Frequently Asked Questions

Who can use the NDCF? All currently certified Child Passenger Safety Technicians can use the NDCF. CPSTs have the necessary knowledge to provide current and technically correct information to parents and caregivers. Learn more about CPSTs at https://cert.safekids.org

How do I access the NDCF? Nationally certified Child Passenger Safety Technicians can create a free account.

• Visit: carseatcheckform.org
• Program managers can request access to agency data by emailing [email protected]

Once a CPST creates an account, how soon will they be able to access and use the NDCF? Allow 1 to 3 business days to activate a new account. Technicians will receive an email to confirm account activation.

• CPSTs must plan ahead to ensure the account has been approved prior to a car seat check event. Technicians are strongly encouraged to practice using the NDCF prior to their first event.

Do CPSTs need to have an agency affiliation to use this resource? No. Agency affiliation is not required to use the NDCF. Any currently certified Technician can use the NDCF to track seat check data.

What resources are included with the NDCF? The NDCF contains the following live links:

• NHTSA recall site to check for car seat recalls
• Check To Protect recall site to check for vehicle recalls
• GHSA website to view child passenger safety state laws
• NOTE: Links require internet connection

Note: CPSTs should have a printed copy of a current car seat recall list when using the app without internet connection, or in case connection is lost when using the web-based platform.

What type of device do I need to use the NDCF? The NDCF can be used on any device that has data/internet access or the ability to download the App to use when internet access is unavailable. The check form can be used in one of three ways:

• Web-based check form (requiring internet access) on a computer, tablet, or phone
• Mobile App available in iTunes, Google Play, or Amazon
• NDCF paper check form to collect data, followed by data input

What type of device do I need to use the NDCF?

The NDCF can be used on any device that has data/internet access or the ability to download the App to use when internet access is unavailable. The check form can be used in one of three ways:

• Web-based check form (requiring internet access) on a computer, tablet, or phone
• Mobile App available in iTunes, Google Play, or Amazon
• NDCF paper check form

Where do I find the NDCF app?

The NDCF app is available free of charge for iOS, Android, and Amazon Kindle devices. Visit the app store and search “car seat check form”. Look for the green and white icon.

• A NDCF user account must be created and approved at carseatcheckform.org before the NDCF app can be downloaded and used.

Is there a specific browser that should be used?

The NDCF has been extensively tested using Google Chrome and is the preferred browser when working with the web application. However, it will work on other current browsers.

What operating system is needed?

Devices must have an operating system of 8.0 or newer to run smoothly.

I often work in areas with limited data connection, how can I use the NDCF?

Follow these simple tips to ensure a successful experience while using electronic devices:

• Preparation is key. Familiarize yourself with the NDCF prior to your first car seat check.
• Consider working with a partner who is using a hard copy (PDF/printable version) of the NDCF for the first few car seat checks. One CPST can enter data on a device as the other CPST conducts the car seat check using a paper form.
• ALWAYS be sure to check that the device has not been left in a vehicle before the caregiver leaves.
• Familiarize yourself with how the device operates and the life of the device battery.
• Be sure to charge electronic devices before a car seat check event.
• Have portable chargers on hand to recharge the device if necessary.
• Consider purchasing an antiglare screen protector for events held outside in the sun.
• Be prepared in the event a device overheats and becomes non-operational.
• Have up-to-date copies of the NDCF paper form on hand as a backup in the event of unexpected challenges with the device. Verify the current version by visiting carseatcheckform.org.

What resources are included with the NDCF?

The NDCF contains the following live links when using with data/internet access:

• NHTSA recall site (car seat recalls)
• Check To Protect recall site (vehicle recalls)
• GHSA website (state laws)

Links require internet connection.

Why is demographic Personally Identifiable Information not collected on the NDCF? PII is not collected through the NDCF and all data is saved on a secure HIPAA–compliant server to respect the privacy rights of caregivers.

