CPR & First Aid Requirements for Early Childhood Educators (ECEs) in Ontario

Early Childhood Educators (ECEs) are responsible for the care and safety of infants, toddlers, and young children — which makes First Aid and CPR certification a provincial requirement.

Under Ontario’s Child Care and Early Years Act (CCEYA) and WSIB safety regulations, ECEs must hold valid Standard First Aid & CPR Level C to work in any licensed child care or early learning environment.

This certification equips educators to respond quickly and confidently to medical emergencies involving young children.

Why CPR & First Aid Are Essential for ECEs

Children are curious, active, and unpredictable — which increases the likelihood of sudden medical incidents. Proper training ensures educators can respond immediately to:

• Choking emergencies
• Allergic reactions (including anaphylaxis & EpiPen use)
• Asthma attacks
• Seizures
• Breathing emergencies
• Playground injuries & falls
• Cuts, bleeding, and bruising
• Loss of consciousness
• Sudden cardiac arrest (requiring CPR / AED use)

Educators are often the first responders when an emergency occurs, making this training essential for every childcare environment.

What CPR Level Do ECEs Need in Ontario?

The mandatory certification for ECEs is:

✔️ Standard First Aid with CPR / AED Level C

This course includes:

• Infant, child, and adult CPR
• AED training
• Choking response techniques
• Multi-rescuer CPR
• Breathing & circulatory emergencies
• Life-threatening allergy response (EpiPen administration)
• Environmental emergencies
• Head, neck, and spinal injury management
• Emergency scene assessment and prioritization

CPR Level C is the highest level required for childcare workers and early childhood programs across Ontario.

Is Standard First Aid Mandatory for ECEs?

Yes — and this is legislated.

Under the CCEYA, licensed child care centres must:

• Have at least one certified staff member onsite at all times, and
• Ensure educators maintain valid First Aid & CPR certification

In practice, most licensed centres require all ECEs and assistants to hold Standard First Aid & CPR Level C.

Certification Validity & Renewal Requirements

• Standard First Aid & CPR C is valid for 3 years
• Some childcare employers require annual CPR refreshers
• ECE college programs require proof of certification before placement begins

Staying current ensures compliance with Ontario licensing rules and promotes a safer environment for children.

Ontario-Wide Applicability + Ottawa Local SEO

While these requirements apply across Ontario, Ottawa has one of the largest concentrations of:

• Licensed child care centres
• ECE programs (Algonquin, Ottawa universities)
• Home daycare providers
• Montessori & private school early learning programs

These workplaces universally accept Red Cross certification, recognizing it as fully WSIB-approved and compliant with all provincial regulations.

Where to Take CPR & First Aid for ECEs in Ottawa

First Aid Connect offers flexible training options for ECEs and childcare workers, including:

• Standard First Aid & CPR / AED Level C
• Evening, weekday, and weekend scheduling
• Fast certificate turnaround (1–3 business days)
• Ottawa West (Kanata) and Ottawa East (Saint Laurent) locations
• Private group training available for childcare centres

Ready to get certified?

Register for ECE Standard First Aid & CPR C

Conclusion

ECEs play a direct role in the safety and wellbeing of the children they supervise. Proper First Aid and CPR training is not just a licensing requirement — it’s a crucial responsibility.

By completing Standard First Aid & CPR Level C, educators gain the confidence and skills needed to respond effectively during emergencies.

For Ottawa-based childcare centres, early learning programs, or ECE students, First Aid Connect provides WSIB-approved, Red Cross–certified training that meets all provincial requirements.

Book your course today and ensure compliance, confidence, and child safety.