You take your job seriously. As you should. Parents place their trust in you and your staff to protect the precious lives of their little ones. However, accidents can and do happen, even in the safest and most prepared child care businesses. So whether you are just starting out as a childcare provider or you are a seasoned provider, CPR and First Aid training is not only a good idea, it is required.
Just what should you know in order to be prepared in any situation? We summarized a few necessities below:
- Know how to effectively perform high-quality CPR on both children and infants.
- Know the appropriate use of an AED on both children and infants
- Know how to administer first aid actions for the following life-threatening conditions: difficulty breathing, choking, severe bleeding, and shock
- Know the process to control bleeding and bandage wounds
- Know how to use an epinephrine pen
- Recognize elements of common injuries and illnesses
- Recognize the legal questions that apply to pediatric first aid rescuers
We have included a few helpful links below to the Delacare requirements, as of the date of this article. However, you should always stay current on your state’s requirements, as they may change. It is also crucial to stay informed on state requirements as your business grows and evolves over time. A change in the number of participants or location may alter what is required to keep your license in good standing.
Family childcare homes –
“First Aid and CPR Training
133. The Licensee and Substitute used for planned, non-emergency situations as stated in Rules #141B, C & D and 142 shall have:
A. Proof of current First Aid training or First Aid training taken every three (3) years if there is no expiration date;
B. Proof of current certification in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR); and
C. The First Aid training and CPR certification shall be in accordance with the ages of
the children enrolled in the Family Child Care Home at any given time.”
https://kids.delaware.gov/pdfs/occl_DelacareRule_FCC_Jan2009_En.pdf
Large family childcare homes–
“First Aid and CPR Training
164. The Licensee shall ensure that staff members specifically including the Substitute used for non-emergency situations as stated in Rules #174 B, C & D & 175 shall have:
A. Proof of current First Aid training or First Aid training taken every three (3) years if there is no expiration date;
B. Proof of current certification in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR); and
C. The First Aid training and CPR certification shall be in accordance with the ages of
the children enrolled in the Large Family Child Care Home at any given time.”
https://kids.delaware.gov/pdfs/occl_DelacareRule_LFCC_Jan2009_En.pdf
Early Care and Education and School-age Centers –
“34. First Aid and CPR Training
A. Unless staff is currently certified, a licensee shall document during an orientation period, not to exceed two months of hire, that staff qualified to be alone with children complete classroom-based certifications in First Aid and in cardio-pulmonary resuscitation or CPR which require a skill demonstration and is appropriate to the ages of the children staff are
assigned to care for. Certifications shall be maintained.
B. At least one staff member properly certified in First Aid and CPR training, applicable to the
ages of the children, must be present during all hours of operation when children are in attendance, including the beginning and end of the day and during off-site activities such as outings or field trips.”
https://kids.delaware.gov/occl/announcements/Center-Regulations-2015.pdf