Childcare CPR & first aid requirements
First Aid & CPR Ontario
If you work in childcare in First Aid & CPR Ontario — whether at a daycare, preschool, home-based care, or camp — first aid and CPR certification is not optional. It's a licensing requirement, and for good reason: children are among the most vulnerable to choking, allergic reactions, and injuries. Being prepared to respond can mean everything.
What First Aid & CPR Ontario requires
Under Child Care and Early Years Act, 2014 (CCEYA) and its regulations, administered by Ministry of Education, childcare providers must maintain current first aid and CPR certification that covers infant, child, and adult techniques.
The key requirements are:
- Training duration: A minimum of 13 hours of instruction, including pediatric CPR and first aid.
- Certification renewal: Every 3 years. Your certification must remain current throughout your employment.
- New hire deadline: New employees must be certified within 90 days of starting work.
- On-site coverage: At least 1 certified staff member must be present at all times when children are in care — including during outdoor activities, field trips, and transportation.
How our courses meet these requirements
Our first aid and CPR courses cover everything required by First Aid & CPR Ontario's childcare regulations: infant CPR, child CPR, adult CPR, AED use, choking response, and pediatric first aid. The curriculum follows the latest ILCOR 2025 guidelines — the same scientific evidence base that informs the standards referenced in Child Care and Early Years Act, 2014 (CCEYA) and its regulations.
First Aid & CPR Ontario accepts blended training formats — online theory combined with practical skills assessment. Our courses are designed with this model in mind, giving you the flexibility of online learning with the rigor of hands-on evaluation.
Don't wait for renewal day
Expired certifications put your facility's license at risk and, more importantly, leave children without a trained responder. Whether you're a new hire needing certification or a veteran provider approaching renewal, our courses make it easy to stay compliant.