Safety Training Seminars
Safety Training Seminars
Foster care families face unique challenges every day. Medical emergencies can happen without warning, and being prepared with proper CPR and first aid training isn’t just helpful—it’s essential for keeping children safe.
At Safety Training Seminars, we understand the critical role foster families play in providing safe, nurturing environments for vulnerable children. That’s why we’ve dedicated ourselves to making life-saving training accessible, affordable, and practical for foster care providers throughout California.
Foster children often come from backgrounds where medical care may have been inconsistent or delayed. They might have underlying health conditions, take medications, or experience trauma-related health issues. As a foster parent, you become their first line of defense when emergencies strike. The difference between knowing what to do and standing helpless could literally mean the difference between life and death.
The statistics are sobering: every year, thousands of children experience medical emergencies that require immediate intervention. Choking, allergic reactions, cardiac events, and serious injuries don’t wait for paramedics to arrive. They demand immediate action from whoever is present—and that person is often you, the foster parent.
Foster children face higher risks for medical emergencies than the general population. Many enter care with pre-existing health conditions, medication dependencies, or histories of neglect that can manifest as sudden medical crises. Some have experienced trauma that affects their physical responses to stress, while others may have developmental delays that increase accident risks.
Traditional CPR and first aid training covers the basics, but foster families benefit from understanding how to adapt these techniques for children who may not respond typically. A child with autism might not communicate pain clearly, while a teenager with a history of drug exposure might experience unexpected reactions to medications or stress.
We’ve structured our training programs to address these real-world scenarios. Our instructors understand that foster families need practical, hands-on training that prepares them for the unexpected situations they may encounter.
California mandates that foster parents complete CPR and first aid certification before placement and maintain current certification throughout their licensing period. The state requires training that covers infant, child, and adult CPR techniques, as well as basic first aid for common emergencies.
Our Pediatric CPR and First Aid course meets all California licensing requirements for foster parents. This American Heart Association certified program covers CPR for all age groups, AED use, choking relief, bleeding control, and emergency response to allergic reactions including EpiPen administration.
The certification remains valid for two years, but we recommend refresher training annually. Children’s medical needs change as they grow, and staying current with the latest techniques ensures you’re always prepared.
We offer several training options specifically designed to meet foster family needs:
The Pediatric CPR and First Aid course targets foster parents and childcare providers. The training covers CPR techniques for infants, children, and adults, plus essential first aid skills like wound care, burn treatment, and recognizing signs of serious illness.
The program includes both online learning (1-2 hours) and hands-on skills testing (30-45 minutes). You’ll receive your American Heart Association certification card the same day as your skills session.
Perfect for foster families who want American Heart Association certification that’s recognized nationwide. The Heartsaver CPR and First Aid course covers the same essential skills as our Pediatric program but includes additional content on adult emergency response.
The online component takes 1-2 hours, followed by 30-45 minutes of practical skills testing. Like all our programs, you walk away with your certification card immediately.
Our most accessible option for foster families on tight budgets. The STS CPR and First Aid course covers all essential CPR and first aid skills including AED use, bleeding control, and EpiPen administration.
The streamlined format includes just one hour of online learning and 30 minutes of hands-on practice. While you receive a Safety Training Seminars certification (rather than AHA), this program meets most foster care agency requirements at a fraction of the cost.
Infants require different CPR techniques than older children and adults. Our training covers proper hand placement, compression depth, and ventilation rates specific to babies under 12 months. You’ll practice on infant manikins until these techniques become second nature.
Foster families often care for infants with complex medical histories or premature babies who may be at higher risk for respiratory emergencies. Understanding how to recognize when an infant needs help and responding immediately can prevent tragic outcomes.
Children over one year and adults require different techniques than infants. Our comprehensive training ensures you’re prepared for medical emergencies involving foster children of all ages, plus any adults in your household.
You’ll learn proper chest compression techniques, rescue breathing methods, and how to coordinate these skills when working alone or with others. The training includes scenarios specific to common foster care situations.
Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) can restart hearts during cardiac emergencies. While cardiac arrest is less common in children than adults, certain medications, congenital conditions, or traumatic histories can increase risks for foster children.
Our training covers how to operate AEDs safely and effectively, including pediatric considerations and special circumstances you might encounter with foster children.
Choking ranks among the most common emergencies foster parents face. Young children explore the world through their mouths, while older children with developmental delays or trauma histories may eat too quickly or consume inappropriate items.
You’ll master the Heimlich maneuver for different age groups, back blows for infants, and techniques for conscious and unconscious choking victims. The training includes special considerations for children with disabilities or behavioral challenges.
Foster children may experience injuries from falls, accidents, or self-harm incidents. Knowing how to control serious bleeding can prevent shock and save lives while waiting for emergency responders.
Our training covers direct pressure techniques, pressure point locations, and when to use tourniquets. You’ll also learn to recognize signs of internal bleeding and shock.
Many foster children have food allergies, medication sensitivities, or environmental triggers that can cause life-threatening reactions. Recognizing anaphylaxis symptoms and administering epinephrine can be the difference between a close call and a tragedy.
The training includes hands-on practice with EpiPen trainers, recognition of severe allergic reactions, and proper emergency response procedures. You’ll learn when to call 911, how to position patients, and what information to provide to emergency responders.
