A Head Start agency should review the adequacy of its liability insurance. This review should include the liability insurance coverage provided for volunteers. The following questions should be asked:
- Do agency volunteers have
the same coverage as employees against liability for accidents to
children and others while engaged in agency activities?
- Are board members and
officers protected to the extent allowable by State law?
- If the agency uses non-agency owned vehicles (either those of employees or volunteers), does it maintain volunteers' excess liability insurance or social service excess auto coverage?
The costs of an adequate liability insurance program are an allowable use of Federal funds.
In addition to specific policies concerning liability insurance, insurance coverage issues are examined in ACYF-IM-85-O1 "Insurance Coverage" and its attachment, the "Liability Insurance Guide for Child Care Centers," prepared by the Child Care Law Center.
REFERENCE |
TEXT CITATION |
"ACYF Information Memorandum on Insurance Coverage." ACYF-IM-85-01, Administration for Children, Youth and Families, February 28, 1986.
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Information:
Head start agencies should undertake a full review of their policies regarding insurance coverage; the kinds and amounts of coverage they require, possible additional needs, and the costs of such coverage. It is important that this review be considered an agency policy review and the outcome is a clearly defined set of agency requirements and practices with regard to all insurance needs. |
"Head Start Grants Administration Regulations." 45-CFR 1301, Subchapter B--The Administration for Children, Youth and Families, Head Start Program, April 24, 1979.
1301.11 Insurance and bonding |
(a) Private nonprofit Head Start agencies and their delegate agencies shall carry reasonable amounts of student accident insurance, liability insurance for accidents on their premises, and transportation liability insurance.
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"HDS Position Statement on Volunteerism HDS-IM-82-1, Office of Human Development Services, July 26, 1982.
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Liability:
Volunteers should be insured against liability to the same extent as regular employees who carry out similar functions. Such insurance is now available in most States at reasonable rates. |
"HDS Discretionary Grants Administration Manual" TN86-1.
Chapter 4. Financial Requirements |
I. Insurance
2. Insurance Requirements for Head Start Grantees
Liability insurance shall cover the staff and the agency for liability for accidents to children, staff, volunteers, parents and visitors on the agency's premises.
There shall be reasonable transportation liability insurance covering the agency, owners, and drivers of all vehicles utilized for the provision of transportation services. Transportation liability insurance, including collision, in connection with a Head Start program, is an allowable cost.... |
