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State Safety Office
Florida School Crossing Guard Training Program
 In 1992, the Florida legislature passed the "Ramon Turnquest School Crossing Guard Act." This law (now incorporated in Section 316.75, F.S.) requires most local governmental entities that administer school crossing guard programs to train their guards according to Florida School Crossing Guard Training Guidelines (En Espanol) developed by the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT). The FDOT encourages local governmental entities and private schools with crossing guard programs not covered by the law to train their guards according to these guidelines. Uniform training promotes consistent, effective operation of guarded school crossings throughout the state. |
Governor Scott's Crossing Guard Appreciation Proclamation
FDOT Award Winners/Press Release
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About the Program
The Florida School Crossing Guard
Training Program (FSCGTP) was established to train and certify local school
crossing guard trainers in accordance with the training guidelines. Certified
trainers in turn train guards for their local agencies. The program’s purpose is
to establish school crossing guard guidance and provide standardized training to
local agency trainers to ensure school crossing guards throughout the State of
Florida understand proper crossing procedures and can recognize and properly
handle hazardous situations.
The program offers statewide “train-the-trainer” training throughout the year. A
trainer seeking certification must attend a training course developed and
provided by the FDOT Safety Office. The FDOT trainer-training includes both
classroom instruction and practical training. A prospective trainer must pass a
written final exam with a minimum score of 85 percent and pass the practical
training skill examination with all satisfactory marks.
Attendees acquire background information and obtain the knowledge and skills needed to administer a school crossing guard training program. To request trainer-training, an agency may contact the program administrator or log on to the Training Management Tool.
A prospective trainer must successfully complete a two-day, FDOT developed, School Crossing Guard Trainer Certification course. Over the course of two days, attendees acquire background information, and obtain the knowledge and skills needed to present school crossing guard training. The training includes both classroom instruction and practical training. A prospective trainer must pass the final written test with a minimum score of 85 percent and pass the practical training skill examination with all satisfactory marks.
School Crossing Guard Requirements
High standards for the selection of adult crossing guards are essential. To be considered for a position as a school crossing guard, a person should possess the following qualifications as outlined in the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (2009):
Per the requirements of the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (2009) candidates for a school crossing guard position will be evaluated for the following:
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Average intelligence;
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Good physical condition, including sight, hearing, and ability to move and maneuver quickly in order to avoid danger from errant vehicles;
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Ability to control a STOP paddle effectively to provide approaching road users with a clear, fully direct view of the paddle’s STOP message during the entire crossing movement;
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Ability to communicate specific instructions clearly, firmly, and courteously;
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Ability to recognize potentially dangerous traffic situations and warn and manage students in sufficient time to avoid injury.
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Mental alertness;
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Neat appearance;
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Good character;
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Dependability; and
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An overall sense of responsibility for the safety of students.
In most cases, passing a physical examination and a criminal background check will be conditions for employment as a School Crossing Guard.
Additionally, most local crossing guard training is subject to requirements and recommendations outlined in the Florida School Crossing Guard Training Guidelines. This training is conducted by a certified crossing guard trainer and includes three certification requirements: classroom instruction, practical training, and supervised duty. The training begins with classroom instruction followed by practical training conducted at a real or simulated crossing without children present. As outlined in the Guidelines, the prospective guard must pass a final written test with a minimum score of 75 percent and pass a practical training skill examination. The final step towards achieving guard certification requires satisfactory completion of “supervised duty” within four weeks of the guard’s assignment. A trainer observes whether the guard satisfactorily performs crossing skills at the guard's assigned post. Annual recertification is required for a continuing guard.
If you are interested in becoming a school crossing guard in Florida, contact your city or county agency or private school administering a school crossing guard program to learn more about their hiring needs and employment requirements. Oftentimes, a local law enforcement agency such as the municipal police department or county Sheriff’s office administers the local crossing guard program and may therefore be the best place to begin your search for crossing guard opportunities.
Crossing Guard Program and Guard of the Year Awards
To acknowledge superior accomplishments by local School Crossing Guard programs and personnel, the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) annually recognizes a Florida School Crossing Guard Program and Guard of the Year.
Resources
Contact the Florida School Crossing Guard Training Program by e-mail or phone 850-414-4023
