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We’re pleased to highlight the latest program updates, resources, and training opportunities designed to support Florida Child Passenger Safety (CPS) technicians, instructors and community partners. In this issue, you’ll find details on adaptive transportation classes, analysis of the latest data from the National Digital Check Form (NDCF), car seat check tips, a profile of a longtime CPS leader, and more.
NOTE: The newsletter is best viewed through the most recent version of Microsoft Outlook.
| | We want to get the word out about safety fairs, volunteer opportunities, Continuing Education Unit (CEU) trainings, and instructor sign-off events. This is a great way to promote your CPS event on the Occupant Protection Resource Center (OPRC) website. | | Florida CPS instructors meet every quarter online using Microsoft Teams. Join the next instructor meeting at 11 a.m. on Thursday, March 26. The meeting will include updates from around the state, as well as upcoming events. | | Adding or Updating Fitting Stations | Are you looking to add a new CPS fitting station or update an existing one? Each station must have a designated nationally certified CPS technician or instructor. Please complete the form below with your fitting station details. Once submitted, we will update the fitting station database and make it available for public viewing. Kindly allow time for processing. | | Safe Travel for All Children Classes | |
CPS technicians seeking to expand their expertise in adaptive transportation have the opportunity to attend one of three upcoming Safe Travel for All Children (STAC) enrichment courses in Sarasota. This two‑day training is designed for technicians who want to deepen their knowledge of transporting children with special healthcare needs. The STAC courses, set for March 30-31, May 28-29 and Sept. 21-22 at Southern Manatee Fire Rescue, blend classroom instruction, interactive discussion, and hands‑on installation practice.
Technicians can select their preferred class dates by completing the interest form linked below. The cost of the course is $200 per person, and technicians are registered once payment is received.
Space is limited, so reserve your training date today! For questions or additional details, contact Danielle Kessenger at Danielle.Kessenger@nsc.org.
| | Streamlining Check Events | |
At a recent car seat check event, the secret to our success wasn't just the expert guidance given to caregivers — it was the seamless organization behind the scenes.
When it comes to the National Digital Car Seat Check Form (NDCF) database, speed and accuracy are essential. To ensure every caregiver was helped promptly, our team utilized a "quick-access" command center: an expanding file (pictured) labeled specifically for seat check documents, complete with sticky notes listing tech IDs and affiliations.
A huge thank you to the team for keeping the paperwork organized so we can focus on what matters most: keeping kids safe on the road.
- Jasper Masciocchi, The Florida Occupant Protection Team
Have car seat tips of your own?
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Click on the graphic for a closer view.
The observed misuse rate for child car seats in Florida remained at about 71 percent through 2025, a reminder as to the critical role of CPS instructors and technicians.
According to data from the National Digital Check Form, the misuse of rear-facing car seats continues to be a key concern, with loose installation, harness misfit, and incorrect recline angle also standing out as problem areas, particularly for the youngest children.
On the bright side, the number of Florida CPS instructors and technicians who entered data into the NDCF database increased from 13.4 percent to 18.2 percent last year. Click on the graphic to see the latest data compiled by the Florida Occupant Protection Team.
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The 2026 Lifesavers Conference on Roadway Safety — the nation’s largest gathering of roadway safety professionals — will take place April 19-21, 2026, at the Baltimore Convention Center in Baltimore, MD.
This year’s conference will feature 80 workshops and more than 200 speakers spanning 10 different tracks, including child passenger safety, impaired and distracted driving, pedestrian and bicycle safety, occupant protection, and evolving vehicle technologies. Whether you're a seasoned practitioner or new to the field, the Lifesavers Conference offers unmatched professional development, networking, and collaboration opportunities for everyone committed to making America’s roads safer.
| | A "More Than Just a Click" class will kick off the 2026 FL Community Risk Reduction Conference, hosted by the Florida Association of Fire and Life Safety Educators. The pre-conference event will include car seat checks and seat signoffs, followed by a technician update. Earn 6 CEUs to help meet your recertification requirements. | |
Pre-conference (CEUs):
June 1, 2026
Lake Buena Vista, Florida
8:00 AM to 5:00PM
$75
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Kidz in Motion, the only international conference focused specifically on child passenger safety, is open for registration!
Get access to manufacturers, latest product updates and CPS resources, research, best practices, and local, state,
national and international programming. Hear from seasoned experts during
specialized pre-conference sessions, in-depth learning, skills, and knowledge building all while earning your CPS CEUs.
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Conference Attendee:
August 26-28, 2026
Wilmington, North Carolina
$575
| | Distracted Driving Awareness Month | | |
This April, join the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s initiative to raise awareness about distracted driving.
Order these distracted driving resources to aid your local campaign efforts:
| | Scheduled times are listed in Eastern Time Zone. | | |
John Wright
UFTI-T2 CPS Coordinator
John Wright joined the Florida Occupant Protection Team as a coordinator for CPS programs. John, who graduated from the University of Florida, has a background in communications and public policy.
He recently became a certified technician and looks forward to working with the CPS community across the state to help keep Florida children safe.
John can be reached at (352) 846-4743 or johnwright@ufl.edu.
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Ronda Cerulli
Safe Kids Treasure Coast Program Director
Q: What inspired you to become a CPS tech/instructor, and how did you get started in the field?
A: I was inspired to become a Child Passenger Safety (CPS) technician and instructor while working with at-risk teen mothers, where I provided education and support to help them navigate early parenthood. At the time, becoming a CPS technician/instructor was a job requirement. However, through the training and hands-on experience, I quickly recognized the critical importance of child passenger safety and the impact this education could have on families. That realization motivated me to continue growing in the field, and I have remained committed to advancing child passenger safety education ever since.
Q: Can you share a memorable experience from your CPS career — perhaps a moment when you saw your impact really make a difference?
A: Throughout my CPS career, there have been many memorable experiences, which makes choosing just one especially difficult. However, some of the most meaningful moments have been those when I was able to provide both a car seat and education to families who were struggling during a time of need. Knowing that this support not only eased their immediate stress but also helped keep their child safe has been incredibly impactful and remains one of the most rewarding aspects of my work.
Q: What advice would you give CPS techs who are considering becoming instructors?
A: I strongly recommend that CPS technicians who are considering becoming an instructor seek out a current, active CPS instructor to mentor them—even before beginning their instructor candidacy. Becoming an instructor means that technicians in your area will look to you for guidance and answers when they are unsure. Having that level of responsibility requires a strong foundation of knowledge and experience, and the best way to build that confidence is through mentorship with someone who is actively working in the field. Learning from an experienced instructor helps ensure you are prepared to support technicians effectively and uphold the quality of the program.
| | We want to hear from you! | Watch and share this campaign video from the
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration! | We would love to hear your ideas for topics to feature in the next edition of Florida CPS E-news. Share your ideas with us by filling out our suggestion box. |
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Order Traffic Safety Resources
Interested in ordering free resources for your next CPS class or materials to distribute at your next car seat check event?
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Scholarshipss
Do you know someone
who wants to become a
CPS technician? Are you
ready to recertify? Our
scholarships cover Safe
Kids fees!
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Apply for a Stipend
Calling all Instructors! Did you know that the OPRC offers stipends to help cover the cost (travel, materials, etc.) of instructing a CPS course?
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| https://www.floridaoprc.ce.ufl.edu | | | | |
