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223 | P a g e FFY 2025–2027 CCDF State Plan

were thrown about the vehicle as a result of a collision. (c) Fire Extinguisher. Each vehicle shall be equipped with a fire extinguisher maintained in working order and kept inaccessible to children. (d) Heater. Each vehicle must have a functioning heating system. (e) Seats. Seats must be securely fastened to the body of the vehicle. (f) Child Passenger Restraints 1. All children transported in a vehicle provided by or used by the Center shall be secured in a child passenger restraining system or seat safety belt in accordance with current state and federal laws and regulations. The child passenger restraining system and seat safety belts must be installed and used in accordance with the manufacturer's directions for such system and used in accordance with the manufacturer's directions with respect to restraining, seating or positioning the child being transported in the vehicle. 2. No vehicle used by the Center to transport children shall exceed the manufacturer's rated seating capacity for the vehicle. The Center shall maintain on file proof of the manufacturer's rated seating capacity for each vehicle used by the Center. (g) Front Seat. There shall be no more than three (3) persons in the front seat of a transporting vehicle including the driver. Centers must follow applicable state and federal laws and regulations and the vehicle manufacturer's recommendations when children are allowed to sit in the front seat. (h) Windows. No window, in a transporting vehicle, except that of the driver, shall be opened to more than fifty percent (50%) of its capacity at any time children are on board. (5) Staffing Requirements for Transportation of Children (a) Driver. Whenever the Center transports children for any reason, the driver of the vehicle shall be at least eighteen (18) years of age and possess a valid driver's license as required for the class of vehicle that the driver will be operating for the Center. (b) Additional Staff. When the Center transports children for any reason, the following Staff:child ratios shall be maintained: - Driver + One (1) Staff Members [The additional Staff must be at least eighteen (18) years of age or older]: When transporting three (3) or more children under three years of age; When seven (7) or more children under five (5) years of age occupy vehicle; When eighteen (18) or more children five (5) years of age or older occupy the vehicle. - Driver + Two (2) Staff Members [One (1) of the additional Staff members must be at least eighteen (18) years of age]: When eight (8) or more children under three (3) years of age occupy the vehicle with other children; When more than twenty (20) children under five years of age occupy the vehicle with other children. (c) Staffing Requirements When Transporting More Than Thirty-Six (36) Children. 1. When more than thirty-six (36) children under five (5) years of age occupy the vehicle, the Staff:child ratios as stated in Rules 591-1-1-.32(1) and 591-1-1- .32(2) shall be met. 2. When more than thirty-six (36) children five (5) years of age and older are