CPR Requirements for Daycare Staff in Ontario
Under Ontario's Child Care and Early Years Act (CCEYA) and workplace safety requirements, daycare workers must maintain valid Standard First Aid & CPR/AED Level C certification.
This ensures child care staff are prepared to respond to choking, allergic reactions, breathing emergencies, injuries, and other medical incidents involving young children.
These requirements apply to licensed child care centres, preschools, EarlyON programs, and licensed home daycare providers across Ontario, including Ottawa.
2026 note: Starting June 22, 2026, Ontario's updated WSIB First Aid Program will also call Standard First Aid by the name Intermediate First Aid. If your centre, licensing paperwork, or training provider uses either name, they refer to the same level of training. Read our full guide: Ontario First Aid Training Is Changing in 2026
Why CPR and First Aid Are Mandatory for Daycare Staff
Children are at higher risk for sudden emergencies due to their age, curiosity, and developmental stage. Daycare workers must be trained to respond immediately to situations such as:
- Choking during meals or snacks
- CPR/AED emergencies
- Allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis and EpiPen use
- Asthma attacks
- Seizures
- Playground injuries and falls
- Breathing emergencies
- Head, neck, and spinal injuries
Standard First Aid & CPR/AED Level C prepares staff to handle these situations quickly and confidently until EMS arrives.
What CPR Level Do Daycare Workers Need?
Ontario daycare staff and licensed child care providers typically need:
Standard First Aid & CPR/AED Level C
Also known as Intermediate First Aid & CPR/AED under Ontario's updated 2026 WSIB program.
This certification includes:
- Infant, child, and adult CPR
- AED operation
- Choking response for all ages
- Multi-rescuer CPR techniques
- Emergency scene management
- Breathing and circulatory emergency response
- Allergy and anaphylaxis management
- Injury and medical emergency response
This training is required or commonly expected for:
- Daycare educators
- Preschool teachers
- Childcare assistants
- EarlyON facilitators
- Supervisors and program directors
- Licensed home daycare providers
Unlicensed home daycare operators are also strongly encouraged to complete training for safety, liability protection, and parent trust.
How Many Staff Members Must Be Certified?
The CCEYA requires that:
- At least one staff member with valid Standard First Aid & CPR/AED Level C must be on-site at all times.
However, many child care centres, especially in Ottawa, choose to require:
- Full certification for all staff
- Certification for part-time and casual educators
- Certification for support staff who may supervise children
- Renewal tracking for all staff files
This helps centres stay compliant, avoid scheduling problems, and reduce risk if the only certified staff member is absent, on break, or away from the classroom.
Renewal Requirements for Daycare Staff
Standard First Aid & CPR/AED Level C certification is valid for:
| Certification | Validity |
|---|
| Standard First Aid & CPR/AED Level C | 3 years |
| Intermediate First Aid & CPR/AED | 3 years |
| CPR/AED Level C | 3 years |
Some childcare agencies and larger daycare chains request annual CPR refreshers, especially for infant and toddler programs.
For how renewals and recertifications work, including the rule that you must renew before your certificate expires, see our guide: How to Recertify or Renew First Aid & CPR Certifications
Home Daycare Provider Requirements
Licensed home daycare providers must maintain:
Standard First Aid & CPR/AED Level C
This ensures caregivers can respond appropriately to emergencies while caring for infants and young children in their homes.
Unlicensed providers are not legally required in the same way as licensed providers, but completing certification is strongly recommended. It improves safety, credibility, and parent confidence.
Ontario Requirements and Ottawa Compliance
These rules apply province-wide. However, Ottawa child care centres may also deal with regular compliance checks such as:
- Ministry licensing inspections
- Health and safety audits
- Staff file reviews by program supervisors
- Internal policy reviews
- Parent handbook and enrolment requirements
First Aid Connect's Canadian Red Cross certifications are:
- WSIB-accredited
- Accepted by Ottawa and Ontario licensed child care operators
- Recognized by preschools, EarlyON centres, Montessori programs, and home daycare agencies
- Valid for workplace and childcare compliance requirements
CPR Training Options for Daycare Staff in Ottawa
First Aid Connect offers flexible training designed for childcare workplaces.
Public Certification Classes
Public classes are available at our Ottawa training locations, including:
- Ottawa West / Kanata
- Ottawa East / Saint Laurent
We offer weekday, weekend, and select evening options depending on the course schedule.
On-Site Daycare Training
We can send an instructor to your child care facility for private group training.
For on-site daycare training, we bring the required course equipment, including:
- CPR manikins
- AED trainers
- Course materials
- Skills practice equipment
- Evaluation materials
This is a convenient option for centres that want to certify multiple staff members at once.
Private Group Sessions
Private group sessions are ideal for centres that need full-team certification on the same day.
This option is helpful for:
- New centre openings
- Annual staff training
- Staff file updates
- Expiring certifications
- PD days
- Multi-location childcare organizations
Fast Certificate Delivery
Certificates are typically issued within 1 to 3 business days after successful course completion.
This helps staff submit proof of certification to their employer, licensing file, placement coordinator, or program supervisor quickly.
Register for Daycare First Aid and CPR in Ottawa
Book your accredited daycare Standard First Aid & CPR/AED Level C training here:
Register for Standard First Aid & CPR/AED Level C
For childcare centres looking to train multiple staff members, use our group booking page:
Business and Group Registration
Conclusion
Daycare workers are responsible for the safety and well-being of young children. This makes CPR and First Aid training essential, not just a legal requirement.
By completing Standard First Aid & CPR/AED Level C, daycare educators ensure they can respond confidently in emergencies and remain compliant with Ontario child care requirements.
For Ottawa daycare centres, First Aid Connect offers WSIB-approved training that meets provincial requirements. Flexible scheduling and on-site options are available.
If you have questions about group bookings or which course your centre needs, contact us and we will help you choose the right training option.
