Hello CPS Technicians and Instructors,

I think that most everyone is aware of the new recertification requirements that have been set by National Safe Kids. National Safe Kids has tried to make this process as painless as possible, but some of you may still have some questions.

Under the new requirements or the “three (3) step plan,” here’s what you will need to do:

1. You will need to show your record of FIVE (5) seat checks approved by an instructor prior to your expiration date. (National Safe Kids will NOT offer extensions on seat checks)
2. There is also a community education component wherein you are asked to provide 2-4 hours CPS education to the community. (These hours will not be audited by National Safe Kids, however we all know that the importance of providing education is paramount.)
3. The final component of recertification is the CEU requirement. You will be required to obtain a minimum of six (6) hours of CPS technical continuing education.

Many of you—especially those Technicians who need to recertify in the next few months—may be questioning the new CEU process and wondering how, where, and when you will have the time to work on obtaining the CEU’s.

Below are a few examples to help you on your quest:

1. Click the following link: http://www.cpsboard.org/ceus.htm and read two copies of the Tech updates listed then answer a few questions. It’s worth 1 CEU.
2. Observe a CPS Certification or Renewal Course (max. 3 CEU’s).
3. Newsletters/Manuals/Journals—if you subscribe to Safe Ride News or Safety Belt Safe it’s worth 1 CEU per year.
4. CPS Teleconferences (max 5 CEU’s) – opportunity listed below.
5. In-person Session/Workshop (max 6 CEU’s).
6. Safe Kids Clark County is offering several opportunities to earn CEU’s in the next month:

CEUs

www.CarSeatSite.com/ceu.htm

• Monday, March 19, at Dagerman's Just For Kids
  8am-9am-new technology in seats/troublesome installs/car seat quirks
   
• Monday, March 5, at Dagerman's Just For Kids
  8am-10am-new products or features-Britax, Safeguard, Combi, Orbit-Jim Dagerman-2 CEUs
  9am-10am-LATCH technology

7. Below you will find a message written by Stephanie Tombrello of Safety Belt Safe--
   
   To: State CPS Managers
   SEND this message to all of your Technicians and Instructors immediately.
   
   CPS Technicians and Instructors on March 5 from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. PST (1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. EST).  Teleconference participants are eligible for one CEU and will receive a personal email as proof of
   attendance.
   
   The pre-paid fee for the teleconference, including costs for the toll-free telephone line, is $25 per person.  The fee may be paid by Visa, MasterCard, or PayPal.
   
   SPEAKERS
   
   Stephanie M. Tombrello, LCSW, Executive Director, SafetyBeltSafe U.S.A.
   
   Cheryl Kim, Senior Program Consultant, SafetyBeltSafe U.S.A.

AGENDA

1. Summary of 2-8-07 NHTSA meeting on LATCH
2. Overview of recent research studies
3. New child restraints on the market
4. Updated information from child restraint manufacturers

REGISTER NOW!

Register as soon as possible, since the number of phone lines is limited. To download the registration form, go to www.carseat.org and click on “Technical Teleconference March 5.”

EXTENSIONS:

You can apply for ONE (1) one-month extension from National Safe Kids to help you meet the CEU requirement. The extension does not apply to SEAT CHECKS, so make sure that you have completed your five (5) seat checks prior to your original Technician Certification expiration date.

PAPERWORK:

Many of you may be wondering, what do I do with the paperwork, i.e., quizzes, proof of attendance roster, journal proof of purchase forms etc. Once you’ve completed your CEU requirements any and all paperwork must be maintained by the Technician. National Safe Kids will perform periodic audits to ensure that all Technicians are meeting the recertification requirements, but it is the Technician’s responsibility to maintain their own records.

I hope I’ve given you some ideas that will help you begin the recertification process. If you have any questions or concerns about the new recertification process or simply want to understand the CEU process, please don’t hesitate to call me at the number listed below. Thank you for all you do to keep kids safe in Nevada.

Laurie Anne Grimes MA, CPSTI, CLE
Education & Information Officer
Department of Public Safety
Office of Traffic Safety
107 Jacobsen Way
Carson City, NV 89711
(775) 684-7479
lagrimes@dps.state.nv.us