This training provides an overview of the use of child safety restraint systems on school buses, with a focus on preschool-aged children and children with disabilities. Instructional videos are incorporated throughout the training. Participants are provided time for hands-on practice.

This training is open to the public. Two versions of the training are available. Each version has an in-person and hybrid format. The hybrid format combines online learning with a shorter in-person session.

  • CPST: 5-hour version of the training designed for currently certified Child Passenger Safety Technicians
  • Pupil Transportation: 7.5-hour version of the training with introductory material on child safety restraint systems and crash dynamics for non-Child Passenger Safety Technicians

Child Passenger Safety Technicians will earn 3.5 continuing education units (CEUs) for completing either version.

Interested in completing individual online learning modules, rather than the entire training? Visit the School Bus Learning Library.

Click on the “+” sign next to each heading below to view the training resources.

Agendas

Instructor Prep Guide for both versions and formats

Participant Handouts
Promotional Materials
Videos
American School Bus Council

This educational site, formed through a collaboration of trade organizations (National Association of Pupil Transportation and National School Transportation Association, NASDPTS and the major school bus manufacturers), provides information to promote the safety and value of school buses.

National Association for Pupil Transportation

This organization of public and private student transportation service providers is dedicated to operational safety and administrative efficiency of pupil transportation.

National Association of State Directors of Pupil Transportation Services

This organization of state transportation officials provides contact information for each state’s transportation director, position statements and other resources on its website.

National Conference of State Legislatures

This organization represents the legislatures in the states, territories and commonwealths of the U.S. to advance the effectiveness, independence and integrity of legislatures and to foster interstate cooperation and facilitate the exchange of information among legislatures.

National Congress on School Transportation

This organization convenes delegates from each state every five years to maintain the student transportation industry’s voluntary set of guidelines. Its website, hosted by NASDPTS, includes a link to the National School Transportation Specification and Procedures document.

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

NHTSA’s school bus safety page provides information on school bus regulations, seat belts on school buses and bus stop safety.

National Safety Council

The National Safety Council’s page on school bus safety provides safety tips for at the bus stop, around the bus stop, on the bus and getting on/off the bus.

National School Transportation Association

This organization is the leading resource for school transportation solutions and is a membership organization for school bus contract-operators engaged primarily in transporting students to and from school and school-related activities.

Safe Ride News

Safe Ride News, a publisher of printed and online resources for the child passenger safety field, publishes materials that focus on the safety of preschoolers and children with disabilities on school buses.

School Bus Safety Facts

Through a cooperative agreement with NHTSA, the American School Bus Council developed downloadable resources to help spread the word about school bus ridership—providing well-researched, up-to-date and accurate statistical information. These resources let communities know about the benefits of school bus ridership; informs communities about how to keep children safe in and around the school bus; and lets others know about the ways they can support the school bus in their community.