Standard Childcare First Aid Level B CPR Courses

Learn More about the Childcare First Aid Courses

The Standard Childcare First Aid Level B course is the most frequently chosen course taken by those who work with children under the age of 12 years old. Alberta’s child care sector is governed by the Early Learning and Childcare Act and the Early Learning and Childcare Regulation. This legal framework outlines the minimum standards for licensed facility-based programs such as Day Cares, Day Homes, Preschools and Out-of School Care. With recent amendments to the Early Learning and Childcare Act, the specific level of First Aid certification is not clearly outlined. When registering into a First Aid Course, the registrant may also chose the Intermediate (Standard) First Aid Course. This course is governed by OH&S and follows CSA standards which has become the benchmark for all businesses. It is recommended that you speak with your director prior to registering into the Intermediate (Standard) First Aid Course.

As per regulatory body oversight, a Standard Childcare First Aid Level B CPR course is valid for 3 years. If your certificate is valid, and not expired, you may take the renewal course. Extensions will not be granted for expired certificates and a full course will need to be taken.

What is First Aid?

First Aid is the immediate, temprary care given to someone experiencing sudden injury or illness. Its core focus is to preserve life, prevent a condition fro worsening and promote recovery through early recognition, treatment and activation of EMS. The Standard Childcare First Aid Level B CPR course, explores Primary and Secondary concerns relevant to infants and children. The course includes CPR and AED training as a core component. Primary connsiderations include recognizing life-threatening problems which require EMS involvement. Secondary problems and concerns are not immediately life threatening but usually involves First Aid attention and EMS involvement when necessary. Please review the topics covered in this course.

Based on ammendments made to the Early Learning and Child Care Act, Key Regulatory requirements are mandated:

• Licensing Threshold: any person or facility offering childcare to more than 6 children requires a facility-based license.
• Staff Qualifications: Program staff must hold provincial Early childhood Educator certification. Uncertified staff are not permitted to supervise children alone and typically have a 6-month window from their date of hire to obtain a Level 1 certification.
• Staff-to-Child Ratios: The legislation mandates specific minimum ratios to guarantee adequate supervision.
• Health and Safety Standards: Programs must adhere to strict structural, health and sanitation guidelines.
• Curriculum Framework: Licensed providers are encouraged to follow Alberta’s official early learning and care curriculum framework to guide children’s growth and well-being.

As the Standard Childcare First Aid Level B CPR course is not governed by Occupational Health and Safety division of the Provincial Government but is governed by the Early Learning and Childcare division of the Government, companies that use the designation of Intermediate Childcare First Aid Level C CPR are not complying with course title parameters and may be misrepresenting the course that you require. Designating a course as such means that the course is accepted by the Early Learning and Childcare division of the Government and is also approved by OH&S. Currently there is no course in Childcare that covers these two separate approval bodies.