Wisconsin Department of Children and Families - Division of Early Care and Education
Bureau of Early Care Regulation
Child Care Certification Policy Manual
DCF 202.08(9)(d) The driver of a vehicle used to transport children in care shall be at least 18 years of age, have at least one year of driving experience, and hold a valid driver license for the state where the driver resides and for the type of vehicle driven.
DCF 202.08(9)(f)1. Prior to the day a driver first transports children in care, the operator shall submit to the certification agency a copy of the driving record for each driver and obtain approval of the driver from the certification agency.
DCF 202.08(9)(f)2. In determining whether a driver may pose a threat to the children, the certification worker shall consider the totality of the driver’s record, any other relevant facts, and the following factors in combination:
The seriousness of any accidents or violations.
The amount of time that has passed since an accident or violation occurred.
The number of accidents or violations.
The likelihood that a similar incident will occur.
DCF 202.08(9)(f)3. A driver whose driving record indicates that the driver poses a threat to the children may not transport children.
Note: Information on how to obtain driving records may be obtained by contacting the Department of Transportation at (608) 261-2566.
There is no requirement for certification workers to continue to review driving records after initial approval and there is nothing precluding a certification worker from reviewing a driving record at any point after initial review. Operators are required to report under DCF 202.08(1m)(b)6.b. a moving violation by a driver that transports children in care, regardless of whether the children are present at the time of the violation. Additionally, under DCF 202.08(1m)(a)6. the operator must have personnel policies that require a driver who is not the operator to report to the operator moving violations:
“A certified child care operator shall include in its personnel or operating policies a provision that requires a provider to notify the child care operator as soon as possible, but no later than the child care program’s next working day, of the reporting requirements under par. (b) 5. to 7.”
Therefore, the onus is on the operator to make sure their driver has and maintains good driving record. The operator may continue to check CCAP periodically or periodically obtain another copy of driving record to ensure his/her drivers have good driving record.
DCF 202.08(9)(e) Before a driver who is not the operator first transports children, the operator shall review all of the following with the driver:
DCF 202.08(9)(e)1. The procedure for ensuring that all children are properly restrained in the appropriate child safety seat.
DCF 202.08(9)(e)2. The procedure for loading, unloading, and tracking of children being transported.
DCF 202.08(9)(e)3. The procedure for evacuating the children from a vehicle in an emergency.
DCF 202.08(9)(e)4. Behavior management techniques for use with children being transported.
DCF 202.08(9)(e)5. Applicable statutes and rules affecting transportation of children.
DCF 202.08(9)(e)6. First aid procedures.
DCF 202.08(9)(e)7. Child abuse and neglect laws and reporting procedures.
DCF 202.08(9)(e)8. Information on any special needs a child being transported may have and the plan for how those needs will be met.
DCF 202.08(9)(e)9. Vehicle alarm operation, if applicable.
A driving training checklist is available and optional for use by certified operators to meet requirements of DCF 202.08(9)(e).
This page last updated 01/2020.