

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Applicable Standards and Rules
Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS)
FMVSS 209 Seat Belt Assemblies - This standard specifies requirements for seat belt
assemblies. The requirements apply to straps, webbing, or similar material, as well as to
all necessary buckles and other fasteners and all hardware designed for installing the
assembly in a motor vehicle, and to the installation, usage, and maintenance instructions for the assembly.
FMVSS 210 Seat Belt Assembly Anchorages - This standard establishes requirements
for seat belt assembly anchorages to ensure proper location for effective occupant
restraint and to reduce the likelihood of failure. The requirements apply to any component, other than the webbing or straps, involved in transferring seat belt loads to the
vehicle structure.
FMVSS 213 Child Restraint Systems - This standard specifies requirements for child
restraint systems used in motor vehicles and aircraft. Its purpose is to reduce the
number of children killed or injured in motor vehicle crashes. FMVSS 213 is applicable to
all child restraint systems designed to transport children under 50 pounds. Examples of
the common terms used for the kinds of child safety seats (usually portable and removable) manufactured to meet this standard are:
“Infant Only” Seats - small, lightweight safety seats which are designed for
rear-facing use only. This kind can be used only as long as the baby’s head is
enclosed by the top rim of the seat. The label on the seat gives the upper
weight limit (17-22 pounds). One seat can be converted into a car bed for
babies who must lie flat. It is important to maintain a 45° angle when installing the seat to ensure that the infant can breathe properly (sometimes it is
necessary to insert a rolled up towel or cut up Styrofoam pool noodles under the
seat to achieve this angle).
“Convertible” Seats - larger seats, usually designed to fit children from birth to
about 40 pounds. Some new models have weight limits as high as 35 pounds
for rear-facing use. These products are especially good for babies under age one
who are growing more rapidly than average. Convertible seating may be turned
around to face the front when the baby is one year old and at least 20 pounds.
It is important to follow manufacturer guidelines regarding adjustment of the
harnessing straps when reversing the seat from rearward facing to forward
facing.
“Forward Facing Only” Seats - non-convertible child safety seats used only in
the forward-facing position. This category has different lower weight limits.
Most start at 20-25 pounds and go to about 40 pounds (check the
manufacturer’s label) and fit children from one year to about four years of age.
Note: Some of these seats have removable harness systems to accommodate
later use as a belt-positioning booster seat. A three-point lap/shoulder harness
is required to operate the seat in this capacity. Since school buses do not have
lap/shoulder belts, this seat will not accommodate a child larger than 40
pounds. It is recommended that “forward facing only” seats be used on school
buses only with the child seat’s built-in harnessing system in place and in use
securing the child to the seat. Shield booster-type seats should not be used on
school bus bench seats.
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Whichever seat you use, the baby should ride rear facing until one year of age and at
least 20 pounds (see Appendices G and H for American Academy of Pediatrics information regarding FMVSS 213-compliant child safety seats).
FMVSS 222 School Bus Passenger Seating and Crash Protection - This standard
establishes occupant protection requirements for school bus passenger seating and
restraining barriers. The purpose of this standard is to reduce the number of deaths and
the severity of injuries that result from the impact of school bus occupants against
structures within the vehicle during crashes and sudden driving maneuvers. This standard is frequently referred to as “compartmentalization.”
FMVSS 225 Tether Anchorages and Child Restraint Anchorage Systems - This standard
establishes requirements for child restraint anchorage systems to ensure their proper
location and strength for the effective securing of child restraints to reduce the likelihood of anchorage systems’ failures, and to increase the likelihood that child restraints
are properly secured. In the future, vehicles will be equipped with child restraint
anchorage systems that are standardized and independent of the vehicle seat belts.
FMVSS 225-compliant systems are sometimes referred to as “UCRA” systems (Universal
Child Restraint Anchorages). By September 1, 2002, UCRA systems will be required in
two seating positions on Type AII school buses and optional for all Type AI, B, C, and D
school buses.
FMVSS 302 Flammability of Interior Materials - This standard specifies burn resistance requirements for materials used in the occupant compartments of motor vehicles,
including the materials used for child safety seats. Its purpose is to reduce deaths and
injuries to motor vehicle occupants caused by vehicle fires, especially those originating
in the interior of the vehicle from sources such as matches or cigarettes.

Florida Statutes (excerpts from Chapter 234, Florida Statutes)
Section 234.02, Florida Statutes Safety and health of pupils - Maximum regard for
safety and adequate protection of health are primary requirements that must be observed by school boards in routing buses, appointing drivers, and providing and operating equipment, in accordance with all requirements of law and regulations of the
commissioner in providing transportation pursuant to Section 234.01, Florida Statutes.
Section 234.02(2)(b)(10), Florida Statutes Examination, maintenance, and repair of
transportation equipment - Each school board shall designate and adopt a specific plan
for adequate examination, maintenance, and repair of transportation equipment. Examination of the mechanical condition of each school bus must be made by a capable
mechanic at least once each month that the bus is in operation.
Section 234.051(2), Florida Statutes School buses shall be defined and meet specifications as follows: Specifications - Each school bus as defined in 49 C.F.R. part 571, and
subsection (1), which is rented, leased, purchased, or contracted for, must meet the
applicable Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards and other specifications as prescribed
by regulations of the commissioner.

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Florida State Board of Education Rule
(excerpts from Chapter 6A-3, Florida Administrative Code)
Rule 6A-3.0121(1), Florida Administrative Code Responsibility of School District and
Parents for Students with Special Transportation Needs who are transported at public
expense: …The district shall provide belt cutters meeting Florida School Bus Specifications on any school bus equipped with passenger securement or restraint straps.
Rule 6-3.017(2)(e)1.c, Florida Administrative Code Responsibilities of the director or
supervisor of transportation: To instruct school bus drivers in procedures to be followed
in conducting school bus emergency evacuation drills and to confer with each school
principal regarding scheduling, conducting and documenting school bus evacuation
drills.
Rule 6-3.017(2)(e)2.d. and e., Florida Administrative Code Responsibilities of the
school principal or other designated school staff: d. To direct school bus emergency
evacuation drills on each bus serving the school during the first six weeks of each
semester, and e. To maintain documentation for all students and to provide instruction
for all transported students in safe practices on and off the bus, during the first six
weeks of the first semester of the school year.
Rule 6-3.017(2)(e)3.g., Florida Administrative Code Responsibilities of the school bus
driver: To attend and participate in conferences and training classes for school bus
drivers…
Rule 6-3.017(2)(e)3.n., Florida Administrative Code Responsibilities of the school bus
driver: To participate in emergency evacuation drills at least once each school semester
under the direction of the school principal or the principal’s designee.
Rule 6-3.017(4)(a), Florida Administrative Code Transported students: To consider,
and as nearly as possible to provide for, the transit, safety, and comfort of each student
who will be transported to and from school.
Rule 6-3.017(8)(b), Florida Administrative Code Inspection and maintenance of
school buses: The inspection shall be conducted in accordance with procedures and
include all items listed in the Florida School Bus Safety Inspection Manual…
Rule 6-3.029 (1), Florida Administrative Code Specification for New School Buses:
School buses purchased each year shall conform to current National Standards for School
Buses of the National Conference on School Transportation, current Federal Motor
Vehicle Safety Standards and to specifications prescribed by the State Board for body,
chassis and special equipment as provided in Section 234.051, Florida Statutes. Each
school bus as defined by Section 234.051(1), Florida Statutes, shall meet the requirements of the Florida School Bus Specifications applicable for the year the bus was
manufactured or the previous year if specifications were not revised and approved for a
given year…

