In Georgia, the 10-hour Health and Safety Orientation Training is a required course for many new childcare #staff. This training helps ensure that everyone working in a licensed childcare program understands how to keep children #safe, #healthy, and well cared for from day one.
The training is required by Bright from the Start: Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning (DECAL). It introduces key #health-and #safety topics that are essential in #early #learning environments. Completing this training supports safe practices and helps programs meet licensing expectations.
This orientation is often completed online, making it easy for new staff to start learning right away. It #plays an important role in protecting children and supporting #GeorgiaChildcare and #HealthAndSafety standards.
This training is required for many people who work in Georgia childcare programs, especially when they are newly hired.
You may need this training if you are:
A new childcare employee
A #teacher assistant or floater
A substitute or support staff member
A director who is new to their role
Anyone counted in staff-to-child ratios
Even experienced childcare professionals may be required to take this training when starting at a new program. It ensures that all staff begin with the same basic understanding of safety expectations.
Timing matters when it comes to compliance. In most cases, Georgia requires this orientation training to be completed within the first 90 days of employment.
Completing the training on time helps:
Keep children safe
Avoid licensing issues
Support staff confidence
Show professionalism during inspections
Directors are responsible for making sure staff complete required training and that documentation is kept on file.
The 10-hour Health and Safety Orientation Training covers important topics that apply to everyday childcare work.
Common topics include:
Safe #sleep practices
Supervision and accountability
Emergency preparedness
Prevention of infectious diseases
Proper handwashing and hygiene
Food safety and allergies
Recognizing signs of illness
Injury prevention
These topics give staff a strong foundation to support children’s #health-and-safety in daily routines. Understanding these basics supports #EarlyChildhoodEducation and quality care.
Young children depend on adults to keep them safe. They are still learning how to wash hands, avoid danger, and communicate their needs.
Health and safety training helps staff:
Make #safer decisions
Respond calmly during emergencies
Prevent the spread of illness
Follow clear routines and procedures
Protect themselves and the children
When everyone understands safety expectations, childcare programs become more stable and supportive environments for learning.
ChildCareEd offers a Georgia-approved option that meets DECAL requirements and is designed for busy childcare professionals.
Recommended course:
10-Hour Health and Safety Orientation Training (Georgia Approved)
https://www.childcareed.com/courses-10-hour-health-and-safety-orientation-training-4009.html
This course uses clear #language and practical examples. It is online and self-paced, allowing staff to complete training while balancing work and family responsibilities.
Some roles may require deeper knowledge of health and safety expectations. Ongoing learning helps #staff-stay informed and confident.
Another helpful course is:
Health & Safety Requirements for Childcare Providers
https://www.childcareed.com/courses-health-safety-requirements-for-childcare-providers.html
This course builds on orientation topics and supports continued professional #development for Georgia childcare staff.
Immunizations are an important part of keeping childcare environments healthy. They help protect children from serious illnesses and reduce outbreaks.
Georgia childcare programs often require families to provide immunization records. Staff should understand why these requirements matter and how they support community health.
A helpful resource is:
Recommended Child and Adolescent Immunization Schedule
https://www.childcareed.com/r-00347-recommended-child-and-adolescent-immunization-schedule.html
This resource explains recommended vaccines in a clear and easy-to-understand format.
Health and safety training teaches staff how to prevent common risks in childcare settings.
Staff learn how to:
Clean and sanitize properly
Watch children closely during play
Recognize signs of illness early
Respond to injuries correctly
Follow safe food-handling practices
These skills help reduce accidents and keep programs running smoothly. Prevention is always better than reaction.
Training is only effective when it is put into practice. A safe childcare environment depends on teamwork and consistency.
Strong programs focus on:
Clear daily routines
Ongoing staff communication
Child-friendly safety rules
Positive role modeling
Regular training updates
This related article offers practical guidance:
How to Create a Safe and Healthy Child Care Environment
https://www.childcareed.com/a/how-to-create-a-safe-and-healthy-child-care-environment.html
It explains how small daily actions make a big difference in children’s well-being.
Completing the training is important—but so is keeping records. Georgia licensing consultants may ask to see proof that staff completed required training.
Directors should:
Track completion dates
Keep certificates on file
Monitor deadlines for new hires
Support staff who need help completing courses
Good documentation shows professionalism and readiness during inspections.
Health and safety training helps staff feel more confident in their roles. When staff know what to do, they are calmer, more prepared, and better able to support children.
Benefits for staff include:
Clear expectations
Reduced stress
Stronger teamwork
Better communication with families
This training supports long-term success in childcare #careers and strengthens programs across Georgia.
ChildCareEd supports Georgia childcare professionals with trusted training, helpful resources, and ongoing education.
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