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Health and Safety Training for Childcare Providers and Workers

Ongoing health and safety training for childcare providers ensures your staff is well equipped to care for children. Learn more about health and safety requirements for your childcare center.

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As a childcare provider, children’s health and safety is a top priority for you, along with their learning and development. Ongoing health and safety training ensures that your program meets high-quality standards and that your staff is well equipped to care for children.

In this article, we discuss health and safety training requirements for childcare providers such as pediatric first aid, CPR, and other preventative training. 

Woman putting band aid on young girl's knee.Source

Why health and safety training for childcare providers matter

Caring for children is a tremendous responsibility. One of the main hallmarks of a high-quality childcare program is a safe and productive learning environment. This type of environment not only allows your daily business operations to run efficiently, but the children in your care also have better learning outcomes when their health and safety is prioritized. 

Creating a culture of health and safety at your childcare program starts with making sure you and your staff have the proper education and training on key health and safety topics. Training in things like pediatric first aid, pediatric CPR, and emergency preparedness, and procedures like daily health screening ensure the well-being of the children and staff in your program and help mitigate unsafe situations or conditions.

With brightwheel's daily health check feature, you can easily log children's temperature and illness symptoms directly in the app. Enable staff to monitor child health proactively throughout the day, record prescribed medications for children, and log when they are administered. This easy-to-use software can protect the health of children and staff in your program. 

What are health and safety requirements? 

While the specific health and safety requirements for operating a childcare program vary by state, they all aim to provide a safe and healthy environment where children can learn and receive the best care. State childcare licensing regulations are designed to protect the health and safety of children at childcare facilities and ensure that programs are monitored for compliance. This helps minimize potentially dangerous situations and ensures that staff is properly trained to care for children. 

In addition, many states require providers to complete qualifications like early care and education training, before working in or operating a childcare program. Health and safety training often includes basic requirements and qualifications for ongoing training hours. 

It's also important to include health and safety regulations in your family handbook so families know you are complying with all regulations and that your staff's training is up-to-date. When you hire new staff, develop a strong onboarding plan for your newest team members that provides a complete overview of your program's health and safety policies.

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Essential topics in health and safety training for childcare providers

Health and safety training for childcare providers covers a range of critical topics designed to protect children’s well-being, ensure regulatory compliance, and give providers confidence in handling emergencies or everyday challenges. Below are some of the most important subjects included in these trainings:

First aid and CPR

Every childcare provider should be prepared to respond quickly in a medical emergency. Training in pediatric first aid and CPR equips providers with the skills to handle situations like choking, allergic reactions, injuries, and cardiac emergencies. Many states require childcare staff to maintain current CPR certification as part of their licensing requirements.

Safe sleep practices

Safe sleep training is crucial for preventing sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) and other sleep-related risks. Providers learn how to create safe sleeping environments, including placing babies on their backs, using firm sleep surfaces, and avoiding soft bedding. Health and safety training for childcare providers often includes updated guidelines from organizations like the American Academy of Pediatrics.

Nutrition and food safety

Proper nutrition and food safety help prevent foodborne illnesses and support children’s growth. Training covers safe food handling, allergy management, meal planning, and nutritional guidelines for different age groups. Providers learn to read labels carefully and maintain cleanliness in food preparation areas.

Sanitation and hygiene

Maintaining a clean and healthy environment is essential in childcare settings. Health and safety training for childcare providers emphasizes best practices for handwashing, cleaning toys and surfaces, managing bodily fluids, and preventing the spread of illnesses. This training helps keep both children and staff healthy.

Emergency preparedness

Emergencies can happen without warning, whether due to natural disasters, fires, lockdown situations, or medical incidents. Childcare providers must be prepared with evacuation plans, emergency contact procedures, and drills. Health and safety training ensures staff know how to protect children and themselves during unexpected events.

Child abuse prevention and mandated reporting

Many health and safety training programs include education on recognizing signs of abuse or neglect and understanding providers’ responsibilities as mandated reporters. Knowing how to act swiftly and appropriately protects children and complies with state laws.

Medication administration

Administering medication safely is often a key part of health and safety training for childcare providers. This includes proper dosage, storage, documentation, and communication with families to prevent errors and ensure children’s well-being.

Behavioral health and mental wellness

Some training programs incorporate topics around children’s behavioral health, stress management, and creating a supportive classroom environment. Providers learn how to recognize signs of emotional distress and promote positive mental health.


Pediatric CPR is a key component of health and safety training for childcare providers.Source

Online health and safety training options for childcare providers

Completing health and safety training for childcare providers has never been easier thanks to online learning. Whether you’re a new provider seeking certification or an experienced professional renewing your credentials, online training offers flexibility and convenience without sacrificing quality.