All our courses begin with online modules you complete at your own pace. The content covers theoretical knowledge, emergency recognition, and step-by-step response procedures. Interactive elements and video demonstrations reinforce key concepts.
You can pause and resume the training as needed, making it perfect for busy foster families. The online portion typically takes 1-3 hours depending on which course you choose.
After completing online training, you’ll attend an in-person skills session at one of our 70+ California locations. These sessions focus entirely on practical skills—no additional lectures or presentations.
You’ll practice on professional training manikins and equipment, receive personalized feedback from certified instructors, and demonstrate proficiency in all required skills. Our instructors understand foster family challenges and provide patient, supportive guidance.
Unlike other training centers that mail cards weeks later, we issue certification cards immediately upon successful completion. This means you can start or continue your foster care journey without delays.
Your certification card includes all necessary information for licensing agencies and remains valid for two years. We also provide digital copies for your records.
CPR and first aid skills deteriorate without practice. Research shows that retention begins declining within months of initial training. That’s why we recommend annual refresher training even though certification lasts two years.
We offer convenient refresher courses that focus on skills practice and updates to current protocols. These shorter sessions help maintain proficiency and confidence.
Many foster families also benefit from scenario-based practice sessions. We can arrange specialized training that addresses specific challenges you might face based on the age groups and special needs of children in your care.
Foster children may have experienced medical trauma that affects their response to emergency situations. A child who’s been abused might panic when restrained for CPR, while others might become completely unresponsive due to dissociation.
Our training includes guidance on providing emergency care while being sensitive to trauma histories. You’ll learn techniques for keeping children calm, when to modify standard procedures, and how to provide care that doesn’t retraumatize vulnerable children.
Many foster children take medications for behavioral health, chronic conditions, or developmental issues. Some medications can affect heart rhythms, breathing patterns, or bleeding responses during emergencies.
While we can’t provide specific medical advice, our training helps you understand how common medications might influence emergency response and when to provide additional information to emergency responders.
Foster children may have communication delays, speak different languages, or be unable to express what they’re feeling during medical emergencies. Our training covers techniques for assessing children who can’t communicate clearly and adapting emergency response accordingly.
We understand that foster families often face financial constraints while providing for children’s extensive needs. That’s why we offer the lowest-priced American Heart Association courses in California, backed by our Low Price Guarantee.
Our course options range from budget-friendly STS certification to premium American Heart Association programs. We also provide payment plans and occasionally offer scholarships for foster families facing financial hardship.
Classes run daily throughout California, including evenings and weekends. This flexibility ensures you can complete required training without disrupting placement schedules or children’s routines.
The goal isn’t just certification—it’s building genuine confidence to respond effectively during emergencies. Many foster parents feel overwhelmed by the responsibility of caring for vulnerable children. Proper emergency training transforms that anxiety into prepared confidence.
When you know exactly what to do during choking, cardiac arrest, or severe allergic reactions, you can focus on providing care instead of panicking. This confidence extends beyond emergencies, improving your overall effectiveness as a foster parent.
Children also sense when their caregivers feel prepared and confident. This security helps them feel safer and more settled in their placement.
California requires CPR and first aid certification that covers infant, child, and adult techniques. The certification must be current and from a recognized training organization. Our Pediatric CPR and First Aid course meets all state requirements for foster parent licensing.
Most CPR certifications are valid for two years. However, we recommend annual refresher training to maintain skills and stay current with protocol updates. Some foster care agencies may require more frequent training.
California requires at least one foster parent to maintain current CPR certification. However, we strongly recommend that both parents complete training. Emergencies don’t wait for the certified parent to be available.
American Heart Association (AHA) certification is the gold standard recognized by all licensing agencies, employers, and medical facilities. Other certifications may meet basic requirements but might not be accepted by all organizations. AHA training also tends to be more comprehensive and evidence-based.
No, proper CPR certification requires hands-on skills demonstration. While the knowledge portion can be completed online, you must demonstrate physical skills on manikins under instructor supervision. This ensures you can perform techniques correctly under pressure.
Discuss your medical limitations with your instructor. Some techniques may need modification, but most people can learn alternative methods or focus on other emergency response skills like calling 911, using AEDs, or providing first aid.
Follow your emergency action plan: ensure scene safety, assess the child, provide appropriate care based on your training, call 911 if needed, and contact the child’s social worker and biological parents as required by your agency. Document everything thoroughly.
Yes, children with certain disabilities may require modified emergency response techniques. Our instructors can discuss adaptations for specific conditions. Always consult with the child’s medical team about their individual emergency response needs.
Basic first aid supplies, AED if budget allows, emergency contact information, medical history summaries for each child, and any special equipment like EpiPens or inhalers prescribed for specific children. Keep supplies easily accessible but secure from young children.
Foster care is one of the most important roles you can fill in a child’s life. Proper emergency training ensures you’re prepared to protect the precious lives entrusted to your care.
Contact Safety Training Seminars today to register for CPR and first aid training. Our friendly customer service team is available seven days a week from 7 AM to 7 PM to help you find convenient class times and locations.
Don’t wait until an emergency happens to wish you were prepared. Take action now to build the skills that could save a child’s life. Your foster children deserve caregivers who are ready for anything, and proper training gives you the confidence and competence to provide that level of protection.
Call us to schedule your training. With over 70 locations throughout California and classes running daily, there’s no excuse to delay this crucial preparation. The children in your care are counting on you to be ready when they need you most.