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Te c h n i c a l

P r o c e d u r e s

Technical Procedures for Equipping Buses to
Transport Pre-School Age Students
The following technical procedures are Florida Department of Education recommendations, which augment or interpret the attached NHTSA Guideline (Appendix A). It is
suggested that school districts follow these procedures to the maximum extent practical
in transporting pre-school age children (as defined herein) on school buses. It is also
recommended that districts follow the attached NHTSA Guideline for items not otherwise
covered herein.
School bus seating and crash protection equipment related procedures for transporting
pre-school age children include all of the following:
1. Child Safety Restraint Systems (CSRSs) - CSRSs suitable for the child’s weight and
age and meeting FMVSS 213 shall be used. All CSRSs will have a manufacturer
certification label attached to the system that confirms compliance with all applicable FMVSS and that provides information as to correct positioning according to
the weight and age of the child.
2. Securement of CSRS to Seat - All CSRS attachment hardware and anchorage systems
shall meet FMVSS 210, Seat Belt Assembly Anchorages, or FMVSS 225, Tether Anchorages and Child Restraint Anchorage Systems. School bus seats designated for
CSRSs must meet FMVSS 225, or include lap belts that meet FMVSS 209, Seat Belt
Assemblies, and anchors that meet FMVSS 210 (designed to secure lap belts, i.e.,
“lap-belt-ready” seats). Manufacturers should be consulted for information on
hardware and installation procedures for equipment meeting these FMVSS.
3. Maximum Seat Spacing - School bus bench seats, on which CSRSs are secured, shall
be installed at the maximum distance apart (front to rear), allowed by FMVSS 222,
per the NHTSA Guideline. This is to provide the maximum available space for the
CSRSs, to accommodate operational access needs and provide maximum safety for
the occupant.
Attached are guidelines for measuring maximum seat spacing from the four major
body manufacturers. If you have any questions, you may also contact the following
Florida dealers and manufacturer contacts.
Florida Dealers
Florida Transportation Sys.
First Class Coach
Rivers Bus and RV Sales
South Florida Bus Sales

Howard Revelle (Blue Bird)
Scott Fewell (Thomas)
Jim Searcy (American Transportation)
Jon Stephenson (Carpenter)

800-282-8617
407-656-1175
904-783-0313
800-272-7495

Gary Teal
Ron Marion
Jim Jumonville
Mike Sykes

912-822-2167
336-841-5715
501-327-7761
765-965-4301

Manufacturer Contacts
Blue Bird Corporation
Thomas Built Buses
American Transportation
Carpenter Industries

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4. Location of School Bus Bench Seats for CSRSs - School bus bench seats, equipped
for securement of CSRSs, should be in the forward-most positions within the bus, in
order to provide drivers with quick access and a clear view of the CSRS occupants.
5. Retrofitting Existing Buses - Districts should retrofit their current buses to meet
the new seating guidelines, if the buses are to be used to transport pre-school age
children as defined herein, in accordance with the recommendations contained in
these guidelines. School districts must ensure that no existing FMVSS (e.g., 222
regarding school bus seat anchorage, padding, spacing, etc.) are rendered inoperative when performing any modifications, changes, or additions to buses. School
district personnel must adhere to all applicable manufacturer and federal guidelines
for the components being installed. Existing school bus seats should only be
equipped with lap belts for child restraint securement if they were originally designed as FMVSS 210 compliant “lap-belt-ready” seats. Most wheelchair liftequipped buses meeting Florida Specifications and manufactured since 1987 are
already equipped with “210” seats. When a new “lap-belt-ready” school bus seat,
with a lap belt, is retrofitted into a bus, to allow for proper securement of a CSRS,
instructions obtained from the school bus or seat manufacturer on seat and restraint
system installation should be followed. When a school bus is retrofitted, the bus
owner should ensure that seat spacing for the seats equipped to accommodate
CSRSs meets FMVSS maximum seat spacing requirements for the particular body
application (see Appendix F for dimensions applicable to each manufacturer).
6. New Buses - Beginning with the spring 2000 bid, the first three rows in all Type C
and D newly purchased Florida school buses will be required to meet NHTSA Guideline requirements for maximum seat spacing and will be equipped with appropriate
anchorages (FMVSS 210 and/or 225).
7. Each school bus that transports CSRSs shall be equipped with a seat belt/strap
cutter. Rule 6A-3.0121(1), Florida Administrative Code, states in part:
Responsibility of School District and Parents for Students with Special Transportation
Needs who are transported at public expense:…The district shall provide belt cutters
meeting Florida School Bus Specifications on any school bus equipped with passenger securement or restraint straps.

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O p e r a t i o n a l

P r o c e d u r e s

Operational Procedures for
Transporting Pre-School Age Students
The following operational procedures are Florida Department of Education recommendations, which augment or interpret the attached NHTSA Guideline (Appendix A). It is
suggested that school districts follow these procedures to the maximum extent practical
in transporting pre-school age children (as defined herein) on school buses. It is also
recommended that districts follow the attached NHTSA Guideline, for items not otherwise covered herein.
1. Specifications for Child Safety Restraint System (for provider of CSRS) Subject to
these guidelines, the CSRS may be provided by the school district, the parents, or
any other party. The provider of the Child Safety Restraint System should ensure
that each pre-school age child that is transported has a CSRS appropriate for his/her
weight, height, and age that meets all applicable FMVSS (look for the manufacturer’s
certification on the label attached to the system) and has all functional parts and
components for proper usage as provided by the manufacturer. The provider also
should register the CSRS with the CSRS’s manufacturer to facilitate any recalls. If
the CSRS is the subject of a recall, the provider should ensure that any necessary
repairs or modifications have been made according to the manufacturer’s specifications. The CSRS should be maintained as recommended by its manufacturer, including disposal of any CSRS that has been involved in a crash.
2. Guidelines for Proper Securement (for transportation provider) The transportation
provider should ensure that the CSRS is used and secured correctly in the school
bus. The child is to be secured in the CSRS according to manufacturer’s instructions.
Personnel responsible for securing CSRSs onto school bus seats and children into
CSRSs need to be properly trained and all personnel involved with CSRSs provided
up-to-date information and training (this is in accordance with Rule 6-3.017(2)
(e)3.g., FAC). Pre-school age children are to be supervised according to their
developmental and functioning level when being transported on the school bus.
3. Guidelines for Loading/Unloading CSRSs The transportation provider should ensure
the proper securement of the child in the CSRS and the proper securement of the
CSRS to the bus seat.
4. Training Procedures should be established to provide documented training to those
directly involved in the transport of infants, toddlers, and other pre-school age
children on school buses. Training components should include, but not be limited
to: evacuation procedures (see Evacuation), CSRS securement procedures, child
securement procedures, proper lifting and handling, and addressing special needs.
Trainees should include parent passengers, drivers, bus attendants, and emergency
response personnel. When training procedures are established, it should be noted
that some children in CSRSs may have special needs, including medical complexity,
which must be addressed on a child-by-child basis. Instruction on the proper use of
the seat belt/strap cutter should be included in the training session. NHTSA offers
a 32-hour certification course in Child Passenger Safety; local contacts are listed
in Appendix E. Physical and occupational therapists may be involved in the
training in individual cases when there are special needs. Each district should
establish procedures for identifying who is responsible for carrying the seat and
child on and off the bus, if applicable.
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5. Evacuation The school district should establish a written plan for evacuating preschool children and other passengers in CSRSs in the event of an emergency. This
written plan should be provided to drivers, monitors, and local emergency response
personnel. The plan should explicitly state how children (both in and out of the
CSRS) should be evacuated from the school bus. As detailed below, evacuation
practices will take place on a regular schedule. Evacuation drills should include
parent passengers and their children that are transported.
Excerpts from Chapter 6-3.017, Florida Administrative Code, relating to school bus
evacuation:
Responsibilities related to school bus evacuation-It is the responsibility of the
director or supervisor of transportation to instruct school bus drivers in procedures
to be followed in conducting school bus emergency evacuation drills and to confer
with each school principal regarding scheduling, conducting, and documenting
school bus evacuation drills (6-3.017 (2) (d) 1.c.).
It is the responsibility of the school principal or other designated school staff to
direct school bus emergency evacuation drills on each bus serving the school during
the first six weeks of each semester, to maintain documentation for all students,
and to provide instruction for all transported students in safe practices on and off
the bus during the first six weeks of the first semester of the school year (6-3.017
(2) (d) 2. d.-e.). It is the responsibility of the school bus driver to participate in
emergency evacuation drills at least once each school semester under the direction
of the school principal or the principal’s designee (6-3.017(2)(e)3.g.).

