Metro Action Prepared to Meet New DHS Transportation Regulations
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October 1, 2002 - “New transportation rules for child care providers are an important step forward in making sure children are as safe as possible when being driven to and from care,” said Metropolitan Action Commission Executive Director Cynthia Croom.
The Metro Action Commission administers Nashville’s Head Start program and is the largest provider of early childhood education in Davidson County. There are more than 1,400 students enrolled in 9 Head Start centers and 6 partner sites throughout the county.
The new transportation rules affect providers who are licensed by the Department of Human Services. The rules were announced last month and follow recommendations of an independent panel appointed by Gov. Don Sundquist after the April crash of a 15-passenger day care van, which resulted in the deaths of four children and the driver of the van.
Under the new rules, vehicles that are designed to carry 10 or more passengers must meet federal school bus safety standards by January 2005. Other rules address annual mental and physical evaluations for transportation staff, including mandatory drug testing, placing signs identifying the child care agency and a DHS complaint hotline number on all vehicles, among others.
Croom said MAC’s Head Start program is already in compliance with most of the new rules, including the use of vehicles, which meet federal school bus standards.
She noted that MAC added five new buses to its fleet last month and will add four more this fall.
“Transportation safety is a key area of concern for many facilities. DHS should continue to work with the providers to help them meet the new regulations,” Croom said.