If you operate or work in a daycare, preschool, or childcare center in North Carolina, CPR and First Aid certification is not optional — it is a state licensing requirement. Here is exactly what you need to know so your facility stays compliant and your staff stays prepared.
What North Carolina requires
North Carolina's Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) requires that every licensed childcare facility have at least one person with current CPR and First Aid certification on-site at all times during operating hours. Many centers go further and certify all staff members — both to meet ratio requirements and to ensure coverage when employees are absent.
The certification must include infant, child, and adult CPR plus First Aid. AHA (American Heart Association) and American Red Cross certifications are both widely accepted. Certifications are valid for two years and must be renewed before they expire to stay in compliance.
Which course do daycare staff need?
For most childcare workers, the correct course is Heartsaver CPR/AED + First Aid (the combo class). This covers:
- Adult, child, and infant CPR
- AED use
- Choking response for all ages (especially critical around toddlers)
- First Aid skills — bleeding, burns, allergic reactions, head injuries, seizures
The combo class runs about 3 hours and results in an AHA eCard that satisfies NC DCDEE requirements. Each staff member receives their own digital certification card within 24–48 hours.
What about infant-specific CPR?
The Heartsaver CPR + First Aid combo already includes infant CPR and choking. However, some daycare owners also want their team to have extra confidence with newborns and infants specifically. In that case, a separate Infant & Child CPR + Choking Workshop is a great add-on — it provides deeper hands-on practice with infant manikins in a non-certification, confidence-building format.
How often do you need to recertify?
AHA certifications expire every two years. NC DCDEE expects current certification at all times — there is no grace period. The best practice is to schedule recertification at least a month before expiration so there is no gap.
For centers with multiple staff members, setting up an annual training cycle means half your team recertifies each year and you are never caught off guard.
Can training happen at the daycare?
Yes — and it is usually the easiest option. Mobile CPR instructors come directly to your facility with all the manikins, AEDs, and training supplies. Staff do not have to travel or take a full day off, and you can schedule around nap times or after-hours to minimize disruption.
Group training at your location is also typically more affordable per person than sending each staff member to individual classes at a training center.
What to look for in a training provider
- AHA-aligned curriculum. NC licensing accepts AHA certifications, so make sure your provider uses AHA course materials.
- Infant and child focus. General adult-only CPR courses will not meet childcare requirements. Confirm the class covers all ages.
- Hands-on practice. Online-only CPR courses do not satisfy NC DCDEE requirements. You need an in-person skills component with real manikins.
- eCard delivery. Certification cards should be issued digitally within 24–48 hours — that is the modern standard and what your licensing inspector expects to see.
CPR training for daycares in Charlotte and Indian Land
Homefront CPR brings AHA-aligned CPR + First Aid training directly to daycares, preschools, and childcare centers across the Charlotte, NC metro — including Indian Land, Fort Mill, Rock Hill, Waxhaw, Ballantyne, Pineville, Matthews, Mint Hill, and surrounding areas.
Every class is taught by a Registered Nurse with real-world clinical experience, and we handle all the equipment. We also offer annual recertification scheduling so your facility stays compliant year after year without having to think about it.
Ready to get your team certified or set up a recurring training cycle? Reach out through our booking form or call — we will tailor the session to your staff size and schedule.