FAQ: Florida Child Care Alarms for Transportation
To be as responsive as possible, we're updating this article (and related articles) in real-time. Please check back often for updated information. CCM provides this information as-is and information provided by CCM is not legal or regulatory advice. We encourage all customers to consult their local regulator for the latest information and to confirm details.
Tired of hitting that 'refresh' button? You can sign up for updates here.
About the Bill
What is Senate Bill 252?
Senate Bill 252 was brought forward by Senator Linda Stewart to require all daycares who offer transportation to have their vehicle be equipped with an electronic child check system. The bill was signed into law on June 22, 2021.
Does the new regulation apply to me?
If you operate a daycare facility that is licensed to transport children, your vehicle is required to be equipped with an electronic child care alarm from one of the alarm manufacturers on the approved list.
When do I need to have an alarm installed on my vehicle?
The deadline to have systems installed, as published by the Florida Department of Children and Families, is January 1, 2022
Who's making the decision on how the systems are to operate?
The Florida Department of Children and Families will be releasing specifications as to how the systems will operate.
Who are the approved alarm manufacturers?
The Florida Department of Children and Families have decided on a list of approved alarm manufacturers. Child Check-Mate System is an approved alarm manufacturer on this list. As the original Child Check system, Child Check-Mate is the most trusted system on the planet. Over the past 2 decades, we've sold nearly 500,000 systems in the United States and around the world. Feel free to compare the genuine Child Check-Mate System against our competitors: to view the complete list please click here.
Who's making the list of approved alarm manufacturers?
The Florida Department of Children and Families have released a list that will be maintained by the Department.
Is the approved list of alarm manufacturers released?
Yes! As the original Child Check system, Child Check-Mate is the most trusted system on the planet. Over the past 2 decades, we've sold nearly 500,000 systems in the United States and around the world. Feel free to compare the genuine Child Check-Mate System against our competitors: to view the complete list please click here.
Will systems be required to operate a specific way under the new regulations?
Yes. The Florida Department of Children and Families will release a specification as to how the systems will operate. This has not yet been released but you can sign up for updates here.
I already use an electronic child care alarm on my vehicle, does the new regulation still apply to me?
These regulations still apply to you: the Florida Department of Children and Families has stated that daycares with existing systems must show that their alarms are from a manufacturer on the approved list.
I'm in Miami Dade, Palm Beach or Broward County and already use a system. Do I need to do anything?
According to the Florida Department of Children and Families, daycares utilizing an existing system will be required to ensure the alarm is manufactured by a company on the approved manufacturer list.
About the Child Check-Mate System
How do I know if I am buying a Genuine
Because Child Check-Mate has become an industry standard, many people call any reminder system a 'Child Check-Mate'. We're flattered, but this can be misleading. If the system does not come with a 'stop sign' button (image below), it is not a genuine Child Check-Mate system.
I already use a Child Check-Mate on my vehicle, does the new regulation still apply to me?
These regulations still apply to you: the Florida Department of Children and Families has stated that daycares with existing systems must show that their alarms are from a manufacturer on the approved list. The Department will release a specification as to how the systems will operate. This has not yet been released but you can sign up for updates here. If it is required, Child Check-Mate System will provide updated software at no charge. Additional hardware, shipping or installation modifications may incurr additional costs.
How can I place an order?
We have options! The easiest way is to visit our online store.
However, if you want to speak directly with one of our team members, give us a call at 1-877-494-8222.
However, if you want to speak directly with one of our team members, give us a call at 1-877-494-8222.
How long does the order take to ship?
Child Check-Mate typically fulfils orders within 2-3 business days. Shipping via UPS ground service takes approximately 5-7 business days to be delivered.
Does Child Check-Mate have enough stock?
Yes! Child Check-Mate supplies all of the major school bus manufacturers. Because Child Check-Mate is the system of choice, we always maintain sufficient stock to respond to these types of regulatory changes.
What is the lead time?
Our current lead time is 2-5 business days.
My Child Check-Mate works differently. What should I do?
Child Check-Mate has ~60+ different system variations that satisfy an array of state and county legislation across North America. If your systems are working differently from vehicle to vehicle or if you think you have the wrong system operation for these new requirements, give us a call! 1-877-494-8222
Installation
Where can I get the alarm installed?
The alarm should be installed by a certified professional (e.g. a certified auto mechanic). The installer must comply with all local ordinances, regulations and safety requirements. For helpful tips on how to choose an installer, please click here.
How long should an installation take?
Based on the current requirements, an installation on a passenger van should take between 1.5 - 2 hours.
Where can I get information details, schematics, etc.?
Now that some information has been released, CCM is working on this documentation. Based on what we know so far, the installation is relatively simple.
If the Department of Children and Families updates the regulation, will the system need to be rewired?
It is possible that some of the installation may need to be modified. Although we'd like to be all-knowing, we can't tell you what changes would be required without knowing what the specifications may be. Generally speaking, regulators don't like to change the regulation after it has been published, but over Child Check-Mate's decades of experience, there have been instances where this occurred.
Can the system be installed on a 10 or 15 passenger van?
Yes of course! Our systems can be installed on any vehicle type, from a full sized school bus to a dodge caravan.
Operation
How do you operate the system?
Child Check-Mate has met or exceeded all requirements that we're currently aware of. The Florida Department of Children and Families will release a specification as to how the systems will operate. This has not yet been released but you can sign up for updates here.
