Rule 37.96.414 - TRANSPORTATION SAFETY(1) If providing any transportation, all licensed child care providers and registered group and family child care providers must:(a) obtain written consent from the parents/guardians for any transportation provided; and(b) develop a written transportation policy that outlines safe transport practices. The plan must describe how children are transported to and from the program, in an emergency, and on field trips. The plan must also address the safety and supervision of children who walk or who arrive by public transportation once they arrive on the child care premises. The plan must include any special arrangements for children with disabilities.(2) All licensed and registered child care providers providing transportation for children of any age must ensure: (a) that the operator of the vehicle transporting children be at least 18 years old and possess a valid Montana driver's license;(b) that the passenger doors on the vehicle transporting children be locked whenever the vehicle is in motion;(c) with the exception of public transportation that is not required by law to be equipped with safety restraints, that no vehicle begin moving until all children are seated and secured in age and weight-appropriate safety restraints, which must remain fastened at all times the vehicle is in motion;(d) that all car seats and booster seats be used according to National Highway Traffic Safety Administration standards; and(e) that children never be left unsupervised in a vehicle.(3) All licensed and registered child care providers providing transportation for children under six years old must ensure that an adult accompanies each child to and from the vehicle to the child's home or the home authorized by the parents/guardians to receive the child.(4) Providers using school buses must comply with the school bus regulations defined in ARM 10.7.110(3) through (5) and ARM 10.64.301.Mont. Admin. R. 37.96.414
NEW, 2024 MAR p. 738, Eff. 4/13/2024AUTH: 52-2-704, MCA; IMP: 52-2-704, 52-2-723, 52-2-731, 52-2-733, MCA