California Child Care Certificate Renewals: What to Renew and When - post

Child care in California moves fast and it’s easy to miss a renewal date when you’re busy with children, families, and staff schedules. The good news: if you set up a simple system, you can keep your program ready for licensing visits and protect children every day. This guide explains the most common California child care certificates and trainings to renew, plus an easy way to track what’s due. #California #ChildCare #Safety

Which certificates and trainings usually need renewal in California?

Not every document “expires,” but several key trainings and credentials do. California agencies also list approved training sources and renewal expectations for providers and staff.

Here are the big ones to watch:

Mandated Reporter Training

If you are a licensed provider, applicant, director, or employee in child care, California requires mandated reporter training and renewal every two years.
Tip: Save the certificate (PDF or printed copy) in a staff file and a “renewals” folder.

Pediatric CPR and Pediatric First Aid

California EMSA explains that child care providers must renew by completing 4 hours pediatric First Aid + 4 hours pediatric CPR/AED every two years.
Tip: Ask to see the instructor/program authorization before you pay for a class.

Preventive Health and Safety Training

EMSA also describes the 8-hour Preventive Health and Safety training as part of the required health and safety training package for child care providers.
Important note: This training is often treated as “complete and keep on file.” Still, you should keep the certificate handy and follow any additional rules your program type or licensor may require. (A safe rule: keep it visible and easy to show.)

Annual flu vaccination documentation

California guidance for child care programs includes an influenza vaccination requirement each year (unless an exemption applies), generally during the seasonal window described by the state.
Tip: Keep a simple “Flu Vaccine” tracker list for each season.

Child Development Permit

Some programs (especially public or Title 5 settings) require Child Development Permits. These permits are issued for five years and are renewable for successive five-year periods with 105 hours of professional growth.
Tip: Start tracking professional growth hours early so renewal doesn’t become a last-minute scramble.

What other health and compliance records should I keep “current”?

Some items may not have a simple “renew every X years” rule, but they still need to be up to date and on file.

Staff immunization records

California requires child care staff and volunteers to show proof of certain vaccines (for example, measles and pertussis).
Practical tip: Make one staff page called “Immunizations on File” and list what you’ve collected.

TB screening paperwork

TB screening rules can vary by setting and local procedures. Some California public health guidance explains the TB risk assessment used for school and child care settings and ties it to state code sections.
Practical tip: Keep TB documents in staff files and follow your licensing agency or local public health guidance on when updates are needed.

What should I renew first if I’m behind?

If you’re catching up, start with items most often checked and most tied to safety:

• Mandated Reporter Training (every 2 years)

• Pediatric CPR/First Aid (every 2 years)

• Annual flu documentation (seasonal)

• Child Development Permit (every 5 years, if required for your role/program)

What paperwork makes renewals easier during licensing visits?

Use a “show it fast” system. The goal is simple: if licensing asks, you can pull it up in 30 seconds.

A simple renewal folder (digital or paper)

Create a folder called Renewals – Current Year and include:

• Mandated reporter certificates (dated)

• CPR/First Aid cards or completion certificates (dated)

• Preventive Health and Safety certificate

• Flu vaccine documentation tracker (for the season)

• A staff roster with “Completed / Expires” columns

One-page staff training tracker

For each staff member, list:

• Training name

• Completion date

• Renewal due date

• Where the proof is saved (example: “Drive > Staff Files > Maria > CPR”)

This one page can save hours later. #Compliance

How do I set up a “renewal calendar” that actually works?

Here’s a system busy directors like because it’s quick:

1. Pick one “renewal day” each month (example: first Friday).

2. Run a 10-minute check: what expires in the next 60 days?

3. Book trainings early (especially CPR classes that fill up).

4. Send one reminder message to staff with clear dates and links.

Bonus: If your program uses Child Development Permits, set a reminder 6 months before permit expiration so staff can finish professional growth hours calmly.

Which ChildCareEd trainings can help with renewals and compliance?

These are directly related to the common renewal areas above:

• Mandated Reporters

• Preventative Health and Safety 

• Emergency and Disaster Preparedness

What ChildCareEd resource and related article should I link to?

• ChildCareEd resource (great for your compliance binder):
  Emergency Preparedness Plan for Child Care Providers and Child Care Centers

• Related ChildCareEd article (California-focused):
  Which Trainings Are Required for Childcare Staff in California

FAQ: Quick answers about California renewals

Do I have to renew mandated reporter training?

Yes. California requires renewal every two years for licensed child care providers, applicants, directors, and employees.

How often do CPR and First Aid need renewal?

California EMSA describes renewal every two years with required hours for pediatric CPR/AED and pediatric First Aid.

What if my staff work in different rooms or sites?

Use one center-wide tracker so you don’t lose certificates across classrooms. Keep copies in staff files and in a shared renewals folder.

Conclusion: What should I renew, and when?

If you remember nothing else, remember this:

• Every 2 years: mandated reporter training

• Every 2 years: pediatric CPR + pediatric First Aid

• Every year (seasonal): flu documentation (unless exempt)

• Every 5 years (if required): Child Development Permit + 105 hours professional growth

Start small: make one renewals folder, set one monthly reminder, and update your tracker as soon as someone completes training. That simple routine keeps your program calm, prepared, and safer for children. #ProfessionalDevelopment