Section 400.8760. Staff/volunteer-to-child ratio and supervision in transit.

(1) The ratio of staff/volunteers to children in transit, including children related to the staff member/volunteer, licensee, or driver, shall be based on the following provisions:

(a)   For infants and toddlers, there shall be 1 staff member/volunteer for 4 children. The driver shall not count in the staff/volunteer to child ratio.

(b)   For preschoolers under 3 years of age, there shall be 1 staff member/volunteer for 8 children. The driver shall not count in the staff/volunteer to child ratio.

(c)    For 3-year-olds, there shall be 1 staff member/volunteer for 10 children. The driver may count in the staff/volunteer to child ratio.

(d)   For 4-year-olds, there shall be 1 staff member/volunteer for 12 children. The driver may count in the staff/volunteer to child ratio.

(e)    For school-agers, there shall be 1 staff member/volunteer for 18 children. The driver may count in the staff/volunteer to child ratio. This requirement does not apply when school-age children are transported to and from school on school transportation or are using public transportation.

(f)   An additional staff member/volunteer is not required if only 1 child under 36 months of age is transported.

(2)     To  count  in  the  staff   member/volunteer  to  child   ratios,  staff  members  or volunteers shall be all of the following:

(a)   At least 16 years of age.

(b)   Seated with the children.

(c)   Responsible for the supervision of the children.

(3)    When children are entering or leaving the motor vehicle, the following safety precautions shall be taken:

(a)     The accompanying staff member, volunteer, or driver shall assure that the children are received by a staff member, parent, or other person as designated by the parent.

(b)    Children shall enter and leave the motor vehicle from the curbside unless the vehicle is in a protected parking area or driveway.

(4)   Children shall not be left unattended in a motor vehicle.

(5)    When children under school-age are entering or leaving the motor vehicle, the children shall be carried or helped into and out of the motor vehicle.

History: 2013 AACS.