• The NDCF is meant to serve as a tool to assist certified Child Passenger Safety Technicians and instructors in collecting car seat data on the seats they inspect. We have an obligation to respect the privacy rights of caregivers, therefore, demographic data is not collected through this digital resource. • All local level data and information not collected on the NDCF may be collected and stored on a separate document. A sample Sign In Sheet is available in the “Resources” section of carseatcheckform.org
• Local data can help plan for programming needs, apply for grants and funding sources, and is sometimes requested by state agencies. As an alternative, demographic data is available by zip code at the U.S. Census Bureau.

Since the NDCF does not contain family identifiers, how can I easily find the form later? Each family is assigned a unique Form ID number when a new car seat check form is created using the web-based platform. Forms completed using the app will be issued a Form ID number once uploaded to the online user account. This unique Form ID number may be used to reference specific car seat check information if the form needs to be reviewed after submission.

• The corresponding NDCF paper car seat check form contains a caregiver information section. Local agencies may choose to gather and maintain local level data collection, as needed.
• Caregivers can sign in on a paper form and the Technician can record the corresponding NDCF ID number for the caregiver on the sign in form.
• The caregiver sign in form should be maintained with all other local level records. A sample Sign In Sheet is available in the “Resources” section of carseatcheckform.org.

Who has access to data collected through the NDCF? The NDCF includes a tiered-access system:

• Technicians – Currently certified CPSTs who have created user accounts have access to their own car seat check data that has been submitted.
• Program Managers – Program managers can request access to data collected for their agency by emailing [email protected]
• State Coordinators – State CPS Coordinators can request access to data collected in their state. Access can be requested by emailing [email protected]
• Indian Health Service – Indian Health Service program managers have access to all data collected in their IHS area. Access can be requested by emailing [email protected]
• Car Seat and Vehicle Manufacturers – Car seat and vehicle manufacturers can request access to data collected about their product(s). Access can be requested by emailing [email protected]

How do I generate a report with the car seat check data submitted? Data is available to users in three different platforms.

• Raw Data – Real time data can be downloaded in a CSV file and can be opened in Microsoft Excel or any spreadsheet reader (LibreOffice, OpenOffice, etc.). Click on the “Home” tab and then click on the “Download Check Form Data” button.
• Data Dashboards – Data is cleaned monthly and a statistical analysis is completed to produce visualizations of misuse, car seat information, and vehicle information. Technicians and program managers can view their customized cleaned data file by selecting the appropriate dashboard. Data is analyzed, cleaned and made available to users monthly. Data available in the dashboards and table tools lags by approximately one month to allow the statisticians time to sort and clean the data.

I worked with another Technician on a car seat check and the information was entered into their NDCF account. Will I be able to retrieve data from the car seat check in my profile? Yes. The data from that car seat check will be available to all CPSTs listed on the check form. The data will be added to the cleaned data file for the account holder and made available in a raw data format to all other technicians listed on the form.

• Each Technician must have a current account and all Technicians must be listed in the “Additional Techs” field.

Our agency has a specific liability statement that is required. How can an agency liability statement be added to the National Digital Car Seat Check Form? 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.
• Agencies may request a customized NDCF paper form with an agency liability statement and logo. Complete the Custom PDF form or contact [email protected] for more information. Note: Logos cannot be added to the digital form. Allow 1 to 4 weeks for edits to be completed.

Do CPSTs need liability insurance? Supporting information to answer this question can be found by following these links:

• Do I need liability protection as a CPST/CPSTI?
• I am a CPST independent contractor, should I have liability coverage
• Liability videos for CPSTs

Can I practice using the NDCF prior to using it in the field? Yes. When creating a new seat check form, select “Training” in the state drop down menu “What state is this seat check taking place in?”

• Always select “Training” for any practice checks or mock seat check sign offs for recertification.
• Seat checks submitted using the “Practice” option will not be added to state data.

Can I correct a mistake on a seat check form after it is submitted? Car seat check forms can be edited before the form is submitted. Once submitted, the form cannot be edited.

• If a mistake was made and the form must be corrected, complete the “Report Feedback” form at carseatcheckform.org. To protect the fidelity of the information collected, a record is kept of changes made to the submitted form.

What if there is more than one team assisting the same family in the same vehicle, checking different seats on separate devices?

Option 1: Each Technician/Technician team should log into a separate device to create a new check form for the seats they inspected.

