California childcare providers must complete specific Emergency Medical Services Authority (EMSA) training requirements to maintain their licenses. These courses ensure children receive safe, quality care while meeting state regulatory standards.
EMSA courses for childcare providers include three essential components: pediatric first aid, pediatric CPR/AED, and preventive health and safety training. Understanding these requirements helps providers stay compliant while building confidence in emergency situations.
EMSA courses prepare childcare providers to handle medical emergencies and maintain healthy environments for children. The Emergency Medical Services Authority oversees these programs to ensure consistent, high-quality training across California.
First-time childcare licensees must complete 16 hours of training:
Every two years, providers must renew their certification by completing 8 hours of training (4 hours each of pediatric first aid and pediatric CPR). The preventive health and safety portion does not require renewal.
This course teaches providers how to respond to common childhood injuries and medical emergencies. Topics include:
The training emphasizes hands-on practice with realistic scenarios childcare providers encounter daily.
CPR training focuses on life-saving techniques for infants, children, and adults. Key areas include:
Students practice on age-appropriate mannequins to master proper technique and timing.
This comprehensive course covers creating and maintaining healthy childcare environments. Topics include:
Traditional classroom instruction provides direct interaction with certified instructors. Benefits include:
Many providers choose blended courses combining online theory with in-person skills practice. This format offers:
For preventive health and safety courses, fully virtual options are available. These courses feature:
Note: First aid and CPR courses require in-person skills demonstration and cannot be completed entirely online.
Only EMSA-approved programs can provide the required preventive health and safety training. Before enrolling, verify the program appears on EMSA’s official provider list.
For first aid and CPR components, providers can choose from several approved organizations:
We work with providers throughout California to ensure they receive high-quality, compliant training. Our EMSA-approved programs meet all state requirements while offering flexible scheduling and competitive pricing.
Center directors and staff require the same core training. However, centers may have additional requirements based on:
Many after-school programs require EMSA training for staff members. Check with your program director about specific requirements.
Childcare providers must renew their first aid and CPR certifications every two years. The renewal process requires:
Between renewals, consider additional professional development:
EMSA course pricing varies by provider and format:
We offer competitive pricing with our low-price guarantee. Our courses include:
Busy childcare providers often struggle to find time for training. Solutions include:
Staying compliant requires attention to detail:
Quality training builds confidence in emergency situations. Providers report feeling more prepared to:
Well-trained providers often see business benefits:
Many providers find the training valuable for their own families and communities. Skills learned benefit:
Training should total 16 hours for initial certification: 4 hours of pediatric first aid, 4 hours of pediatric CPR/AED, and 8 hours of preventive health and safety practices.
No. Renewal training for pediatric first aid and CPR must be the full 8 hours (4 hours each) every time. Shortened courses do not meet state requirements.
Preventive health and safety can be virtual, in-person, or hybrid. First aid and CPR require in-person skills practice and testing, though they can include online lecture components.
Visit the EMSA website for current lists of approved first aid/CPR programs and preventive health/safety training providers. Contact programs directly for course offerings.
Failure to maintain current certifications can result in licensing violations. Plan renewals well in advance of expiration dates.
Many providers offer group training for childcare centers. This can be cost-effective and convenient for staff scheduling.
EMSA courses for childcare providers represent more than regulatory compliance—they’re an investment in child safety and professional development. Quality training prepares you to handle emergencies confidently while creating safer environments for the children in your care.
Ready to get started with your EMSA training? We offer comprehensive programs designed specifically for California childcare providers. Our experienced instructors, flexible scheduling, and commitment to excellence make us the preferred choice for thousands of providers statewide.
Contact us today to learn more about our EMSA-approved courses, competitive pricing, and convenient locations throughout California. Your commitment to quality care starts with quality training—let us help you meet and exceed your professional goals.