10A NCAC 09 .1003         SAFE PROCEDURES

(a)  The driver or other staff member in the vehicle shall ensure that all children are transferred to an individual who is indicated on the child's application as specified in Rule .0801(a)(7) of this Chapter or as authorized by the parent.

(b)  Each center shall establish procedures for pick‑up and delivery of children to ensure children are protected from danger and not exposed to risk of harm. These procedures shall be communicated to parents, and a copy shall be posted in the center where they can be seen by the parents.

(c)  A First Aid kit and fire extinguisher shall be located in each vehicle used to transport children. The First Aid kit and fire extinguisher shall be mounted or secured if kept in the passenger compartment.

(d)  For each child being transported, identifying information, including the child's name, photograph, emergency contact information, and a copy of the emergency medical care information form required by Rule .0802(c) of this Chapter, shall be in the vehicle.

(e)  The driver shall:

(1)           be 21 years old or a licensed bus driver;

(2)           have a valid driver's license of the type required under North Carolina Motor Vehicle Law for the vehicle being driven or comparable license from the state in which the driver resides; and

(3)           have no convictions of Driving While Impaired (DWI) or any other impaired driving offense within the previous three years.

(f)  Each person in the vehicle shall be seated in the manufacturer's designated areas. No child shall ride in the load carrying area or floor of a vehicle.

(g)  Children shall not be left in a vehicle unattended by an adult.

(h)  Children shall be loaded and unloaded from curbside or in a safe, off‑street area, out of the flow of traffic, so that they are protected from all traffic hazards.

(i)  Before children are transported, written permission from a parent shall be obtained that shall include when and where the child is to be transported, expected time of departure and arrival, and the transportation provider.

(j)  Parents may give standing permission, valid for up to 12 months, for transport of children to and from the center not including off premise activities as described in Rule .1005 of this Section.

(k)  When children are transported, staff in each vehicle shall have a functioning cellular telephone or other functioning two-way voice communication device. Staff shall not use cellular telephones or other functioning two-way voice communication devices except in the case of an emergency and only when the vehicle is parked in a safe location.

(l)  For routine transport of children to and from the center, staff shall have a list of the children being transported. Staff members shall use this list to document attendance as children board the vehicle and as they depart the vehicle. A list of all children being transported shall also be available at the center.

History Note:        Authority G.S. 110-85; 110‑91(13); 143B‑168.3;

Eff. January 1, 1986;

Amended Eff. December 1, 2014; November 1, 2007; July 1, 1998; October 1, 1991; January 1, 1987;

Readopted Eff. October 1, 2017.