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Q u e s t i o n s

A n s w e r s

Answers to Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Question: The federal definition of child safety restraint systems provides for children up
to 50 pounds. Most toddler car seats only accommodate children that weigh between 2040 pounds. What form of restraint is recommended for pre-school children between 40-50
pounds?
Answer: In any school bus, equipped from the factory with lap belts, it is required that
all passengers use the belts, including children between 40-50 pounds. Most current
school buses are not equipped with lap belts. Instead, NHTSA requires compartmentalization to provide occupant protection for passengers, including pre-school age children
weighing between 40-50 pounds. Another restraint option for pre-school age students
between 40-50 pounds is an approved safety vest or a C.E. White Seat. There is currently a child safety seat that accommodates a child up to 60 pounds, and similar seats
are expected to be available to consumers in the near future.
Question: Are school districts required to retrofit existing buses to meet the new guidelines?
Answer: No, school districts are not required to retrofit existing buses. It is recommended, however, to retrofit these buses if they are to be used to transport pre-school
age children, as defined herein.
Question: If the district decides to retrofit existing buses, how should they proceed?

Answer: If a district decides to retrofit existing buses, they must contact the body
manufacturer and solicit retrofit instructions from them, including instructions on proper
hardware and mounting of any seats that may be relocated. Also, refer to the specific
guidelines contained herein (including the Appendices) for seat spacing, placement,
CSRS and passenger securement, and other retrofitting issues.
Question: How can I assure compliance according to model year and manufacturer of the
bus?
Answer: You should reference the Florida School Bus Specifications Manual and Florida
School Bus Safety Inspection Manual to assure compliance according to model year and
manufacturer, as well as applicable Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards. Also, refer
to the attached manufacturer information on maximum seat spacing (Appendix F).
Question: Do existing FMVSS 210 seats meet the Guideline for the Safe Transportation of
Pre-school Age Children in School Buses?
Answer: No, unless they are re-spaced to provide the maximum seat spacing or already
provide the maximum seat spacing.
Question: Will school bus specifications comply with the NHTSA Guideline for all 2000
model year school buses?
Answer: No, the NHTSA Guideline will pertain to school buses purchased from the spring
2000 bid and later (buses to be delivered starting about March 2001).

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Question: According to FMVSS 222 maximum seat spacing requirements, can students
other than pre-school age students use the school bus bench seats on buses designed to
comply with these pre-school seating guidelines?
Answer: Yes, the seat spacing in accordance with the new guidelines for pre-school age
students falls within FMVSS 222 maximum seat spacing specifications required for all
passengers.
Question: If I retrofit a bus with seat-belt-ready seats, do I have to install a specified
minimum number of seat-belt-ready seats (for example, if I only need to accommodate
one pre-school age child)?
Answer: No. These guidelines are not intended to require buses to be retrofitted with a
certain number of seat-belt-ready seats. The number required on existing buses would
be according to local needs and the number of pre-school age children to be transported
on the bus.
Question: Will maximum seat spacing reduce the passenger capacity of the bus?
Answer: Not for most sizes of new buses (less than 84 capacity). Most retrofitted
buses, however, will probably lose a row of seats, due to the extra room required for the
CSRS-ready seat spacing.

Question: How should all the seats be configured in the bus if I retrofit the bus with
CSRS-ready seats?
Answer: School districts can retrofit CSRS-ready seats into a bus and relocate existing
school bus bench seats according to one of the following three basic configurations:
Note: Any of these configurations will result in removing at least one row of
regular school bus bench seats. Under FMVSS 222, a padded barrier must be
installed in front of any seat that does not have another seat in front of it, so
as to provide a padded surface within the allowable seat spacing. Representative school bus seating diagrams for all configurations are available from manufacturers.
Configuration #1 A row of regular seats two or three rows from the front could be
removed. Then, CSRS-ready seats in the front of the bus could be
installed far enough back that the rearmost CSRS-ready seat would
serve as the required barrier in front of the forwardmost regular
passenger seat. The existing barriers behind the driver and the step
well would then have to be moved back far enough to provide the
required protection and spacing dimensions in front of the
forwardmost CSRS-ready seat on each side of the bus. Provisions
would need to be made for resecurement of the entrance grab (hand)
rail. This is probably the most practical seat spacing option.
Configuration #2 A regular bench seat could be removed just behind the retrofitted
CSRS-ready seats and a padded barrier installed in front of the
forwardmost remaining regular bench seat. This barrier would have to
be located to provide the required spacing dimension in front of the
forwardmost regular bench seat, and at least ten inches of clear space
behind the rearmost CSRS-ready seat. This is a less practical alternative due to the significant loss of passenger capacity that will result.

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Configuration #3 After installing the CSRS-ready seats with maximum allowable spacing
at the front of the bus, all school bus bench seats rearward of the
CSRS-ready seats could be moved back in order to maintain Florida’s
minimum knee-room requirement (25” on all but 89 capacity, Type D
buses) throughout the bus. This is probably the least attractive
option, since it would require significantly more labor (moving of seats)
than options 1) and 2) above.
Question: Are there any other important requirements in retrofitting a bus with
CSRS-ready seats?
Answer: Yes. In order to maintain compliance with FMVSS 217, “Bus Emergency Exits
and Window Retention and Release,” the district should always ensure that any seat
relocations or other modifications made do not reduce the spacing at the emergency
door or the emergency exit windows. The district should also ensure that any holes in
the floor are filled after modifications to ensure that there is no possibility of intrusion
into the interior of the bus by exhaust gas or other contaminants.
Question: Is Florida considering any modification to the specifications so that passenger
seating is not lost?
Answer: Yes, but only on the buses purchased from the spring 2000 bid and later.
Florida will require an extra section in the body of the bus (if necessary) to maintain
current passenger capacity on most configurations.
Question: Does the parent need to be notified or provide approval before the preschool
age child is fitted with a safety vest, if it is not listed on an Individual Education
Plan (IEP)?

Answer: If a safety vest is not listed on an IEP, and is provided purely as a safety
measure, it is not a requirement that the parent be notified. However, it is recommended that parents be notified, as a proactive measure, to head off any unwarranted
concern. It is suggested that it be described, according to its purpose, as a safety vest,
not a “restraint or harness.”
Question: Will school bus operators and school bus technicians be required to receive
training on proper installation and securement of CSRSs and passengers and related
issues?
Answer: No, although such training is highly recommended. The Department of Education is currently developing a train-the-trainer component, to be taught regionally, for
bus operator/monitor trainers to address proper child restraint system installation and
securement. A component is also being developed for bus technicians to address
installation, securement, maintenance, and inspection procedures.
Question: Are there any resources available to answer questions regarding correct installation of child safety seats?
Answer: NHTSA’s web site (http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov) offers a list of child passenger
safety contacts for the state of Florida. The list is also included in Appendix E. These
technicians have attended extensive training and have been certified in correct usage
and installation of child safety seats. Department of Education staff are also available
to assist. They can be contacted by calling (850) 488-4405.
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Q u e s t i o n s

A n s w e r s

Question: Is it acceptable to use captured loop-type lap belts or other lap belts that tie to
or loop around the seat frame to attach the child safety seat?
Answer: No. It is not acceptable to use any lap belt or system that is not compliant
with FMVSS 225 Tether Anchorages and Child Restraint Anchorage Systems or FMVSS 209
and 210. Loop-type lap belts are designed to attach to regular, non-FMVSS 210 bench
seats and, therefore, would not comply.
Question: What is the maximum allowable number of CSRS occupants per bus?
Answer: You should not transport more CSRS occupants per bus than can be safely
evacuated in an emergency situation.
Question: What is the federal implementation date for FMVSS 225 requiring the Universal
Child Restraint Anchorage (UCRA) attachment system in two seating positions on small
buses (Type A-II, under 10,000 pounds)?
Answer: On September 1, 2002, the UCRA requirement for small buses comes into
effect.
Question: Whom should I call with additional questions?
Answer: You can call Ronnie McCallister, Bill Schroyer, or Charlie Hood at
(850) 488-4405, SunCom 278-4405.

