Training opportunities
Child Passenger Safety Technician training
Child Safety Link supports Child Passenger Safety Technician training opportunities throughout the Maritimes offered through the Child Passenger Safety Association of Canada (CPSAC). Help parents and caregivers choose and use car seats and booster seats safely. Child Passenger Safety Technician training is offered in Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, PEI, and Newfoundland & Labrador. Space in these training classes is limited and often reserved for those who work with vulnerable families and newcomers to Canada.
Register for scheduled training courses or add your name to the waitlist to be contacted for upcoming opportunities.
Why is this important?
Motor vehicle collisions are a leading cause of fatal injury for Canadian children. Children are especially vulnerable to these injuries when they are not properly buckled in the right car seat, booster seat or seat belt.
How are families using car seats in the Maritimes?
In a 2012 roadside study of children in Nova Scotia:
- 73% of car seats observed were installed or used incorrectly.
- 30% of children using a booster seat did not meet the weight minimum (40 lbs) and should have been buckled in a harnessed seat.
- 52% of children in Nova Scotia using the seat belt are not yet safe to do so and should be using a booster seat.
Parents and families love their children and want to keep them safe. Together, we can help make sure that all families have the support they need to do just that!
Other child passenger safety training opportunities for professionals
In addition to, Child Passenger Safety Technician (CPST) Training, Child Safety Link supports specific direct child passenger safety training for the following roles:
- Community Services Training
- Health Care Personnel (Nurse) Training
- Law Enforcement Training
For more information or to register email Katherine Hutka at katherine.hutka@iwk.nshealth.ca or by calling 902-470-7324.
Safe Travel for All Children
"Safe Travel for All Children: Transporting Children with Special Healthcare Needs” is designed to serve as an enrichment training for Child Passenger Safety Technicians (CPSTs). This initiative is specifically intended for occupational therapists, physiotherapists, medical equipment vendors, or other healthcare staff who directly support the safe positioning and transportation needs of children and youth as part of their role.
The two-day training combines classroom lectures and discussions with hands-on exercises including interactions with families. Participants will review medical conditions that can affect restraint selection and have the opportunity to investigate and install specialized restraint systems for vehicles. The training includes a written exam and proficiency check-offs that evaluate the student’s ability to assess appropriate restraints and to demonstrate proper selection, use and installation.
2024 Offerings: Halifax, NS
March 26, 27 2024 (Tuesday, Wednesday)
Fee: $300 per accepted participants (non IWK staff)
Apply at this link: https://forms.gle/49MfinoqHPdn6197A
(or click this link to add yourself to the waitlist to be notified for future trainings)
Priority will be given to those who have:
- Employment in a hospital, healthcare centre, rehabilitation centre, or other organization as an occupational therapist or physiotherapist, or a medical equipment vendor, who directly supports the safe transportation of children and youth as part of their role.
- Current Child Passenger Safety Technician certification* at time of STAC training. (NOTE: There are a few spaces in the CPST course in March in Halifax reserved for applicants)
Please contact Katherine Hutka at 902-470-7324 or email katherine.hutka@iwk.nshealth.ca for information about upcoming CPST courses.