In partnership with University Hospitals Rainbow Babies and Children and Ohio Buckles Buckeyes (OBB), Community Action Wayne/Medina provides car seats to income-eligible families in Wayne and Medina counties. The OBB program is designed for low-income families in need of child safety seats for their children. The overall goals of the program are to increase the availability of child safety seats to families regardless of financial circumstances, and to increase the proper use and installation of child safety seats.
To be eligible for the Ohio Buckles Buckeyes Program, you must:
- Meet WIC income guidelines or Medicaid. Proof of income eligibility must be provided when you attend the educational session. (e.g. Medicare, Medicaid, WIC, paystubs, W2s, benefits or award letters for unemployment, etc.) You do not need to be enrolled in WIC to qualify, but need to meet WIC’s income guidelines to qualify
- Have, or be the legal guardian of the child(ren) needing child safety seats. The OBB program only provides convertible car seats and high back booster Seats.
Note: The OBB program DOES NOT provide Infant carriers/Rear facing only child safety seats.
- Attend the educational class provided by the Certified Child Passenger Safety Technician at CAW/M and complete necessary paperwork.
- Car seat safety class takes approximately 1.5 hours to complete.
- Car seat safety class takes approximately 1.5 hours to complete.
- Have a vehicle present to install the car seat or booster seat. It is not required to have your own vehicle; you may use the vehicle of a family member or friend.
* By appointment only and while supplies last
For more information or to make an appointment, call CAW/M at 330-264-8677.
Car Seat installation and Inspections
Car Seat checks are available at no cost for ALL families in the surrounding areas who would like a certified child passenger safety technician to check for correct use and secure installation. Please call (330) 264-8677 to schedule an appointment.
What to bring to car seat check:
- A vehicle
- Child safety seat
- Owner’s Manual for safety seat
- Owner’s manual for Vehicle (If you do not have the vehicle manual, know the make, model, and year of vehicle.)
- Child (not required, but CPST will be able to ensure proper harness position/belt position if child is present.)
Law: Under 4 years of age or less than 40 pounds required to be in a child safety seat according to car seat instructions
RECOMMENDATION: Children who have outgrown their rear facing car seat should use a forward-facing seat with a harness for as long as possible, up to the highest weight or height allowed by the car seat
Law: 4 to 8-year old who weigh 40 pounds or more and are shorter than 4 feet 9 inches are required to be in a booster seat or other approved safety seat according to car seat instructions
RECOMMENDATION: Children whose height or weight is above the forward-facing limit should use a booster seat until the vehicle seat belt fits properly.
Law: Requires children age 8-15 to be in seat belts no matter where they are in the car
RECOMMENDATION: Children younger than 13 years old should be restrained using a lap and shoulder belt in the rear seats of the car for optimal protection