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NHTSA Guideline
Guideline for the Safe Transportation of Pre-school Age Children in School Buses
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
February 1999

Introduction
School age children transported in school buses are safer than children transported in
motor vehicles of any other type. Large school buses provide protection because of their
size and weight. Further, they must meet minimum Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) mandating compartmentalized seating, improved emergency exits,
stronger roof structures and fuel systems, and better bus body joint strength.
As more pre-school age children are transported to school programs, often in school
buses, the public is increasingly asking the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) about how to safely transport them. To help answer these questions,
NHTSA conducted crash testing of pre-school age size dummies in school bus seats. The
test results showed that pre-school age children in school buses are safest when transported in child safety restraint systems (CSRSs) that meet FMVSS 213, Child Restraint
Systems, and are correctly attached to the seats.
Based on its research, NHTSA recommends pre-school age children transported in school
buses always be transported in properly secured CSRSs. In partial response to questions
from school (and child care) transportation offices, this Guideline seeks to assist school
and other transportation managers in developing and implementing policies and procedures for the transportation of pre-school age children in school buses.
Note: The proper installation of CSRSs necessitates that a school bus seat has safety
belts or other means of securing the CSRS to the seat. NHTSA recommends that lap belts
or anchorages designed to meet FMVSS 225, Tether Anchorages and Child Restraint
Anchorage Systems, be voluntarily installed to secure CSRSs in large school buses.

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A p p e n d i x A

Recommendations For The Transportation Of
Pre-School Age Children In School Buses
When pre-school age children are transported in a school bus, NHTSA recommends these
guidelines be followed:
1) Each child should be transported in a Child Safety Restraint System (suitable for the
child’s weight and age) that meets applicable Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards
(FMVSS).
2) Each child should be properly secured in the Child Safety Restraint System.
3) The Child Safety Restraint System should be properly secured to the school bus seat,
using anchorages that meet FMVSS.
Child Safety Restraint System Defined
A Child Safety Restraint System is any device (except a passenger system lap seat belt
or lap/shoulder seat belt), designed for use in a motor vehicle to restrain, seat, or
position a child who weighs less than 50 pounds.
Child Safety Restraint Systems Guideline
1. Child Safety Restraint System Specifications
The provider of the CSRS should ensure:
a) Each pre-school age child to be transported has a CSRS appropriate for the
child’s weight, height, and age.
b) Each CSRS meets all applicable FMVSS (look for the manufacturer’s certification
on the label attached to the system).
c) Each CSRS has been registered with the CSRS’s manufacturer to facilitate any
recalls the manufacturer might conduct.
d) If the CSRS is the subject of a recall, any necessary repairs or modifications
have been made to the manufacturer’s specifications.
e) Each CSRS is maintained as recommended by its manufacturer, including disposal of any CSRS that has been involved in a crash.
2. Proper Securement
The transportation provider should ensure:
a) The CSRS is used and secured correctly in the school bus.
b) Each child is secured in CSRSs according to manufacturer’s instructions.
c) All CSRS attachment hardware and anchorage systems meet FMVSS 210, Seat
Belt Assembly Anchorages, or FMVSS 225, Tether Anchorages and Child Restraint
Anchorage Systems.
d) School bus seats designated for CSRSs meet FMVSS 225, or include lap belts that
meet FMVSS 209, Seat Belt Assemblies, and anchors that meet FMVSS 210
(designed to secure adult passengers or CSRS).
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A p p e n d i x

e) Personnel responsible for securing CSRSs onto school bus seats and children into
CSRSs are properly trained, and all personnel involved with CSRSs are provided
up-to-date information and training.
f) When transported in the school bus, pre-school age children are supervised
according to their developmental and functioning level.
3. School Bus Seats Designated for Child Safety Restraint Systems
The transportation provider should ensure:
a) School-bus seats designated for CSRSs are located starting at the front of the
vehicle to provide drivers with quick access to, and a clear view of, the CSRS
occupants.
b) CSRS anchorages on school bus seats meet all applicable FMVSS.
c) When ordering new school buses, the maximum spacing (within 24 inches from
the seating reference point) specified under FMVSS 222, School Bus Passenger
Seating and Crash Protection, is required for seats designated for CSRSs to
provide adequate space for the CSRSs.
d) The combined width of the CSRS and/or other passengers on a single seat does
not exceed the width of the seat.
e) If other students share seats with the CSRSs, the CSRSs are placed in the
window seating position.
4. Retrofitting School Buses
The transportation provider should ensure:
a) Existing school bus seats should only be retrofitted with lap belts or child
restraint anchorages as instructed by the school bus manufacturer.
b) When a school bus is retrofitted with a seat to allow for proper securement of a
CSRS, instructions obtained from the school bus or seat manufacturer on how to
install the seat and restraint systems are followed.
c) When a school bus is retrofitted, the bus owner should ensure that seat spacing
is sufficient for the CSRS to be used.
5. Evacuation
The transportation provider should ensure:
a) The establishment of a written plan on evacuating pre-school age children and
other passengers in CSRSs in the event of an emergency. This written plan
should be provided to drivers, monitors, and emergency response personnel. The
plan should explicitly state how children (both in and out of the CSRS) should
be evacuated from the school bus.
Evacuation drills are practiced on a scheduled basis, at least as often as that
required for the school system’s school-age children.

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A p p e n d i x A

b) All personnel involved in transporting children are trained in evacuation and
emergency procedures, including those in the written school bus evacuation
plan.
c) All school buses carrying children in CSRSs carry safety belt cutters that are
accessible only to the driver and any monitors.
d) CSRSs are not placed in school bus seats adjacent to emergency exits.
e) Local emergency response teams are provided copies of the written school bus
evacuation plan, including evacuation of pre-school age children. Emergency
response personnel should be invited to participate in evacuation drills.
6. Other Recommendations
a) The school transportation provider should establish a policy on whether they or the
child’s guardian must supply the CSRS to be used on the school bus. School bus purchases should be based on the needs of the projected student population, taking into
consideration projected ages, sizes, and other characteristics of the students, including
any special needs, and whether pre-school age children or medically fragile students will
be transported.
b) Specified procedures should be established for loading and unloading children in
CSRSs.
c) Procedures should be established for the periodic maintenance, cleaning, and inspection for damage of CSRSs. Procedures should be established to train personnel involved
in direct service delivery of infants, toddlers, and pre-school children on the physical
day-to-day handling of these young children and means to handle potential exposure to
contagious and communicable diseases.
d) When school bus procedures are established, it should be noted that some children in
CSRSs may have special needs, including medical fragility, that must be addressed on a
child-by-child basis. (See Carseat Shopping Guide for Children with Special Needs at
http://www.aap.org/family/99cars.htm and Transporting Children with Special Health
Care Needs, Pediatrics Vol. 104, October 1999)

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Route harness straps
through lower slots at or
below shoulder level.

Keep harness straps
snug and fasten harness
clip at armpit level.

Put carry handle
in down position.

Recline carseat at a
45°angle. A pool
noodle may
help achieve the
correct angle.

Infants must ride in
rear-facing position.

Infants Ride in Rear-facing Car Seats
Up to One Year of Age and Up to 20 Pounds*
*Follow Manufacturers’ recommendations for specific model being used
(Infant or Convertible)
Securing the rear-facing seat to the bus seat:
1. Car seat should be placed within first three rows of seats. If the seat is shared,
place car seat in window seating position.
2. Place seat in rear-facing position, at a 45° angle. A rolled up towel or pool noodle
may help to achieve angle.
3. Thread lap belt through slots indicated for rear-facing position.
4. Fasten into receptacle and pull tight while exerting weight onto seat.
5. Seat should have no more than one inch of play when held at belt path.
Placing infant in seat:
1. Assure that seat is proper size for child.
2. Place infant in seat bottom first.
3. Gently pull harness over the baby’s head, taking care not to irritate infant’s skin.
4. Harness clip should be properly threaded and placed at armpit level.
5. Harness straps should be straight and snug, threaded at or below infant’s shoulder
line.
6. Secure buckle, making sure you hear the “snap.”
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Place front-facing seat
in upright position.

