Minimum standards for provision of transportation

1. Prior to licensure, the provider shall establish a written policy governing the transportation of children to and from the group child care, if the group child care provides transportation. This policy must specify who is to provide transportation and how parental permission is to be obtained for activities which occur outside the group child care. If the group child care provides transportation, the provider shall inform the parents of any insurance coverage on the vehicles. Any vehicle used for transporting children must be in safe operating condition and in compliance with state and local laws. 2. When transportation is provided by a group child care, children must be protected by adequate staff supervision, safety precautions, and liability insurance. a. Staffing requirements must be maintained to assure the safety of children while being transported. b. A child may not be left unattended in a vehicle. 3. Children must be instructed in safe transportation conduct as appropriate to their age and stage of development. 4. The driver must be eighteen years of age or older and must comply with all relevant federal, state, and local laws, including child restraint system laws.