Below are key benefits and popular options for online health and safety training for childcare providers:

Benefits of online training

  • Flexibility: Learn at your own pace and on your own schedule—ideal for busy childcare professionals.
  • Accessibility: Access training from any device, anywhere with an internet connection.
  • Affordability: Many online programs are cost-effective compared to in-person classes.
  • Immediate certificates: Many platforms provide digital certificates upon completion, helping you meet licensing deadlines quickly.

Popular online training providers

Several trusted organizations offer online and in-person health and safety training for childcare providers, including:

  • American Red Cross: Offers pediatric first aid/CPR/AED training, with blended options combining online learning and in-person skill checks. In addition, they have free resources on their website such as step-by-step guides you can print out for reference.
  • ProSolutions Training: Provides a wide range of affordable online courses covering topics like safe sleep practices, emergency preparedness, sanitation, and more.
  • Child Care Aware of America: Offers free and low-cost health and safety training resources tailored specifically for childcare providers.
  • Care Courses: Features online training approved in many states, covering essential health and safety topics and licensing requirements for childcare providers.
  • Local YMCA: Many YMCA branches provide in-person health and safety courses such as CPR, first aid, and child abuse prevention training. Use the YMCA’s locator tool to find training programs near you.

Frequently asked questions: Health and safety training for childcare providers

What is health and safety training for childcare providers?

Health and safety training for childcare providers includes courses and workshops that teach essential skills for keeping children safe and healthy. Topics often cover first aid and CPR, safe sleep practices, sanitation, emergency preparedness, child abuse prevention, and more. Many states require this training as part of childcare licensing regulations.

Is health and safety training mandatory for childcare providers?

Yes, in most states, health and safety training for childcare providers is mandatory to meet licensing requirements. The exact topics and hours required vary depending on state regulations. It’s important for providers to check with their local licensing agency to ensure compliance.

Can childcare providers complete health and safety training online?

Absolutely! Many providers choose online health and safety training because it’s flexible and convenient. Online courses allow childcare staff to learn at their own pace and often offer immediate certificates upon completion. However, it’s crucial to ensure the online course is approved by your state’s licensing authority.

How often do childcare providers need to renew health and safety training?

The frequency of renewal varies by state and by the specific training topic. For example, CPR and first aid certifications typically require renewal every two years, while some health and safety training topics might need annual updates. Providers should always confirm renewal timelines with their state licensing office.

How much does health and safety training for childcare providers cost?

The cost of health and safety training for childcare providers can range from free resources to courses costing between $10 and $50 or more, depending on the provider and the type of certification. Some state programs or childcare associations may offer free or discounted training.

What topics are included in health and safety training for childcare providers?

Common topics in health and safety training for childcare providers include:

  • Pediatric First Aid & CPR
  • Safe sleep practices
  • Sanitation and hygiene
  • Nutrition and food safety
  • Emergency preparedness
  • Child abuse prevention and mandated reporting
  • Medication administration
  • Behavioral health and mental wellness

These trainings help providers create safe, healthy, and supportive environments for children.

Why is health and safety training important for childcare providers?

Health and safety training helps childcare providers protect the well-being of children in their care, comply with legal requirements, and respond confidently during emergencies. It also builds trust with families, showing that the childcare program prioritizes children’s health and safety.

Where can childcare providers find approved health and safety training?

Providers can find health and safety training through:

  • Local childcare resource and referral agencies
  • State licensing websites
  • Online training platforms like the American Red Cross, ProSolutions Training, and Care Courses
  • Childcare associations offering state-approved courses

Always confirm that a course meets your state’s licensing requirements before enrolling.

Conclusion

Health and safety training for childcare providers is more than a licensing requirement—it’s the foundation for creating safe, nurturing environments where children can learn and thrive. Whether you’re a new provider seeking essential certifications or a seasoned professional staying up-to-date with regulations, investing in quality training ensures you’re prepared for any situation.

By prioritizing health and safety training, childcare providers can protect children’s well-being, build trust with families, and stay compliant with state regulations.


Brightwheel is the complete solution for early education providers, enabling you to streamline your center’s operations and build a stand-out reputation. Brightwheel connects the most critical aspects of running your center—including sign in and out, parent communications, tuition billing, and licensing and compliance—in one easy-to-use tool, along with providing best-in-class customer support and coaching. Brightwheel is trusted by thousands of early education centers and millions of parents. Learn more at mybrightwheel.com.

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