Keep harness straps
snug and straight.

Route harness straps
through top slots.
Fasten harness clip
at armpit level.

Pre-schoolers Over One Year and
Over 20 Pounds Ride in Front-facing Car Seats*
*Follow Manufacturers’ recommendations for specific model being used
(Convertible or Front-facing only )
Securing the front-facing seat to the bus seat:
1. Car seat should be placed within first three rows of seats. If the seat is shared,
place car seat in window seating position.
2. Place seat in front-facing position, with recline adjustment extended.
3. Thread lap belt through slots indicated for front-facing position.
4. Fasten into receptacle and pull tight while exerting weight onto seat.
5. Seat should have no more than one inch of play when held at belt path.
Placing child in front-facing convertible or front-facing-only car seats:
1. Assure that seat is proper size for child.
2. Seat should be in upright position with belt threaded through proper path. Make
sure child sits upright in seat for proper positioning.
3. Gently pull harness over the child’s head.
4. Harness clip should be properly threaded and placed at armpit level.
5. Harness straps should be straight and snug, threaded at or above child’s shoulder line.
6. Secure buckle, making sure you hear the “snap.”
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Shoulder Straps

Toddler Strap Slot

Harness Retainer
Clip
Release Button
(red)

Infant Strap Slots

Forward Facing
Safety Belt Routing

Crotch
Strap

Recline Adjustment

Strap Adjuster
Rear Facing
Safety Belt Routing

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Florida Guidelines for Seating of Pre-school Age Children in School Buses

A p p e n d i x E

Child Passenger Safety Contacts
Boyd Tong
Community Traffic Safety Team
phone: 863-692-1582
fax: 941-692-2813
jboydt@amtc.net

RNC-Clinical Nurse Deborah Bottiger
Momm’s Place-Manatee Memorial Hospital
Plaza Del Rio 101 Riverfront Blvd.
Bradenton, FL 34208
phone: 941-745-6925 fax: 941-745-6926

CIER Officer Alan S. Harris
Altamonte Springs Fire Department
225 Newburyport Avenue
Altamonte Springs, FL 32701
phone: 407-830-3991 fax: 407-263-3732
harris@altamontefire.org

Director of Emergency Services Cynthia A. Hayes
Brandon Regional Hospital
119 Oakfield Drive
Brandon, FL 33511
phone: 813-681-0411 fax: 813-681-4986
cynthia.hayes@columbia.net

Deputy Chief Robert W. Pitman, Jr.
Bartow Fire Department
110 E. Church St.
Bartow, FL 33830
phone: 863-534-5044 fax: 863-519-3623
rwpjr@concentric.net

Cashier Peggy Smollen
Home Depot
2716 SE 22nd Avenue
Cape Coral, FL 33904
peq2bob@worldnet.att.net

Program Coordinator Lorrie Walker
South Florida Child Passenger Safety Program
FAU College of Nursing, 777 Glades Road,
Room 115
Boca Raton, FL 33431
phone: 561-297-0172 fax: 561-297-0072
LWalker146@aol.com
Child Passenger Safety Specialist Karen Hanawalt
South Florida Child Passenger Safety Program
Florida Atlantic University College of Nursing
Boca Raton, FL 33431-0911
phone: 877-543-7328 fax: 561-297-0072
Karenhanawalt@hotmail.com
Research Associate Professor Mary Russell
Florida Atlantic University College of Nursing
777 Glades Road
Boca Raton, FL 33431-0991
phone: 561-297-2328 fax: 561-297-3652
mrussell@fau.edu
Peggy Klimek
Bradenton, FL 34203
phone: 941-756-6832
oeharris@gte.net

Public Education Specialist Amy L. Haston
Cape Coral Fire Rescue & Emergency Services
2605 Santa Barbara Blvd.
Cape Coral, FL 33914
phone: 941-574-0522 fax: 941-574-0524
ahaston@capecoral.net
Officer John C. Catiller
Casselberry Police Department
4195 South U.S. Highway 17-92
Casselberry, FL 32707
phone: 407-262-7616 fax: 407-262-7633
jccatiller@mindspring.com
RN EMT-P Catherine McKearney
Davie Fire Rescue
945 Spring Circle, #201
Deerfield Beach, FL 33441
phone: 954-421-6231
CMcKearney@aol.com
Firefighter Luis A. Garcia
City of Boynton Beach Fire Rescue
761 NW 48th Avenue
Deerfield Beach, FL 33442
phone: 954-429-8676 fax: 954-429-8677
ilresqunow@aol.com

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Community Liaison Joseph M. Cohen
Volusia County Sheriff’s Office
1691 Providence Blvd.
Deltona, FL 32763
phone: 407-860-7030 fax: 407-860-7041
jcohen@totcon.com

Family Support Worker Mary A. Flummer
Healthy Start
3820 Michigan Avenue
Ft. Myers, Fl 33916
phone: 941-332-9640
ssflummer@aol.com

Quality Assurance Officer Janie T. Gunnell
Nassau County Fire/Rescue
11 North 14th Street
Fernandina Beach, FL 32035-0494
phone: 904-321-5732 fax: 904-321-5748
dps@net-magic.net

Project Director Dr. Morya E. Willis
Florida CPS Program
PO Box 116585, 512 Weil Hall
Gainesville, FL 32611
phone: 352-392-2371x300 fax: 352-392-6289
morya@ce.ufl.edu

Assistant GM Buy Power Manager Beverly Ward
Bill Branch Chevrolet
3980 Fowler Street
Fort Myers, FL 33901
phone: 941-936-8561 fax: 941-936-5771

Training & Education Coordinator Nina M. Barker
Technology Transfer Center
512 Weil Hall, PO Box 116585
Gainesville, FL 32611-6585
phone: 352-392-2371 fax: 352-392-3224
nina@ce.ufl.edu

Community Educator Kristine Egenlauf-McKnight
North Broward Hospital District
1625 SE 3 Avenue
Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33316
phone: 954-355-4798 fax: 954-468-8038
kegenlauf@nbhd.org
Injury Prevention Coordinator Pamela Santucci
Broward County Health Department
2421 SW 6th Avenue
Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33330
phone: 954-467-4790 fax: 954-760-7798
Police Officer Abdul-Wali Salaam
Ft. Myers Police Department
2210 Peck St
Ft. Myers, FL 33901
phone: 941-334-4155 fax: 941-334-2980
woontgi196@att.net
Captain G. D. Wheaton
Lee County EMS
14752 Six Miles Cypress Parkway
Ft. Myers, FL 33912
phone: 941-335-1600 fax: 941-335-1638
davew@leegov.com

Danny Murkerson
PO Box 6093
Gainesville, FL 32627
phone: 352-336-1740
Outreach Coordinator Pamela G. Craig
Shands Children’s Hospital
Alachua County SAFE KID
PO Box 100386
Gainesville, FL 32610-0386
phone: 352-395-0543 fax: 352-395-7954
craigpq@shands.ufl.edu
Senior Health Educator Shannon T. Hall
Clay County Health Department
PO Box 578
Green Cove Springs, FL 32043
phone: 904-284-6340 fax: 904-284-6373
shannon_thomas@doh.state.fl.us
Officer William Pruitt
Haines City Police Department
501 E. Hinson Ave
Haines City, FL 33844
phone: 863-421-3636 fax: 863-421-3640

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FL DOT CPS Grant Coord. Jennifer L Huebner
AAA National Office
1000 AAA Drive, MS 76
Heathrow, FL 32746
phone: 407-444-7912 fax: 407-444-7956
jhuebner@national.aaa.com

Sergeant Walter C. Wobig
Kissimmee Police Department
8 North Stewart Avenue
Kissimmee, FL 34741
phone: 407-847-0176 fax: 407-847-0460
wwobig@kissimmee.org

