Ensuring the #safety and well-being of children in childcare facilities is of utmost importance, and the state of Maryland has established strict licensing guidelines to address this concern. One crucial aspect of these guidelines, as outlined in COMAR 13A.16.10, is the requirement for child care providers to possess current certifications in first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). This article delves into the specifics of these guidelines, their necessity in child care settings, and how ChildCareEd, with its team of approved instructors, can assist providers in meeting these essential requirements.
COMAR 13A.16.10 Safety – First Aid and CPR:
According to COMAR 13A.16.10, child care centers in Maryland must have at least one child care teacher or the director present at all times with a current certificate in approved basic first aid training and CPR. The training must be conducted by recognized organizations adhering to the appropriate standards for all age groups under the center's approval.
The Importance of First Aid and CPR Certification:
The primary objective behind these guidelines is to ensure that child care providers are equipped to offer immediate and appropriate #emergency assistance to children in case of injuries or the need for resuscitation. Given the unpredictable nature of children's activities and the potential for accidents, having trained professionals on site is vital.
In the event of an emergency, a certified adult can respond promptly, providing essential first aid or CPR, significantly increasing the chances of a positive outcome. This is particularly crucial in centers with a higher capacity, as the guidelines stipulate that a ratio of at least one staff member for every 20 children must be certified in first aid and CPR.
Transportation Safety:
The guidelines also address the transportation of children to and from the child care center. Whenever a child is being transported under the center's auspices, there must be at least one adult present in the vehicle who is currently certified in approved CPR and first aid. This ensures that, in the unfortunate event of an emergency during transportation, immediate assistance can be provided.
ChildCareEd and Meeting Certification Requirements:
ChildCareEd recognizes the significance of these guidelines and has aligned its services to meet the certification needs of child care providers in Maryland. E.M.S. Safety Services, now a part of HSI and a part of the approved training organizations by the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) and the Office of Child Care (OCC), continues to play a pivotal role.
Under HSI, ChildCareEd employs approved instructors who specialize in CPR, AED, and/or First Aid. These instructors are well-versed in the latest standards and ensure that child care providers receive training that is not only comprehensive but also compliant with Maryland regulations. By partnering with HSI, ChildCareEd ensures that its instructors stay current with the latest techniques and guidelines, thus providing childcare providers with the most up-to-date and relevant training.
ChildCareEd First Aid & CPR:
The licensing guidelines in Maryland regarding first aid and CPR training for child care providers are in place to safeguard the well-being of children. ChildCareEd, through its affiliation with HSI, is committed to assisting child care providers in meeting these essential requirements. By ensuring that child care professionals are well-trained and certified, we contribute to creating a safer environment for children, promoting their #health-and overall welfare in childcare settings across the state of Maryland.
ChildCareEd’s First Aid & CPR Blended training course includes CPR and choking training for adults, infants, and children. First Aid training includes but is not limited to soft tissue injuries, bone and muscle injuries, medical emergencies including diabetic emergencies, anaphylactic shock (including how to use an epi-pen), and environmental emergencies. Upon completion of the class, you will receive your First Aid/CPR/ AED infant, child, and adult certification.
Course Format:
- Blended Learning: The course is divided into two parts – an online portion and a skills verification session with a live trainer.
- Online Portion: Students complete the first part of the course online, which can be done from home or office. The online link for this portion is provided separately. Upon completion, you will be issued a certificate that you will need to present on the day of the skills verification session.
- Skills Verification: After completing the online portion, students need to attend a skills verification session with a live trainer.
Skills verification sessions can be scheduled in two different formats:
- The first format is a traditional in-person face-to-face training held at our corporate office 839 Quince Orchard Blvd Suite E, Gaithersburg, MD 20878.
- Remote Skills Verification (RSV) sessions can also be scheduled. In this format, a loaner manikin is mailed to your location and you will log in to a live Zoom session with an HSI trainer where you will practice your skills.