Funding has become available through the Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL) to support free pediatric First Aid/CPR certification training for the next few months.
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All staff working in state Department of Human Services (DHS) certified child care programs are required to maintain current pediatric First Aid/CPR certification. OCDEL funding is now available to support free training opportunities from March to June.
The organization is partnering with the Early Childhood Education Linkage System (ECELS) program at the Pennsylvania chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics to coordinate the free training offerings as part of the Emergency Response Training (ERT) project.
Child care workers are eligible for free training if they are currently employed by a licensed early childhood education center in Pennsylvania and if they meet at least one of the following criteria:
- Their pediatric First Aid/CPR certification has expired or is set to expire within the next year
- They are a newly-hired employee who must complete their initial certification within 90 days of their employment start date
- Their certification is out of compliance due to a program citation
Priority for class assignments will be based on certification expiration date. Waitlists will be created if requests exceed project capacity.
Classes from approved instructors using the HSI Pediatric First Aid/CPR AED curriculum will be scheduled through mid-June or until funds are exhausted. Training can be requested as either an early childhood education program (minimums apply, classes will take place on-site) or an individual participant (training locations to be determined).
Requests will be approved on a rolling basis and accepted applicants will be contacted directly regarding the next steps. However, follow-up communication may be delayed at the start of the project window.
To request training or to search the FAQs, visit the ERT page on the ECELS website. Additional questions can be sent to ecels@paaap.org.
Additionally, child care providers can continue to access PQAS-approved pediatric First Aid/CPR training outside of the ERT project offerings, but they may have a cost associated with them. OCDEL will not reimburse for any training taken outside of the ERT project.
Trying Together and ELRC Region 5 are partnering to provide First Aid, Pediatric First Aid, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), and automated external defibrillator (AED) training to early childhood professionals.
About the Course
This PQAS-certified in-person course provides life-saving skills in alliance with The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)’s Best Practices for Workplace First Aid Training Programs.
Certification will be issued upon successful completion of the course. This certification is valid for two years.
Session Details
- Saturday, 2/22/25 | 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Trying Together
5604 Solway Street
Pittsburgh, PA 15217
Register
The cost is $38.
PLEASE NOTE: Successful course completion requires full participation in classroom and skill sessions, as well as successful performance in skill and knowledge evaluations.
Participants will be conducting strenuous activities, such as performing CPR on the floor. If you have a medical condition or disability that will prevent you from taking part in the skills practice sessions, please let your instructor know so that accommodations can be made for the practice portion. The CPR and AED evaluations must be completed with the manikin on the ground.
Questions?
For questions about the sessions, contact Holly Cessna at holly.cessna@alleghenycounty.us.
Trying Together and ELRC Region 5 are partnering to provide a hybrid First Aid, Pediatric First Aid, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), and automated external defibrillator (AED) training to early childhood professionals.
About the Course
This PQAS-certified blended learning course consists of an in-person class and online coursework. The course provides life-saving skills in alliance with The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)’s Best Practices for Workplace First Aid Training Programs.
The online coursework must be completed prior to the in-person class. Access to the online coursework will be provided via email upon completion of registration. Access to the online coursework will be provided via email upon completion of registration. Allow yourself three to four hours to complete.
We advise completing the online coursework at least 48 hours prior to your in-person course. You will need to provide proof of completion by providing a copy of your completion email either printed or on your mobile device of class in order to participate in the in-person class portion of the training.
Certification will be issued upon successful completion of the course. This certification is valid for two years.
Session Details
- Tuesday, July 30 | 5 – 8 p.m.
- Location:
Shaler North Hills Library
1822 Mount Royal Boulevard
Glenshaw PA 15116
Learn More
The cost for this course is $38. Registration is now open.
Successful course completion requires full participation in classroom and skill sessions as well as successful performance in skill and knowledge evaluations.
Participants will conduct strenuous activities, such as performing CPR on the floor. If you have a medical condition or disability that will prevent you from taking part in the skills practice sessions, let your instructor know so that accommodations can be made for the practice portion. The CPR and AED evaluations must be completed with the manikin on the ground.
For questions about the sessions, contact Holly Cessna at holly.cessna@alleghenycounty.us.
Trying Together and ELRC Region 5 are partnering to provide First Aid, Pediatric First Aid, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), and automated external defibrillator (AED) training.
This single course emphasizes hands-on learning and provides life-saving skills in alliance with The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)’s Best Practices for Workplace First Aid Training Programs.
Certification will be issued upon successful completion of the course. This certification is valid for two years.
PLEASE NOTE: Successful course completion requires full participation in classroom and skill sessions, as well as successful performance in skill and knowledge evaluations.
Participants will be conducting strenuous activities, such as performing CPR on the floor. If you have a medical condition or disability that will prevent you from taking part in the skills practice sessions, please let your instructor know so that accommodations can be made for the practice portion. The CPR and AED evaluations must be completed with the manikin on the ground.
Session Details
May 16 | 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Location:
Homewood Early Learning Hub & Family Center
7219 Kelly Street
Pittsburgh, PA 15208
Register
Learn More
The cost for this course is $38.
This course is PQAS certified and must be paid for in full before registrants can participate. Registered individuals will receive additional course information prior to the start of the course. Please make sure to read all information before the start of the course.
For questions about the sessions, contact Holly Cessna at holly.cessna@alleghenycounty.us. For credit questions, contact Paige Kizior at paige@tryingtogether.org.