Manager Training & Profess. Develop. Bill Wen
AAA National
Traffic Safety Depart., 1000 AAA Drive, MS76
Heathrow, FL 32746-5063
phone: 407-444-7960 fax: 407-444-7956
wwen@national.aaa.com

Consumer Awareness & Ed. Coord. Lee Brown
Great Bay Distributors, Inc
2310 Starkey Road
Largo, FL 33771
phone: 727-584-8626 fax: 727-585-9425
leebrown@greatbaybud.com

Registered Nurse Candice Curd
Palmetto General Hospital
2001 W. 68th Street
Hialeah, FL 33016
phone: 305-364-2175 fax: 305-557-6743
peanut6204@aol.com

Traffic Homicide Lolita M. Cartwright
Lauderhill Police
1980 Northwest 56th Avenue
Lauderhill, FL 33313
phone: 954-497-4700 fax: 954-497-4734
slappy77@mediaone.net

Traffic Management Operator Donna R. Shannahan
Florida Department of Transportation
2250 Irene Street
Jacksonville, FL 32204
phone: 904-360-5645 fax: 904-360-5483
donna.shannahan@dot.state.fl.us

Public Education-Inform. Officer Barbara Brown
Lehigh Acres Fire Control & Rescue District
1000 Joel Blvd.
Lehigh Acres, FL 33972
phone: 941-369-8424 fax: 941-369-7576

Health Educator Lynn Coronel
Duval County Health Department
Injury Prevention Program,
900 University N. Suite 205
Jacksonville, FL 32211
phone: 904-630-3344 fax: 904-745-3014
gloria_coronel@doh.state.fl.us
Police Officer Bonnie Howell
University of North Florida Police Dept.
4567 St. Johns Bluff Road
Jacksonville, FL 32224
phone: 904-620-2801 fax: 904-620-2806
bhowell@unf.edu
District Safety Engineer Earl D. Hodges
Florida Department of Transportation
PO Box 6669
Jacksonville, FL 32236
phone: 904-360-5642 fax: 904-360-5639
earl.hodges@dot.state.fl.us

Injury Prevention Coordinator Carol E. Steans
William Lehman Injury Research Center
1800 NW 10th Avenue (D-55)
Miami, FL 33136
phone: 305-585-1190 fax: 305-324-6256
csteans@trauma.med.miami.edu
Victim Advocate Susan B. Vivonetto
Collier County Sheriff’s Office
2975 Horseshoe Drive South
Naples, FL 34104
phone: 941-793-9155 fax: 941-793-9211
Registered Nurse Connie R. Plotkin
Women’s Health Care Foundation
3301 Tamiami Trail East
Naples, FL 34112
phone: 941-732-2580 fax: 941-732-2595
cplot78995@aol.com

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Highway Safety Coordinator Michelle C. Sporre
North Miami Beach Police Department
16901 NE 19th Avenue
North Miami Beach, FL 33162
phone: 305-957-3511 fax: 305-948-2914
michelle.sporre@ci.north-miami-beach.fl.us

Officer Robert W. Lathinghouse, Jr.
Palmetto Police
1115 10th Street W
Palmetto, FL 34221
phone: 941-723-4587 fax: 941-723-4816
rl602@worldnet.att.net

Occupant Protection Specialist Susan J. Hulcher
Orange County Sheriff’s Office
PO Box 1440
Orlando, FL 32802
phone: 407-851-6675 fax: 407-851-4589

Paramedic William S. Miller
Bay Medical Center-EMS
518 North Martin Luther King Blvd.
Panama City, FL 32401
phone: 850-747-6080
rv25@aol.com

Child Passenger Safety Coord. Colleen E. Frangione
SAFE KIDS of Orange County
92 W. Miller Street
Orlando, FL 32806
phone: 407-841-5111
cfrangio@orhs.org
CPS Coordinator Carol S. Mann
University of FL-Orange Co. Extension Office
2350 East Michigan Street
Orlando, FL 32806
phone: 407-836-7589 fax: 407-836-7578
carol.mann@co.orange.fl.us
Orange County Coordinator Cara Duncan
Safe Kids of Greater Orlando
92 W. Miller Street
Orlando, FL 32807
phone: 407-841-5111 fax: 407-649-6905
cdunc@orhs.org
Occupant Protection Specialist D. K. Fortinberry
Orange County Sheriff’s Office
Training Facility
8256 Exchange Drive, Suite 200
Orlando, FL 32809
phone: 407-851-6675 fax: 407-851-4589
k4safety@magicnet.net
LT/ Paramedic William L. Walker, RN
East Lake Fire and Rescue
3375 Tarpon Lake Blvd.
Palm Harbor, FL 34685
phone: 727-784-8668
wlwepst@aol.com

Perinatal Education Coordinator Susan L. Welke
Memorial Hospital West
703 North Flamingo Road
Pembroke Pines, FL 33028
phone: 954-433-7110 fax: 954-443-4705
susanjerry@mindspring.com
Safe Communities Coordinator Ginny L. Ritchie
Think First of NW Florida
Univ. of W. FL,.Bldg. 41
1100 University Pkwy
Pensacola, FL 32514
phone: 850-857-6110 fax: 850-473-7072
gritchie@uwf.edu
Police Officer Dennis D. Lawdan
City of Plantation
451 NW 70 Terrace
Plantation, FL 33317
phone: 954-916-5604 fax: 954-916-5600
Police Officer Frank D. LeGette
City of Plantation
451 NW 70 Terrace
Plantation, FL 33317
phone: 954-797-2100 fax: 954-916-5600
Police Officer Lori LeGette
City of Plantation
451 NW 70 Terrace
Plantation, FL 33317
phone: 954-916-5601 fax: 954-916-5600
llegette1.@aol.com

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Officer James J. White
Plantation Police Department
451 NW 70 Terrace
Plantation, FL 33317
phone: 954-797-2100 fax: 954-916-5600
cop9511@aol.com

Case Manager Summer W. Schied
Child Dev. Center
4630 17th Street
Sarasota, Fl 34235
phone: 941-371-4799 fax: 941-371-5439
sunfish@mindspring.com

Civilian Accident Investigator Ana P. Nunes
Pt. St . Lucie Police Dept
121 SW Port St. Lucie Blvd.
Pt. St. Lucie, FL 34984
phone: 561-871-7347

Early Care & Education Coordinator
Christine M Croyle
Child Care Resource Network
88 Riberia Street; Suite 200
St. Augustine, FL 32084
phone: 904-823-4680 fax: 904-823-4686
ccrn@aug.com

Traffic Officer Scott Theede
Port St. Lucie Police Dept.
121 SW Port St. Lucie Blvd.
Pt. St. Lucie, FL 34984
phone: 561-871-5000 fax: 561-344-4083
theedes@aol.com
Traffic Officer Matthew Waldron
Port St. Lucie Police
121 S.W. Pt. St. Lucie Blvd.
Pt. St. Lucie, Fl 34984
phone: 561-871-5000
mcw520@excite.com
CSS Carmen I. Johnson
Royal Palm Community Unit
11498 Okeechobee Blvd.
Royal Palm Beach, FL 33411
phone: 561-790-5140 fax: 561-795-9746
Community Service Officer Margaret Levins
Seminole County Sheriff’s Office
100 Bush Blvd.
Sanford, FL 32773
phone: 407-665-6748 fax: 407-665-6658
Customer Service Rep. & Safety Seat Coordinator
Jeannie M. Stathas
Sun Honda
7333 S. Tamiami Trail
Sarasota, FL 34231
phone: 941-923-3413 fax: 941-924-8569
sunhonda@mindspring.com

