In California, “free” training usually means one of these:Where can I find free online childcare training in California? 🧭
Here are trusted places to start if you want free online training:
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California Early Childhood Online (CECO)
CECO offers free online professional development modules and provides certificates. It is available in multiple languages (including Spanish and Chinese). -
California Department of Social Services (CDSS) training resources
CDSS shares a list of training and educational resources for providers. It also explains that EMSA approves training programs for Pediatric First Aid/CPR and Preventive Health Courses. -
Free California Mandated Reporter Training (OCAP/CDSS)
California’s Office of Child Abuse Prevention (OCAP) provides an updated online Mandated Reporter Training site, including a course made for child care providers. -
Your local Child Care Resource & Referral (R&R) agency
Many counties share free training calendars or events. (Some trainings are recorded in the workforce registry or you can upload your certificate.)
Tip: When you find a free course, check if it gives a certificate and how many hours it counts for. ✅
Which trainings are required for childcare staff in California? ✅
California requirements can feel confusing at first because there are different systems involved (licensing rules and job/permit requirements).
A helpful, California-specific guide is this ChildCareEd article:
Here are two training areas that come up often:
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Mandated Reporter Training
California has a Mandated Reporter Training site supported by CDSS/OCAP, with courses for different professions (including child care). -
Health and Safety requirements (including EMSA-approved training)
California licensing resources explain health and safety training expectations, and CDSS notes that EMSA approves certain child care training programs for Preventive Health and Pediatric CPR/First Aid.
Because programs and roles differ (center vs. family child care, assistant vs. director), your best move is to use the article above and confirm with your employer or licensor.
How do I make sure an online training will count? 🔎
Before you start a course, do this quick checklist:
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Ask: “Is this training required for my role?”
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Ask: “Does it need to be EMSA-approved or from a specific provider?”
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Save your proof in one folder:
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Certificate (PDF or screenshot)
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Course name
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Date completed
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Training hours 🗂️
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If English is not your first language, look for trainings with:
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Simple lessons
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Captions or translations
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Clear quizzes and certificates (CECO is a good place to start)
Helpful ChildCareEd online courses for California providers 📚
Even when you use free California sites for required items, you may still need extra training for professional growth and best practices. ChildCareEd offers online courses that support key safety topics.
Here are 3 ChildCareEd courses that match common child care needs:
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Mandated reporting basics (important in every program):
https://www.childcareed.com/courses-mandated-reporters.html 👀 -
Preventing illness and keeping classrooms healthier:
https://www.childcareed.com/courses-prevention-and-control-of-infectious-diseases.html 🧼 -
Safe sleep basics for infants (great for infant/toddler staff):
https://www.childcareed.com/courses-prevention-of-sudden-infant-death-syndrome-and-use-of-safe-sleep-practices.html 😴
Friendly reminder: For California’s required Preventive Health and Pediatric CPR/First Aid, always confirm whether your setting needs an EMSA-approved course/provider.
What scholarships or stipends in California can pay for childcare training? 💰
California has programs that can help pay for training, permits, and even college classes. These can make training feel “free” because you get money back or someone pays the costs.
1) County stipend programs through the CA ECE Workforce Registry 🪪
California’s workforce registry lists stipend programs that may be available based on your county (examples include Workforce Pathways Grants).
2) Workforce Pathways Grant stipends (county-based) 🌟
Some counties use Workforce Pathways Grant funds to pay stipends for professional learning hours or college units. For example, one county program explains it can support educators through stipends and may reimburse certain starting costs like initial licensing/training items.
Because these are county programs, rules can differ—so check what’s offered where you live.
3) Child Development Permit fee help (CDTC Permit Stipends) 🏅
If you are applying for a Child Development Permit, the Child Development Training Consortium (CDTC) has a program that can pay the permit application fee for eligible applicants.
This is helpful because permits can be required for some teaching roles, especially in publicly funded programs (details vary by role).
4) CCPU Training Fund (tuition help) 🎓
The CCPU Training Fund says it helps eligible California child care providers cover tuition for career-related classes (like child development and more), with support up to a yearly amount listed on their site.
How can I get my CDA for free (or low cost)? 🧩
If your goal is a CDA, use this ChildCareEd resource:
It shares ways educators reduce the cost using support programs and funding ideas. #CDA
Follow ChildCareEd on Instagram for tips and updates 📲
Want quick tips, training reminders, and helpful posts you can use at work?
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