Florida DCF "Alarm Bill: Rule Workshop" Q&A
The responses in the section below are direct quotes from the Florida Department of Children and Families.
In relation to passenger vans, what is the mandatory placement of the alarm to deactivate? The side door or in the rear of the van?
The placement for buses/vans will be the back panel. For other types of vehicles, refer to the manufacturer’s recommendations.
Is it going be someone to install in each county and who sale the alarm? Who’s required to install the alarms?
Alarms must be installed per the manufacturer’s instructions.
What about the busses that have this installed already? How the grandfathered standard works for this alarm? If a bus already has an alarm do we need to replace it with one on the list?
You will be able to use the alarm if it’s in working order and meets criteria in the rule. If at some point you need to get a new alarm, it must be from the list of approved vendors.
What is the financial impact? How much per vehicle is this going to cost?
The estimated cost per vehicle is expected to fall between $230 - $606.
Is there funding out there to help pay for this?
No.
Will the alarm monitor seat weight or movement or counting the number of kids?
The criteria used to evaluate the alarm companies is in the rule.
Has DCF researched availability of these resources in a time that most industries have been affected by product delays and labor shortages?
The alarm manufacturing companies on the list have reported no product delays or labor shortages.
Does this apply to small family home daycares? Or, is it anyone who transports children?
This is only applicable to child care facilities and large family day care homes that provide transportation.
Does this apply to only "regular" transportation or to field trips too?
This rule applies to vehicles routinely used to transport children.
What is you use a charter bus company?
If the company provides routine transportation and is part of your child care program services, then the provisions of Senate Bill 252 apply. If the company does not provide routine transportation as part of your child care program services, the provisions of Senate Bill 252 do not apply.
Does the alarm requirement apply to vehicles (7 or 15 passenger vans) we use to take families (parents and children) to appointments (family services)? Or is it just for daily transportation?
If your child care program is using transportation on a regular basis as part of your child care program’s services, then the new alarm bill applies. If your program participates in transportation while the child is accompanied by his / her parent, then the new alarm requirement does not apply.
We rent the county school bus for summer field trips.
If the bus is used as part of your routine services and transports children, you must have an alarm installed pursuant to the new law.
Will we need to make arrangements to have our alarms inspected by our DCF counselor before we can begin using our vans for transportation?
No. If the alarm used is on the approved list, the counselor will assess during the next scheduled inspection.
The alarm must be initiated by the van being turned off? Where is mandatory placement of the alarm in order to disarm before 1-minute delay? Will the procedure be to disarm alarm then unload?
The alarm will activate once the ignition of the vehicle is turned off. The procedure will be to unload children, conduct the first sweep of the vehicle, and then perform a second sweep while making your way to the back or side of the vehicle to disable the alarm. The procedure is to unload, check for any children left behind, and then disarm.
Is DCF aware that vans make several stops where the van is turned off many times in a drop off area at elementary schools?
The alarm will activate once the ignition is turned off, not when the vehicle makes a stop but is otherwise still turned on.
When a vehicle is being inspected annually, will this be required to be part of the inspection?
Yes
We will be doing the visual sweep plus alarm?
Yes
How will the licensing counselors have the ability to do all of these inspections prior to transportation? I foresee that there could be a huge back up as there are so many school buses and vans that are not equipped with these alarms yet.
An inspection is not required to begin using the alarm system. At your next inspection, you may be asked to demonstrate the alarm system is in working order.
Miscellaneous
If the complete specification hasn't been released... how do I know what to buy and how does Child Check-Mate know what to sell?
Child Check-Mate doesn't make any commitments until we have final the regulation in writing. Until then, we can't be certain - and neither can you. Be very cautious of vendors telling you that they know exactly what is required.
Although we can't be certain, here's what we have done to get prepared:
- Child Check-Mate has been in communication with representatives from the Department of Children and Families. (and they have been very helpful and responsive!)
- Child Check-Mate has been given a list of minimum requirements and we have documented and communicated them to our engineering team.
- Child Check-Mate has modified and tested software to these minimum requirements and we are now working on accompanying technical documentation (e.g. manuals, schematics).
- We're using the minimum requirements as a guideline to help speed up installation time & cost.
- We've gone back to the Department of Children and Families and have reconfirmed our understanding of the minimum requirements.
While we have no reason to expect a change to the specifications (and the Department has been especially clear and helpful - which bodes well), it is always a possibility.
What should I do next?
First, sign up for updates here so that you're in the know.
Although you can get started as soon as you like, Child Check-Mate actually recommends that you wait a couple weeks - so that the full specifications have been published and so that the Department has a chance to clarify any outstanding questions. Hopefully, this will help avoid unexpected costs or rework if the regulation is updated.
As soon as the full specification is published, CCM will get to work confirming or updating our manuals, schematics, operational guides, etc. (again, sign up for updates here to stay in the loop).
- Order a system through our online store.
- We'll follow up with some information to help you with the install. Once you have those documents, you can go to a few local auto shops, car audio installers, etc. to get some accurate installation quotes (click here for some helpful information on choosing an installer). Evaluate the quotes and the installers.
- Schedule an installation as soon as possible. This is likely the most important part and you'll want to book early - especially because the deadline is right after the Christmas Holidays.