Public Education Officer Kim McGevna-Moore
St. Petersburg Fire and Rescue
400 Dr. Martin Luther King Street S
St. Petersburg, FL 33762
phone: 727-893-7480 fax: 727-892-5011
klmcgevn@stpete.org
Investigator Joe P. Giangrosso, III
Tallahassee Police Department
234 East 7th Avenue
Tallahassee, FL 32303
phone: 850-891-4243 fax: 850-891-4645
giangroj@mail.ci.tlh.fl.us
Investigator John T. Newland
Tallahassee Police Department
234 East 7th Avenue
Tallahassee, FL 32303
phone: 850-891-4261 fax: 850-891-4645
Sergeant Cheryl A. Stewart
Tallahassee Police Department
234 E. 7th Avenue
Tallahassee, FL 32303
phone: 850-891-4266 fax: 850-891-4645
stewartc@mail.ci.tlh.fl.us
Instructor Gladiola King
Tampa Area Safety Council
1113 E. Martin Luther King Blvd.
Tampa, FL 33603
phone: 813-248-1567 fax: 813-247-3671
nsctampa@aol.com

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Coordinator-Community Traffic Safety Teams
Jeanette W. Rouse
FL Department of Transportation
11201 N. McKinley Drive
Tampa, FL 33612
phone: 813-975-6256 fax: 813-975-6278
jeanette.rouse1@dot.state.fl.us
Youth Services Officer Daniel L. Whittaker
Venice Police Department
1350 Ridge Wood Avenue
Venice, Fl 34292
phone: 941-486-2444 fax: 941-483-5961
youthserv@venicepolice.com
Supervisor Cheryl Pettway
Children’s Home Society of Florida
3600 Broadway
West Palm Beach, FL 33407
phone: 561-840-8443 fax: 561-840-0437
Public Education Specialist Tracy Stowers
Winter Park Fire Department
180 W. Lyman
Winter Park, FL 32789
phone: 407-741-4904 fax: 407-741-4908
tstowers@ci.winter-park.fl.us
Community Health Specialist Marianne Nuckles
Orange County Fire Rescue Department
6590 Amory Court
Winter Park, FL 32792
phone: 407-836-9886 fax: 407-836-9138
marianne.nuckles@co.orange.fl.us
Child Safety Advocate Diane Kessluk
202 Holiday Lane
Winter Springs, FL 32708-3204
fireladydi@aol.com
Mandi Summers
Florida Injury Prevention and
Control Program
2020 Capital Circle SE
Tallahassee, FL 32399-1738
phone: 850-245-4440
Mandi_Summers@doh.state.fl.us

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Florida School Bus Seat Spacing Information
Compartmentalization of school bus passengers plays a key role in providing protection
on school buses. One of the main factors in the success of this design is the proper
spacing of passenger seats.
Through Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) testing of school bus passenger
seats, the bus body manufacturers have determined the proper spacing of passenger
seats to provide the best level of passenger crash protection which meets the requirements of FMVSS 222. Therefore, whenever your district checks in a new bus and when
seats are removed or reinstalled (usually in an ESE bus or for Pre-k retrofitting) it is
required that you check for proper seat spacing before returning the bus to service to
transport students.
Attached is a chart listing the seat spacing (in inches) of each manufacturer’s bus body
by type. Florida School Bus Specifications specify the minimum spacing that may be
allowed, and FMVSS 222 specifies the maximum spacing that may be allowed, providing
a range that you must adhere to. The two measurement methods that you can use to
determine the proper seat spacing are knee-room or center-to-center spacing. The
dimensions listed in the attached chart are Florida minimum and federal maximum
measurement specifications. The seat can be positioned anywhere within these minimum and maximum specifications. A line drawing is provided to describe in detail
where each reference point is to be measured; either the knee-room or center-to-center
method can be used.
This information is a reprint of Technical Assistance Paper # T-95-24, distributed on
June 28, 1995, with some seat spacing measurements revised to current measurement
standards. Revised information was solicited from manufacturers in December 1999.
If you need any further assistance or information, please call Dave Bunch, Bill Schroyer,
or Mike Starzinski at (850) 488-4405, SunCom 278-4405.

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TYPE A, B, C, and D BUSES

Knee Room Method
Bus Body
Company

Florida Min. Federal Max.
Knee Spacing Knee Spacing

Center-to Center Seat Leg Method
Florida Center-to- Federal Center-toCenter Min.
Center Max.

Amtran

25”

29 1/2”

27 1/2”

31.8”

Blue Bird

25”

28 3/4”

27 1/2”

31”

Carpenter

25”

29”

28”

31.5”

Thomas

25”

28 1/2”

26 1/4”

29.70”

Wayne

25”

N/A

TYPE D (39’ and longer bodies) BUSES ONLY

Knee Room Method
Bus Body
Company

Florida Min. Federal Max.
Knee Spacing Knee Spacing

Center-to Center Seat Leg Method
Florida Center-to- Federal Center-toCenter Min.
Center Max.

Amtran

24”

29 1/2”

27 1/2”

31.65”

Blue Bird

24”

28 3/4”

27 1/2”

31 1/4”

Carpenter

24”

29”

28”

32”

Thomas

24”

28 1/2”

26 1/4”

29 3/4”

Wayne

24”

N/A

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AM TRAN
31.8 inches Bolt to bolt

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BLUEBIRD
Bolt to bolt 31 inches

CARPENTER
Bolt to bolt 31.5 inches

THOMAS BUILT
Bolt to bolt 29.70 inches

29.70

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American Academy of Pediatrics:
Babies Ride Backwards to Save Their Necks!
(updated May 1999)
Why should babies ride backwards? And why should they ride facing the back of the car
for the entire first year of life? The American Academy of Pediatrics Guidelines, published in PEDIATRICS in May 1996, says there is very good reason for infants under age
one to ride facing the rear: to protect their necks from spinal cord injury.
A reclined, rearward-facing restraint cushions the baby’s back, head, and neck in a
frontal impact. Recent research has led pediatricians to push for a one-year minimum
for babies riding forward-facing. This is because a baby’s neck muscles take time to
develop. Under age one these muscles often are not strong enough to protect the
spinal cord adequately. Very serious injuries have been documented to babies riding
facing forward.
A common sight, however, is a young baby riding facing forward! Parents usually have
no idea why the front-facing position is less safe for a baby. They need encouragement
to keep their baby turned backwards. This is especially true when they are also being
told that their baby should ride in the rear seat, even when the driver is the only adult
in the vehicle. With passenger air bags, the back seat, rear-facing position is critically
important.
The general rule in the past has been for infants to ride rear-facing until they could sit
up or reach 20 pounds, which often occurs at between six and nine months of age.
Many pamphlets and child restraint instruction booklets state this rule.
In fall 1996, a change in the Federal Child Restraint Standard allowed convertible
restraints to be designed and tested facing the rear to a higher weight limit than 20
pounds. This has opened the way for manufacturers to accommodate heavier babies.
Most convertible seats now have a 22-pound limit. Some seats (see list on the following page) now go up as high as 30 pounds. Parents with babies who grow fast and
reach 20 pounds at five or six months now can find a variety of child restraints on the
market that can accommodate their large babies. These innovations mean that the old,
simple, 20-pound “turn-around time” that parents, educators, and law enforcement
personnel have followed no longer can be applied rigidly.
Here are the basics for today:
•

Keep your baby in a rear-facing restraint up to age one if at all possible.

•

When a baby outgrows an infant-only restraint, he should be moved to a larger
convertible seat that allows him to ride rear-facing until he is a year old.

•

Follow the weight guidelines on the child restraint you have. Realize, however, that
if your baby is heavier than average, you may want to switch to a different restraint
that can accommodate him rear-facing.

