First Aid and CPR Requirements for Child Day Care Providers

In many states, child day care providers must be accredited by the
National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). To maintain accreditation, staff must take training that addresses first aid for young children. This is usually verified during a site visit to the provider.

Providers are told they must have a certifcate that specifically states, "Pediatric First Aid." However, the specific NAEYC Criterion 5.A.03 states:

"courese that specifically address first aid for young children are considered pediatric first aid. A general first aid course that does not address the specific need of young children is insufficient to meet this criterion. Sources to consider for first aid and CPR courses specific to infants and children include: American Academy of Pediatrics; American Red Cross; National Safety Council; and American Heart Association (search Pediatric First Aid). For a list of topics recommended for coverage in a pediatric first aid course, see Standard 1.027 in Caring for Our Children: National Health and Safety Performance Standards: Guidelines for Out-of-Home Child Care. In some instances, pediatric first aid course do not include rescue breathing and management of blocked airways. If the pediatric first aid course does not include rescue breathing and management of blocked airways, it must be supplemented with a training that covers these topics. A person who has taken a pediatric first aid course that does not include rescue breathing but who also has a valid CPR certificate meets this criterion."

The NAEYC has confirmed that American Red Cross Standard First Aid and CPR-Child and Infant certificates meet the criterion.