Are you a resident looking to ensure your child’s safety while traveling in a vehicle? The District Department of Transportation (DDOT) understands that child passenger safety is paramount. That’s why they operate the Free Car Seat Program, a vital initiative dedicated to providing parents and caregivers with the resources and knowledge necessary to protect their little ones on the road. Funded federally, this program offers District residents with infants and toddlers access to free car seats, complimentary booster seats, and crucial education on proper car seat installation and child buckling techniques. Project Safe-Child is a collaborative effort, bringing together DDOT, the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD), the DC Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), and Safe Kids Washington DC to maximize its reach and impact within the community.
Get Your Free Car Seat and Benefit from Expert Car Seat Inspections
Project Safe-Child makes obtaining a free car seat straightforward for all District residents. All you need is a valid government-issued ID to participate. Here’s how you can access this invaluable resource:
Voucher Program: Secure your free car seat through our voucher program. Vouchers are available by appointment only at the DDOT Headquarters, located at 250 M Street, SE. For added convenience, voucher distribution extends across the District to various community hubs, including schools, health centers, and youth centers. Participating locations include prominent institutions such as Children’s National Hospital, Garfield Elementary School, and Tubman Elementary School. This widespread availability ensures that accessing a free car seat is convenient, no matter where you reside in the District.
Booster Seat Program: As your child grows, their safety needs evolve. Project Safe-Child also provides free booster seats for older children. If your child is at least four years old and weighs a minimum of 30 pounds, they are eligible for a free booster seat.
Redeem your voucher and collect your booster seat at designated locations where Certified Passenger Child Safety Technicians are on hand. These experts will not only ensure your new car seat or booster seat is correctly installed but also provide you with essential education. Learn firsthand about the critical importance of consistent and proper child safety seat usage. Take advantage of free car seat inspections and expert guidance offered at various locations without the need for an appointment, making child passenger safety support readily accessible.
Enhance Your Knowledge with a Child Passenger Safety Workshop
Deepen your understanding of child passenger safety by attending our free 2–4 hour workshops. These comprehensive sessions cover District laws pertaining to child passenger safety, guide you in selecting the appropriate child restraint system for your child’s age and size, and provide step-by-step instructions on correct car seat installation. Crucially, the workshops reinforce the absolute necessity of buckling up children correctly on every single car ride, no matter how short the distance. Workshops are scheduled monthly throughout the District and can also be arranged upon request for your community group or organization.
Become a Nationally Certified Child Passenger Safety Technician
For those passionate about child safety and looking to make a significant community impact, consider enrolling in our National Child Passenger Safety Technician (CPST) Certification Training Program. This intensive four-day (32-hour) program equips individuals with the expertise to become nationally certified Child Passenger Safety Technicians. The curriculum focuses on every aspect of car seat safety, preparing you to confidently assist families at public safety events, conduct private car seat clinics, and lead informative workshops. The training is a blend of classroom learning, practical indoor and outdoor hands-on activities, detailed skills assessments using various car seats and vehicles, and culminates in a community safety checkup event to apply your newly acquired skills in a real-world setting.
Contact Us for More Information
For further details about the Free Car Seat Program, workshop schedules, or the CPST certification training, please reach out to the District Department of Transportation.
District Department of Transportation
250 M Street SE, Washington, DC 20003
Contact: Karen Gay, [email protected], (202) 409-0234, or [email protected].
