| Pilot: This Advanced Qualification is currently being piloted with a select group of CareDrivers. You will be invited via email if you are part of the pilot group. If you are not part of the pilot, look for an announcement when the Advanced Qualification becomes available in your area. |
Some riders require car seats. To become eligible to claim these rides, you can add the Car Seat Advanced Qualification to your profile. To qualify, you must complete the following steps:
- Click the link in the pilot invitation email and review the program requirements.
- Complete part one of the car seat education course.
- Receive your approved car seat from HopSkipDrive or provide photo proof if you already own the specified car seat model.
- Complete part two of the car seat education course.
- Submit a the requested photos of your correctly installed car seat and manufacturer label.
Obtaining a car seat
After you have completed part one of the car seat education course, an approved car seat will be shipped to the address you provide. You must use this approved car seat to complete car seat rides.
Installing your car seat
Before beginning any ride that requires a car seat, ensure the car seat is installed safely and correctly. Refer to the educational resources here for detailed information about installing the car seat.
Storing your car seat when not in use
When you don't need the car seat for your current ride, we recommend the following options for storing it safely. Most importantly, do not leave the car seat loose on a vehicle seat next to a rider.
- If it won't be in the way for other rides, leave the car seat installed.
- Buckle the empty car seat in the front seat to keep it safely out of the way of other riders.
- Store the car seat in the trunk. If available, use tie-downs or cargo hooks to keep the car seat from becoming a projectile in case of a collision.
Completing car seat rides
When reviewing rides to claim, you can identify rides that require a car seat by tapping a ride to view the ride details. Rides that require a car seat will have a Needs Car Seat tag and additional instructions.
You are responsible for safely installing the car seat before the ride.
Before the ride
As part of the Daily Safety Check on any day you will be completing a ride that requires a car seat, review and confirm that your car seat is correctly installed and in good condition.
Car seat checklist
- Car seat is clean, has no broken parts, and cup holders are attached.
- Seat belt is through belt path with no twists in the webbing, seat belt is locked.
- Car seat tether has been connected to vehicle’s tether anchor and tightened.
- Car seat moves less than 1” side-to-side and front-to-back with moderate force.
- Car seat headrest can move freely up and down, removing vehicle headrest if necessary.
- Lower anchors are NOT in use, and are clipped in their storage location, plastic bars on the sides of the car seat.
If you find any issues with your car seat, tap Report Issues.
If your car seat is correctly installed and ready to use, tap No Issues to continue.
Learn more about completing the Daily Safety Check here.
At pickup
When you arrive at pickup, a caregiver or staff member must secure the rider in the car seat.* After completing the identity verification, confirm in the app that the rider was properly secured in the car seat by a caregiver or staff member.
At drop-off
When you arrive at drop-off, an Authorized Individual will meet you at your vehicle, following the Must Be Met procedure shown in the app. The Authorized Individual must unbuckle the rider from the car seat.*
Learn more about what do if you cannot find the Authorized Individual here.
*In select areas, CareDrivers may be asked to buckle and unbuckle riders from car seats. You will be notified if this applies in your area.