Generally the licensing requirements for child care providers are similar—a high school diploma, college education, experience and training. Training requirements vary by state and position. But, just because it’s not required, doesn’t mean employees shouldn’t partake in it. Caring for children and infants is one of the most demanding professions. Having high-quality training that can prepare you for any emergency is essential in protecting a child’s health and safety, as well as promoting their growth and development.
Massachusetts Law on Training Requirements
To ensure the health and safety of children in child care, the Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care (EEC) requires all educators to complete training in:
• First Aid and Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)
• Nutrition and Choking Prevention Training for Child Care
• Training on Safe Sleep Practices for Infants
• Transportation Safety Training for Child Care
• Medication Administration Training and Information for Child Care
• Training on Reported Suspected Child Abuse or Neglect for Mandated Reporters
How to Complete your Training Requirements
At OccuMed of New England, our courses are designed to give you the skills needed to help in times of crisis until help arrives. We offer American Heart Association First Aid, CPR and AED Certification Courses which can be completed on-site or during open enrollment courses to help organizations meet their training requirements. If you completed your training online, we offer skills courses so you can complete your certification. Once your staff has successfully completed the course, they will receive certification credentials for two years. Each certification card meets employment requirements and allows employers to easily confirm your certificate is valid.
OSHA Regulations for Daycare Centers
Since the staff of a daycare center are required to render first aid to children in their care as part of their job duties, the Federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has required daycare center staff to be covered by the bloodborne pathogens standard. Thus, for employees engaged in a daycare who are required to render first aid as part of their job duties, all elements of the bloodborne pathogens standard apply.
The Bloodborne Pathogens Standard: What Employers Need to Know
Under the OSHA bloodborne pathogens standard, if exposures to blood or other bodily fluids are reasonably anticipated, employers are required to develop an Exposure Control Plan. To effectively and safely implement, maintain and train employees on their Exposure Control Plan, employers must provide personal protective equipment at no cost to the employee, make the Hepatitis B Vaccine available to all employees, ensure immediate medical evaluation and follow up after an exposure incident, ensure all employees receive initial and annual training on the hazards associated with blood and other potentially infectious material (OPIM) and protective measures to be taken to minimize the risk occupational exposure, maintain training and medical records for each employee and ensure compliance with all paragraphs of the bloodborne pathogens standard.
Need assistance in developing or revising your organization’s Exposure Control Plan? OccuMed of New England provides consultative services to employers who may not have the time or expertise in OSHA’s requirements. Having the proper training, policies and procedures is crucial for providing a safe and healthy environment not only for your staff, but for the children and infants being cared for.
For more information on our training and services, visit our website at www.occumedne.com or call 833-OCCUMED.
