Childcare CPR & first aid requirements

First Aid & CPR South Carolina

If you work in childcare in South Carolina — whether at a daycare, preschool, home-based care, or camp — first aid and CPR certification is not optional. It's a licensing requirement, and for good reason: children are among the most vulnerable to choking, allergic reactions, and injuries. Being prepared to respond can mean everything.

Requirements at a glance

Regulatory framework SC Department of Social Services (DSS) childcare licensing rules
Governing authority South Carolina Department of Social Services
Training hours Varies by provider
Renewal period Every 2 years
New hire deadline Within 30 days of hire
Min. certified staff 1 — Minimum on-site at all times
Online training acceptance In-person training required
Every 2 years

What South Carolina requires

Under SC Department of Social Services (DSS) childcare licensing rules, administered by South Carolina Department of Social Services, childcare providers must maintain current first aid and CPR certification that covers infant, child, and adult techniques.

The key requirements are:

  • Certification renewal: Every 2 years. Your certification must remain current throughout your employment.
  • New hire deadline: New employees must be certified within 30 days of starting work.
  • On-site coverage: At least 1 certified staff member(s) must be present at all times when children are in care — including during outdoor activities, field trips, and transportation.

How our courses meet these requirements

Our first aid and CPR courses cover everything required by South Carolina's childcare regulations: infant CPR, child CPR, adult CPR, AED use, choking response, and pediatric first aid. The curriculum follows the latest ILCOR 2025 guidelines — the same scientific evidence base that informs the standards referenced in SC Department of Social Services (DSS) childcare licensing rules.

Our training is designed to meet South Carolina's requirements for childcare provider certification.

Don't wait for renewal day

Expired certifications put your facility's license at risk and, more importantly, leave children without a trained responder. Whether you're a new hire needing certification or a veteran provider approaching renewal, our courses make it easy to stay compliant.