It's best to think ahead and always identify a "Plan B" and maybe even a "Plan C" for times when these temptations occur. When in doubt, it's best to make the correct and safe decision and "Just Say No." You can point to the policy, explain your rationale, or wait until later and have someone else help you justify your decision. Do this for yourself. While it may be challenging for you to be assertive at first, later you will realize you made the best decision — one that you and anyone you transport can live with.

For more information, including the most recent warnings/recommendations regarding 15-passenger vans and a sample policy that you can customize for your program, see the "Featured" section at www.aap.org/healthtopics/childcare.cfmp

Resources:

American Academy of Pediatrics

Information on Car Safety Seats and Transportation Safety www.aap.org/healthtopics/
carseatsafety

Car Safety Seats: A Guide for Parents 2006
www.aap.org/family/carseatguide

Early Education and Child Care Initiatives
www.healthychildcare.org
Phone: (888) 227-5409
E-mail: childcare@aap.org

National Resource Center for Health and Safety in Child Care and Early Education

Caring for Our Children: National Health and Safety Performance Standards, Guidelines for Out-of-Home Child Care (2002)
http://nrc.uchsc.edu/CFOC/index.html

Healthy Kids, Healthy Care: Web site for Parents with Children in Child Care
http://www.healthykids.us/

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