Childcare CPR & first aid requirements

If you work in childcare in Ohio — 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 Ohio requires

Ohio requires all child care staff to hold current age-appropriate first aid and CPR certification, completed within the first 90 days of hire, along with communicable disease recognition training, under OAC 5101:2-12-10. Until all required staff are current, at least one trained staff member must be on-site in each building during all hours of operation, with certification renewed every two years. The rules are administered by the Department of Children and Youth, Child Care Licensing.

Anaphylaxis and medication administration

Under OAC 5101:2-12-25, a signed parental request (form JFS 01217) is needed to administer medication, a JFS 01236 medical or physical care plan is required for emergency medications, and medication must be kept out of children's reach. For a child at risk of anaphylaxis, that care plan should pair the prescribed epinephrine autoinjector with staff trained to recognize the signs and give it without delay.

How our courses meet these requirements

A recognized, standards-based certification — online theory paired with a hands-on skills check — meets Ohio’s requirement and keeps your team ready to act.

Don't wait for renewal day

When a child stops breathing or an allergic reaction escalates, the caregiver present is the first line of help, and trained hands make all the difference in those first seconds. A pediatric certification built on recognized national standards prepares your whole team to respond with confidence and gives Ohio families real trust in your program. It is the straightforward, license-ready way to have every required staff member certified and ready.