The Family Resource Center of Sheboygan County is Helping Keep Children Safe – Child Passenger Safety Technicians

Every day in our work with families, we see parents doing their best to keep their children safe. One topic that parents have questions about is car seat safety. And with changing recommendations, different seat options, and so much information online, it can quickly become overwhelming for parents trying to figure out what’s best for their child.

To better support families, the Family Resource Center of Sheboygan County is joining efforts across the county to make sure children are traveling safely. Earlier this year, two of our parent educators completed the National Child Passenger Safety Certification through Safe Kids Worldwide to become Child Passenger Safety Technicians (CPSTs). 

What Is a Child Passenger Safety Technician?

CPSTs educate caregivers on how to safely transport children in vehicles. Through this training, Brooke and Allison, from the FRC parent educator team, learned about proper car seat installation, harnessing, booster readiness, airbags, seat belts, and current child passenger safety recommendations. More importantly, they gained a deeper understanding that raising awareness about car seat safety is not about perfection or judgment. It is about supporting families, answering questions, helping caregivers feel confident in making the best decisions for their children, and keeping kids safe within the vehicles.

Why Child Passenger Safety Matters

Child passenger safety is important because even small adjustments can significantly improve a child’s protection during a vehicle crash. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration,

“Car seats and booster seats provide protection for infants and children in a crash, yet car crashes are a leading cause of death for children ages 1 to 13.”

Many injuries are connected to the misuse of car seats or not following manufacturer’s instructions and crash-tested safety recommendations. Having CPSTs within the community ensures families have access to trusted education, hands-on guidance, and a supportive environment where caregivers can ask questions without fear of judgment. Most importantly, CPSTs provide families with best practice recommendations that help reduce the risk of injury for children riding in vehicles.

Supporting Families in Sheboygan County

As newly certified CPSTs, Brooke and Allison are excited to support families through community events, car seat checks, local programs, and partnerships throughout the area. Whether a caregiver is installing a car seat for the first time or wondering if their child is ready for the next stage, the Family Resource Center wants families to know they do not have to navigate these questions alone. To connect with Brooke or Allison to schedule an appointment or learn more about child passenger safety resources, please email carseatsafety@frc-sc.org We look forward to partnering with families and helping keep children safe on the road.