Iowa school crossing guards offered training programs

Jeanne Simmons has been a school crossing guard for more than 20 years, but yesterday was the first time she's had formal training.

“It's nice to see that people take it seriously,” said Simmons, a crossing guard for the Linn-Mar school district.

The Iowa Bicycle Coalition's Safe Routes to Schools program launched its free training program for Iowa school crossing guards Tuesday. The program is designed to increase safety for students and crossing guards, and to bring increased awareness to drivers.

“Our situation can be hazardous,” said Connie Youngwirth, a crossing guard for the Linn-Mar district.

Traffic is heavy and drivers aren't always aware of the students walking to and from school.

“Most drivers are cautious and pay attention, but there's always one who doesn't,” said Karla Schuff, a crossing guard for St. Matthew Catholic School.

Safe Routes to Schools will offer training programs throughout the state. The first session was held in Cedar Rapids. The daylong training includes covers proper crossing guard techniques, laws, policies, procedures, hazards and safety issues, and gives attendees a chance to practice the techniques and procedures.

“Having one uniform program statewide will be an advantage,” said Mary Gable, Safe Routes to School director.

The Safe Routes to School Program encourage children to walk and bike to school. In a national study, parents cited safety as the No. 1 reason why their children don't walk or ride a bike to school.

“We want to bring more uniformity and safety to the state,” Gable said.

The crossing guard training program is based on guidelines adopted by the Florida Department of Transportation, modified to meet Iowa laws and standards.

Florida is the only state to have a mandated uniform crossing guard training program.

The next training class will be offered in Ames Thursday. Future classes will be held in Mason City, Sioux City, Atlantic and Fairfield.

The Cedar Rapids school district employs 33 crossing guards. Iowa City school district crossing guards are employed by the city, not the district.