Announcement C-22-01: Pediatric First Aid and Pediatric Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) Training Requirements and Access to Free Training through Early Childhood Education Professional Development Organizations (ECE PDOs) from the Pennsylvania Office of Child Development and Early Learning, Bureau of Early Learning Policy and Professional Development and Bureau of Certification. This Announcement clarifies the updated guidance on the federal requirements for Child Care and Development Block Grant (CCDBG), health and safety training requirements that all child care providers must complete pediatric first aid and pediatric cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) training. It also clarifies that pediatric first aid and pediatric CPR training must be completed before child care staff can care for children unsupervised, as well as inform child care providers about the Early Childhood Education Professional Development Organizations (ECE PDOs) role for providing access to free, Pennsylvania Quality Assurance System (PQAS) approved, Pediatric First Aid and Pediatric CPR training.

OCDEL is working to provide additional opportunities for Pediatric First Aid and Pediatric CPR training to the early education communities. Child care staff and providers are advised to still contact their local Early Childhood Education Professional Development Organizations (ECE PDOs) for access to free, Pennsylvania Quality Assurance System (PQAS) approved, Pediatric First Aid and Pediatric CPR training.

American Red Cross (ARC) – Update from February 2022

The American Red Cross (ARC) has updated its pediatric course offerings (ARC no longer offers a “one-year provisional” course). These Pediatric First AID/CPR/AED options are currently available from American Red Cross:

• ARC Instructor-Led Course: Pediatric First Aid/CPR/AED
• ARC Blended Learning Course: Pediatric First Aid/CPR/AED (includes Online course AND hands-on Skills Session with an instructor).

NOTE: American Red Cross is permitting the Blended Learning Course to be completed with a “virtual” Skills Session, provided the required equipment is used, including manikins. Completion of the Blended Learning Course, which includes the Online course AND the virtual Skills Session, leads to the American Red Cross OSHA compliant final certification (the virtual Skills Session must be completed within 90 days from the date the Online course is completed to achieve final certification).

American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) – Update from February 2022

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) offers an onsite and hybrid course, Pediatric First Aid for Caregivers and Teachers (PedFACTs), which includes Pediatric First Aid/CPR, emergency medical services (EMS) and automated external defibrillator (AED). The onsite course requires an online pretest, 4-hour classroom, and a final examination. The hybrid course requires an online pretest, self-directed online modules (about 2 hours), online final examination, and attending a 2-hour hands-on skills practice with instructor interaction[1].

The PedFACTS course is being discontinued as of March 31, 2022. The PedFACTS certification is valid for 2 years from the date of the PedFACTS course completion, as long as the PedFACTS course occurs on or before March 31, 2022. If certification is needed after March 31, 2022, it is recommended to seek an alternative approved course in the PD Registry.

Health and Safety Institute – Update from September 2022

*The HSI course entitled “American Safety and Health Institute Pediatric First Aid, CPR, and AED” is being discontinued as of October 28, 2022. The “American Safety and Health Institute Pediatric First Aid, CPR, and AED” certification is valid for 2 years from the date of completion, as long as the course occurs on or before October 28, 2022. If certification is needed after October 28, 2022, it is recommended to seek an alternative approved course in the PD Registry.

** The HSI course entitled “EMS Safety Services CPR, AED, and First Aid for Childcare Providers” is being discontinued as of October 28, 2022. The “EMS Safety Services CPR, AED, and First Aid for Childcare Providers” certification is valid for 2 years from the date of completion, as long as the course occurs on or before October 28, 2022. If certification is needed after October 28, 2022, it is recommended to seek an alternative approved course in the PD Registry.

*** The HSI course entitled “MEDIC First Aid Pediatric Plus CPR, AED, and First Aid for Children, Infants and Adults” is being discontinued as of October 28, 2022. The “MEDIC First Aid Pediatric Plus CPR, AED, and First Aid for Children, Infants and Adults” certification is valid for 2 years from the date of completion, as long as the course occurs on or before October 28, 2022. If certification is needed after October 28, 2022, it is recommended to seek an alternative approved course in the PD Registry.

Last Updated: Nov. 2022

Last Updated: Sept. 2022

Last Updated: Sept. 2022

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