45 Hour Infant and Toddler Certification Online Georgia - post

A 45-hour infant and toddler certification is a set of training hours focused on caring for children from birth to age 3. It teaches you what babies and toddlers need to stay safe, feel loved, and learn through everyday routines.

This training usually covers:

• Infant and toddler growth and development

• Safe daily care (feeding, diapering, sleep)

• Healthy routines and clean spaces

• Simple lesson plans and play ideas

• Positive guidance for toddler behavior

• Working with families in a respectful way

A 45-hour certificate can also help you feel more confident on the job. #InfantToddlerCare

Why is infant and toddler training so important?

Babies and toddlers grow fast. They also need adults who understand their cues—like crying, body language, and facial expressions.

When you know infant/toddler development, you can:

• Notice needs early (hunger, tiredness, stress)

• Set up calm routines that help children feel safe

• Use play to build language and brain growth

• Support social-emotional skills (comfort, trust, bonding)

• Prevent accidents during high-risk times (sleep, feeding, diapering)

This training is especially helpful if you work in an infant room or toddler room every day. #GeorgiaChildCare

What training does Georgia require for child care staff?

In Georgia, child care rules are set by DECAL (Department of Early Care and Learning). Many staff members must complete required trainings when they start and then complete training each year.

Here are key points DECAL shares:

• Initial Program Orientation happens before a person begins work at a program. This is about your program’s policies and daily practices (and it does not count as state-approved training hours).

• Health & Safety Orientation Training (10 hours) is completed within the first 90 days of employment for many staff with direct care responsibilities.

• Pediatric First Aid & CPR are completed within the first 45 days of employment (renewal timelines apply).

• Annual training: Many supervisory and caregiver staff complete 10 clock hours each year.

DECAL also says annual training should include certain topic areas, like language and literacy and child development/health/safety.

How can a 45-hour infant/toddler course help in Georgia?

A 45-hour course is more than the yearly minimum. It is a strong way to build skills—especially if you are new to infant and toddler care.

A 45-hour infant/toddler course can help you:

• Understand what is normal at different ages (birth–3)

• Use routines as learning moments (diapering, bottles, handwashing)

• Set up your room to support safe play and active supervision

• Improve behavior guidance with developmentally appropriate steps

Important tip: Always confirm with your director/employer that a course meets your program’s training needs and how it should be recorded. DECAL also reminds providers that virtual training should not be taken while supervising children.

How do you complete a 45-hour certification online successfully?

Online training works best when you keep it simple and steady.

Try this step-by-step plan:

• Step 1: Ask what you need. Check with your director which topics and deadlines apply to your role.

• Step 2: Pick the right age group. Make sure the training is focused on infants and toddlers (birth–3).

• Step 3: Set a weekly goal. Example: 5 hours per week can finish 45 hours in about 9 weeks.

• Step 4: Take “use it tomorrow” notes. Write down routines, room ideas, and calming strategies you can try at work.

• Step 5: Save your proof. Download/print certificates and keep them in one folder.

If you ever need to find state-approved training options, DECAL points people to the Georgia Professional Development System (GaPDS) for training listings.

Which ChildCareEd courses support infant/toddler training online?

Here are ChildCareEd options that match infant/toddler learning and safety (and work well for online learners):

• 45-Hour Infant and Toddler Curriculum (Online)
  Focused on caring for children birth to age 3, with practical teaching and caregiving skills.
  https://www.childcareed.com/courses-45-hour-infant-and-toddler-curriculum.html

• 45 Hour Infant and Toddler Methods and Materials (Zoom + Online)
  Great for hands-on strategies, materials, and real classroom methods for infant/toddler care.
  https://www.childcareed.com/courses-45-hour-infant-and-toddler-methods-and-materials.html

• Safe Sleep Training (Online)
  Safe sleep knowledge is essential in infant rooms and helps staff follow strong safety practices.
  https://www.childcareed.com/courses-safe-sleep-training.html

These courses support strong caregiving skills that families and employers want. #ChildCareTraining

What are the most important infant safety skills to learn first?

If you work with babies, safety is not a “one time” topic. It is daily practice.

Start with these infant safety priorities:

• Safe sleep routines (every nap, every day)

• Clean diapering and handwashing

• Bottle and food safety (following program rules and family instructions)

• Active supervision (eyes on children, especially during transitions)

Georgia child care rules also emphasize safe sleep environments for infants, and DECAL shares infant sleep safety guidance as a key health and safety area. #SafeSleep

Where can you find free or low-cost online training in Georgia?

Cost matters. If you are looking for free or low-cost options, ChildCareEd shares ideas and links in this Georgia-focused article:
https://www.childcareed.com/a/free-online-childcare-training-in-georgia-1.html

This can be a helpful starting place if you are building your training plan for the year.

How can you stay connected for tips and reminders?

Want quick ideas you can use in your infant/toddler room right away? Follow ChildCareEd on Instagram for tips, training updates, and helpful reminders: https://www.instagram.com/childcareed/