Caregiver Information
Interview the caregiver to complete the information. Local level data not captured on the NDCF paper form may be collected separately or documented in the Documentation Box at the end of the form.
- City – enter the caregiver’s city.
- State – select the caregiver’s state from the dropdown menu. The NDCF provides an opportunity to practice using the form prior to a live seat check. Always select “Practice” for any practice checks or mock seat check sign offs for recertification.
- County – select the caregiver’s county from the dropdown menu.
- Zip – enter the caregiver’s zip code.
Vehicle Information
All information in this section must be completed prior to beginning the car seat check.
- Complete the vehicle information even if the caregiver received a ride to the car seat check from someone else (e.g. friend, relative, support program, etc.). If the caregiver did not arrive in a passenger vehicle (e.g. public transportation, on foot, etc.), select No Vehicle Present.
What model year is this vehicle?
- 2011 or newer
- 2010 or older
Enter make, model, and year. See Vehicle Make/Model/Model Year/Trim below.
NOTE: If the vehicle does not appear in menu, select “2010 or older” and manually enter the information.
Verify vehicle information.
Verify the vehicle year by checking for the vehicle manufacture date on the driver side door frame, front of the A-pillar.
Vehicle information can be verified by entering the license plate number into Check To Protect vehicle recall search service.
Vehicle Recall Information
Visit checktoprotect.org to check for open vehicle recalls. Encourage the caregiver to use their cell phone (if available) or other electronic device to enter the vehicle license plate number to search for open vehicle recalls. Encourage the caregiver to call the local dealership to schedule an appointment have the recalled repaired for free. If the caregiver is unable to do so, search for the caregiver. To check for safety issues, recalls and to verify vehicle information visit: Check To Protect.
If a recall is found, ask the caregiver to use the Check To Protect website to located a dealership to repair the recall for free. Internet connection required.
Vehicle Make/Model/Model Year/Trim
- Select the vehicle make, model, and year from the dropdown menus or enter it into the appropriate text boxes. Then enter the trim level of the vehicle model. The car trim level is also sometimes referred to as the trim package. The trim level specifies a vehicle model’s level of performance, features, options, and extras.
Note: If the vehicle make or model does not appear in the drop down menu, verify all the vehicle information has been entered correctly.
What Agency is hosting this seat check?
Document the agency providing the car seat check. Begin typing the agency name in the box until it appears in the list and select it.
- Agency affiliation is not required to use the NDCF. Any currently certified technician can use the NDCF to track seat check data. Independent technicians should select “No Agency Affiliation”.
- If your agency does not appear in the menu, go to Agency and select “Add Your Agency”. This must be done on the web-based platform by visiting carseatcheckform.org.
- Note: To avoid duplication of agencies, always confirm and select the correct agency name listed in the NDCF. Once an agency has been added, it will be saved and does not need to be added again.
Select Liability Statement
The caregiver must read the liability statement (or have it read to them), sign, and date the form prior to the car seat check. Liability statement options:
- General liability statement: The NDCF general liability statement is available in English and Spanish.
- Agency liability statement: A customized liability statement may be added to an agency account in English and Spanish. Once uploaded, it will automatically appear as a menu option. Select your agency liability statement.
- Agencies may request a customized NDCF form with an agency liability statement in both English and Spanish. Complete the Custom PDF form or contact [email protected] for more information.
Caregiver Signature
Present the caregiver with the device to electronically capture a signature. The caregiver signature may also be collected on a paper form and recorded by checking “Signature is on the paper check form”.
Virtual Seat Check
Check this box if the car seat check information is being collected as part of a virtual car seat check or a virtual mock car seat sign off for recertification. Follow the guidelines in the National Digital Car Seat Check Form Guidance Document: Virtual Car Seat Checks to capture caregiver signature and acknowledgement of the liability statement.
Inspection Date
The digital form automatically displays the current date. If the seat check information was collected on the NDCF paper form and is being entered into the digital platform, the date can be edited to reflect the date of the seat check.
Event
Provide a description of the event. (e.g. Seat Check Saturday, one-on-one appointment, etc.).
- Use this field to differentiate between multiple events hosted by an agency on the same day.
- Technicians may use this field to record additional agencies hosting the event.
Additional Techs Attending to This Caregiver
Document all technicians who participated in the car seat check. Begin typing the last name of the technician. The field will auto populate. Select the technician’s name.
- NOTE: If the technician does not appear on the list, record the name(s) in the Documentation Box at the end of the form. Only technicians who have active accounts can access seat check data.
- Do not include the account holder in the list. If the seat check will be used for re-certification, be sure to add the instructor/proxy/senior checker name.
What state is this seat check taking place in?
Select the state or IHS area in which the seat check is occurring.
- Virtual seat checks: Select the state where the technician is located.
- Always select “Practice” for any practice checks or mock seat check sign offs for recertification.
What brought the caregiver to the seat check?
Document how the caregiver learned about the car seat check.
- If “Other”, briefly describe how the caregiver heard about the seat check.
Who is entering the data into the NDCF page?
- Self- CPST/I with an account who was present and completed the check.
- NDCF preparer- Administrator, Event Coordinator, CPST/I who did NOT complete the check, etc.
Save
Click the Save button. Any required fields left blank will be highlighted in red and must be completed before the form can be created and saved.
Once the form has been successfully saved, a new page appears with the Form ID number. This number may be recorded for future reference.
- When using the app, Form ID numbers are not issued until the seat check has been uploaded into the user account.
- All children identified with the caregiver will have the same online Form ID number.
Add Child
Select to begin adding children to the check form.