Welcome

Welcome to the Florida Child Passenger Safety (CPS) e-news where we bring you the latest information on training opportunities, resources, and activities. In this edition, we cover CPS week, the $2 Difference Challenge, a NDCF research opportunity, instructor stipends, CPST/I recertification rates, the Drive Sober campaign, the International Safety Village Conference, and the new coloring book. Learn about how you can be involved in your local CPS community below!

NOTE: The newsletter is best viewed through NEW Outlook.

Hosting a CPS Event?

Share upcoming CPS events in your community! We want to help get the word out about safety fairs, volunteer opportunities, CEU trainings, and instructor sign-off events.

This is a great way to promote your local CPS event on the OPRC website.

Submit Seat Checks

We are collecting the number of seat checks completed in each county to improve seat check services. Please add the number of seat checks that you completed this quarter in the form below.

Add a Fitting Station Picture

The Florida Fitting Station Locator is an interactive tool for parents and caregivers to find certified CPS technicians in their area. Help people find you and know that they have arrived at the right place by uploading a photo of your fitting station in the form below.

Countdown to Child Passenger Safety Week

Child Passenger Safety (CPS) Week is right around the corner! This national observance, held September 21–27, 2025, is a great opportunity to raise awareness about the importance of proper car seat use and help families keep their children safe on the road.

Looking for resources?

Browse our store for print materials and outreach items for all your CPS needs!

Planning something for CPS Week?

Let us know the details! Send us your event name, date, time, location, and a brief description. We’ll help highlight your event in our outreach and on our calendar.

Join the $2 Difference Challenge!

Every day, families in need struggle to afford proper child safety seats—but you can help! The $2 Difference Program allows Floridians to donate to the Child Safety Seat Program when they renew their driver’s license or vehicle registration at their local FDHSMV office.

Here’s the challenge: Ask 5 people to donate just $5 the next time they renew.

A small donation can make a huge impact by increasing the number of seats available in your area. Let’s make a difference—one seat at a time!

NDCF Research Study Underway

CPS instructors are invited to participate in a research study about why they use or don’t use the National Digital Check Form (NDCF) to record car seat check information. The study, conducted in collaboration with the University of South Florida College of Public Health, is led by Amy Artuso. The study will identify factors that encourage instructors to use the check form as well as barriers that prevent them from using the NDCF as their preferred car seat check form.

Your participation will help inform and improve free resources to support CPS professionals with their car seat documentation. To participate, contact Amy at amyartuso@usf.edu to set up a virtual interview today.

Upcoming Changes to Instructor Stipend Program

Beginning October 1st, at the start of the new grant year, the instructor stipend program will undergo changes. Most notably, stipends will now be available only for CPS certification courses conducted in FDOT-designated priority counties.

Each year, FDOT identifies priority counties by evaluating the ratio of Child Passenger Safety Technicians/Instructors (CPST/I’s) to the population of children aged 0–9. For instance, Duval County, with 24 CPST/I’s and 135,451 children in this age group, would require 68 technicians per 2,000 children to meet the standard. Based on this guideline, Duval County needs 44 additional CPSTs to adequately serve its young population. 

Other eligibility requirements remain unchanged, including conducting the course during personal time, receiving no compensation from an employer or third party, and not charging local fees.

**Priority counties are based on population aged 0-9 and technicians needed.

2025/2026 FDOT Priority Counties

Recertification & Retention Survey

According to a YTD Recertification Report conducted in the USA & Canada, the national average Child Passenger Safety Technician/Instructor recertification rate is 52.81%. As of April 30th, 2025, Florida sits at 54.01% with 209 CPST/Is being recertified out of an eligible 387. Below is breakdown of scholarship recipients:

Currently, the OPRC has only 25 scholarships to award. Less than 10% of funding remains so act fast! Apply for a FL OPRC Scholarship and get recertified!

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

CPS Retention Survey Opportunity

Do you have trouble maintaining your CPS certification?

Help the OPRC understand your challenges by filling out a 10-minute survey.

Take a few minutes to share your thoughts before July 1st!

Drive Sober Campaign

As the 4th of July approaches, FDOT and NHTSA is kicking off the Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign.

To help raise awareness, we’re sharing our

“Do You Know the Law?” tip card, a quick and easy resource that outlines key points about Florida’s impaired driving laws, penalties, and safe alternatives.

International Safety Village Conference

The International Safety Conference is coming to Orlando November 10-12, 2025. Hosted by the Children’s Safety Village of Center Florida, the 2-day event features workshops on water safety, child passenger safety, occupant protection, fire safety, among others. The conference provides a mix of speakers, interactive workshops, breakout sessions, and networking opportunities, giving you valuable insights into how to keep children safe in your community.

Reserve your spot today and register at Eventbrite.

Registration Fee: $325

Call the Rosen Centre Hotel at 800-204-7234 to book your hotel early.

At booking, ask for the special conference rate: $169 + tax.

For more information, contact Brent E. Moore at brent@childrensafetyvillage.org.

July 17 at 8AM

Car Seat Checkup - Gainesville

July 30 at 2PM

Educator Forum: Car Seat Basics

August 1 at 8AM

Car Seat Checkup - Gainesville

August 5 at 5:30PM

National Night Out Car Seat Checkup - High Springs

September 21-27

CPS Week

September 23-27

CPS Course - Ft. Lauderdale

October 21-24

CPS Course - Jacksonville

November 10-12

International Safety Village Conference - Orlando

Scheduled times are listed in Eastern Time Zone.

2026 National CPS Awards

Do you know an outstanding CPS technician, instructor, or team?

Submit nominations for the 2026 National Child Passenger Safety Awards!

The National CPS Board presents awards each spring at the annual Lifesavers Conference on Roadway Safety. Nominations close August 31st.

New Resource: Car Seat Checkup Day

Coloring Book

The OPRC added a new resource for families —

the Car Seat Checkup Day Coloring & Activity Book! This engaging booklet is designed for young children and helps introduce them to the importance of car seat safety and what to expect at a checkup.

What color do you prefer?

The OPRC is creating new Booster Seat Checkup event yard signs.

Vote on your favorite color below!

Yellow

Green

We want to hear from you!

Watch and share this campaign video by Target Zero!

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.

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?

Apply for a Scholarship

Do you know someone who wants to become a CPS technician? Are you ready to recertify? Our scholarships cover Safe Kids fees!

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?

https://www.floridaoprc.ce.ufl.edu