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Convertible car seats with rear-facing weight limits higher than 22 pounds
as of 4/99
All products listed are for use rear-facing and forward-facing. All rear-facing upper
weight limits are 30 pounds unless noted. Note date at which ongoing models were
modified to raise the rear-facing weight limit. Customer service numbers are given. A
good source of single or bulk purchase of many of these products is the Center for Injury
Prevention: (800) 344-7580 or www.cipsafe.org.
Century: (800) 837-4044 Bravo, all seats, Smart Move, modified as of 3/31/97
Cosco: (800) 544-1108 Alpha Omega, all seats, Touriva, modified as of 1/1/99
Evenflo: (800) 233-5921 Horizon, all seats, Medallion, since 1/4/99 (relabeled but not
modified)
Safeline: (800) 829-1625 Sit’n’Stroll, up to 25 lbs.
Highlights from the “2000 Family Shopping Guide to Car Seats”

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American Academy of Pediatrics:
Recommendations on Selecting Appropriate Car Safety Seats
(updated May 1999)
In May 1996, the American Academy of Pediatrics published advice for choosing and
using safety seats. Some of their major recommendations, with explanations from Safe
Ride News, are:
•

Premature and small infants should not be placed in safety seats with shields. The
shield (padded panel or bar) could contact the face or neck during impact. A seat
with a harness, but no shield, would be a far better choice.

•

A baby should ride facing the rear up to age one to prevent possible spinal cord
injury in a crash. The rear-facing position protects the neck by supporting the
baby’s large and heavy head. Many safety seats state a “turn around” weight of 20
pounds; however, many babies reach that weight before age one. Twenty pounds is
not a magic number. The age of your child is a better indicator than his weight
about how strong his neck muscles have become. A baby under age one has a very
heavy head and weak neck. Protecting the baby’s neck in a crash by carrying the
infant in a rear facing position is very important at this age.

•

A convertible or toddler safety seat that faces forward should be used from age one
to about 40 pounds, (usually about age four). After that time a booster seat should
be used until lap/shoulder belts fit correctly. The safety belts should fit so that the
lap belt hugs the thighs (below the tummy) and the shoulder belt crosses the
shoulder, not the neck.

•

If you have lap/shoulder belts in the rear seat, use a belt positioning booster for a
child who has outgrown a child safety seat. This type of booster seat has no shield;
it raises the child up so lap and shoulder belts fit correctly. A booster with a shield
is useful if a lap belt only is available.

•

Always read both the car safety seat instructions and the vehicle owner’s manual.
Auto manufacturers are making an effort to put specific details about using safety
belts and safety seats in current model owner’s manuals. However, older vehicle
manuals may contain little useful information.

Warning: Children should be buckled up in the back seat, especially if the vehicle has a
passenger-side air bag.
From “Selecting and Using the Most Appropriate Car Safety Seats for Growing Children,”
PEDIATRICS, May 1996. To order a copy, including a useful chart showing age/weight
ranges for different kinds of safety seats, call the AAP Division of Publications at 847228-5097. The price is $1.95, including postage and handling. You may also find it on
the AAP website, www.aap.org.

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American Academy of Pediatrics:
Highlights from the “2000 Family Shopping Guide to Car Seats”
Which is the “Best” Car Seat?
• No one seat is “safest” or “best.” The “best” car seat is one that fits the child’s size
and weight and can be installed correctly.
• Higher prices usually mean added features that may or may not make the seat easier
to use.
• Make sure it fits in your vehicle.
• When you buy a new seat, make sure you send the registration card to the manufacturer so you will be notified of any problems or recalls.
Infant-Only Seats
• Can only be used rear-facing.
• Are used for babies up to 1 year of age and up to 20 pounds (or more, depending on
model).
• Are small and portable and fit newborns best.
• Come with a 3-point harness or a 5-point harness.
• Several infant seat models come with detachable bases.
• The base stays in the vehicle so you do not need to install it every time. After
buckling the baby into the seat, you simply lock the seat into the base.
• Some bases are adjustable to make it easier to correctly recline newborns.
• These seats also can be used without the base or the parent can buy additional
bases for use in family vehicles.
• On rear-facing seats, the harness slots should always be at or below your baby’s
shoulders.
Convertible seats
• Are bigger and heavier than infant seats, but can be used longer.
• Do not fit newborns as well as infant seats.
• Are used rear-facing for babies up to 1 year of age and up to around 20 pounds.
• Can be used forward-facing for toddlers who are at least 1 year of age and at least 20
pounds.
• When the child is big enough to turn forward-facing, make the following three
adjustments:
• Move the shoulder straps to the reinforced slots above the child’s shoulders.
• Move the seat into the upright position.
• Route the seat belt through the forward-facing belt path.
• For larger babies, look for a seat that can be used rear-facing up to 25 or 30 pounds.
Forward-facing seats
• Cannot be used rear-facing.
• Are only for children over 1 year of age and over 20 pounds.
• Cannot be converted to belt-positioning boosters for children over 40 pounds,
because this usage requires a lap shoulder belt which is not currently available on
school buses.
Please see the “2000 Family Shopping Guide to Car Seats” online at http://www.aap.org/
family/famshop.htm for additional information.

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Acknowledgements
The Florida Department of Education’s School Transportation Management Section would
like to thank all of those people who helped make these guidelines possible. The
technical expertise and visual references furnished by Blue Bird, Carpenter, Thomas, and
AmTran were extremely valuable. We also appreciate the time and dedication put forth
in the creation, examination, and critique of this document. Thanks to the following
individuals who were instrumental in the development of this document:
Margaret S. “Susie” Kolb, Child Passenger Safety Specialist
Florida Atlantic University
Boca Raton, FL
Charles Gauthier, Executive Director
National Association of State Directors of Pupil Transportation Services
McLean, VA
Charlie Hott
Office of Vehicle Safety Standards
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
Washington, DC
Diane Wigle, COTR
DOT/National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
Traffic Safety Programs
Washington, DC
Margot A. Palazesi, Ph.D., Program Specialist
Bureau of Instructional Support and Community Services
Florida Department of Education
Tallahassee, FL
Lorrie Walker, Program Coordinator
South Florida Child Passenger Safety Program
FAU College of Nursing
Boca Raton, FL
Kathy Strotmeyer, M.Ed., Western Regional Coordinator
PA Chapter, American Academy of Pediatrics
Pittsburgh, PA
Jean Zimmerman, PT
District Resource Occupational and Physical Therapist
Palm Beach County School District
West Palm Beach, FL

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Patty Ball Thomas, Administrator
Office of Early Intervention and School Readiness
Florida Department of Education
Tallahassee, FL
Linda Bluth, Ed.D., Director
Special Needs Pupil Transportation Safety Institute
Maryland State Department of Education
Baltimore, MD
Vessie Felton-Joseph, Supervisor
Pre-K Early Intervention
Florida Department of Education
Tallahassee, FL

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Bibliography
American Academy of Pediatrics Committee on Injury and Poison Prevention (1996,
updated 1999). Selecting and Using the Most Appropriate Car Seat for Growing Children:
Guidelines for Counseling Parents, Babies Ride Backwards to Save Their Necks!,
PEDIATRICS 97(5), 754-763
American Academy of Pediatrics, 2000 Shopping Guide to Car Seats, Safety and Product
Information Brochure, Elk Grove, IL, 1999
Thomas Built Buses, MOMS Seating System Brochure, High Point, NC, 1999
C. E. White Company, Integrated Child Restraint School Bus Seat Brochure,
New Washington, OH, 1998
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Guideline for the Safe Transportation
of Pre-school Age Children in School Buses, Washington, DC, February 1999
E-Z-On™ Products, Inc. of Florida, E-Z-On™ Presents 10 Ways* to Exercise a Little
Restraint, July 1999

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Website Resources
American Academy of Pediatrics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . www.aap.org
Safekids . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . www.safekids.org
National Association for Pupil Transportation… . . . . . . . www.napt.org
School Bus Fleet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . www.schoolbusfleet.com
School Transportation News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . www.stnonline.com or
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . www.schooltransportation.com
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration . . . . . . . www.nhtsa.dot.gov
National Association of State Directors of
Pupil Transportation Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . www.nasdpts.org
National School Transportation Association . . . . . . . . . . www.schooltrans.com

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Manufacturers’ Product Literature
Thomas MOMS™ SEAT
C.E. White Co.™ Integrated Child Restraint School Bus Seat
E-Z ON™ Products, Inc. of Florida

NOTE: The Department of Education neither condones nor recommends against specific
products and services. Functionally equivalent products may be available from other
suppliers.

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Florida Guidelines for Seating of Pre-school Age Children in School Buses

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