• Only enter seat check information for the inspection in one NDCF account.
• Each check form will have its own unique ID number. This will be a different ID number than the one created on a separate device.
• Record the unique ID numbers for each car seat check form associated with the family if you are collecting PII on a separate form.

Option 2: If only one device is available, have one team use the corresponding paper form.

• The information collected on the paper form can be entered manually into one of the digital forms once the device is available at the check event or on a computer after the event.

How do I find an existing Tech ID number when creating a check form? Begin typing the CPSTs last name or Technician ID number. If the CPST has an account, the last name will auto populate. Select the CPST’s name.

• Up to three additional Technicians may be added to a form.

My agency is hosting multiple events at different locations on the same day (e.g. National Seat Check Saturday). How is data separated? Provide a description of the event in the event field. (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.

Is there a place for a Senior Checker/Supervisor/Tech Proxy to sign off? Yes. The individual responsible for a final inspection sign off should enter their name in the “Final Inspection Sign-Off” field at the end of section 5.

Are car seat checks submitted through the National Digital Car Seat Check Form uploaded to my individual Safe Kids certification profile for recertification? No. CPSTs must sign into their Safe Kids certification profile and enter individual seat checks for recertification.

• Technicians are responsible for uploading new certification cards to their NDCF account when recertifying.
• User accounts will be locked until a new certification card is uploaded into their profile.
• All previously entered seat check data will not be deleted and will be available to the account holder once proof of certification is received.

What if my certification expires? Can I continue using the NDCF? No. An active account will be suspended until current proof of certification has been submitted. Upload a copy of the updated wallet card located in your individual Safe Kids certification profile online.

Can I provide feedback about the NDCF? Yes! The NDCF programs welcomes your feedback. Log in to carseatcheckform.org and click on “Report Feedback”. Complete and submit the form.

• All feedback submitted through carseatcheckform.org is stored and reviewed by the NDCF team.
• Improvements to the NDCF are made annually based on feedback received from the field and well as advancements in technology.

Who should I contact with technical questions? Email technical questions to [email protected]

How can I schedule a training for CPSTs or organizations to learn how to use the National Digital Car Seat Check Form? Orientation trainings are available to all CPS programs interested in learning more about the use and benefits of the NDCF. Email [email protected]

How often will the form be updated? Updates to the NDCF are made annually. Much like the National Child Passenger Safety Technician Certification Training curriculum, the National Digital Car Seat Check Form is an evolving resource and will continue to be updated in order to meet the changing needs of the field.

Where do I find the app? The app is available free of charge for iOS, Android and Amazon Kindle devices. Visit the app store and search “car seat check form”. Look for the green and white icon.

• A user account must be created and approved at carseatcheckform.org before the app can be used.

Is there a specific browser that should be used? The NDCF has been extensively tested using Google Chrome and is the preferred browser when working with the web application. However, it will work on other current browsers.

What operating system is needed? Devices must have an operating system of 8.0 or newer to run smoothly.

I often work in areas with limited or no data connection, how can I use the NDCF? Follow these simple tips to ensure a successful experience while using electronic devices.

• Preparation is key. Familiarize yourself with the National Digital Car Seat Check Form prior to your first car seat check.
• Once logged into the app, place the device in airplane mode. This will ensure the app runs smoothly in area with limited data connection and will not drain the battery on the device.
• Consider working with a partner who is using a hard copy (PDF/printable version) of the form for the first few car seat checks. One CPST can enter data on a device as the other CPST conducts the car seat check using a paper form.
• ALWAYS be sure to check that the device has not been left in a vehicle before the caregiver leaves.
• Familiarize yourself with how the device operates and the life of the device battery.
• Be sure to charge electronic devices before a seat check event. • Have portable chargers on hand to recharge the device if necessary.
• Consider purchasing an antiglare screen protector for events held outside in the sun.
• Be prepared in the event a device overheats and becomes non-operational.
• Have up-to-date copies of the NDCF paper car seat check form on hand as a backup in the event of unexpected challenges with the device. Verify the version by visiting carseatcheckform.org

Additional questions can be directed to [email protected]