How to Become CPR Certified for Daycare or Childcare Jobs in Pennsylvania (2025 Guide)

If you’re planning to work with children—whether in a daycare, preschool, or in-home childcare setting—CPR and First Aid certification isn’t just a good idea... in Pennsylvania, it’s often a legal requirement.

But what kind of certification do you actually need? How do you get it? And where can you take a class that fits your schedule?

In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to become CPR certified for daycare or childcare jobs in Pennsylvania—from legal requirements to finding the right course near you.

Why CPR Certification Matters in Childcare

When you care for infants and young children, emergencies can happen fast—from choking and allergic reactions to respiratory distress. In those critical moments, CPR training could mean the difference between life and death.

That’s why Pennsylvania’s Department of Human Services (DHS) requires many childcare workers to have up-to-date Pediatric First Aid and CPR training, including:

• Daycare employees

• Preschool staff

• Home childcare providers

• Nannies and babysitters

• After-school program workers

• Summer camp counselors

Pennsylvania CPR Requirements for Daycare & Childcare Workers

In Pennsylvania, licensed childcare providers must complete Pediatric First Aid and Pediatric CPR training that:

• Is conducted in person or has a hands-on skills component

• Is taught by a certified instructor from a recognized organization (like the AHA or Red Cross)

• Covers both infant and child CPR

Most employers require that training be renewed every two years, though some positions (especially those funded by state programs) may have stricter requirements.

💡 Pro Tip: Always check with your employer or licensing agency to confirm the exact certifications they accept.

Which CPR Certification Should You Get?

Not all CPR certifications are the same. If you're working in childcare, you’ll likely need:

✅ Heartsaver® Pediatric First Aid CPR AED (by the American Heart Association)

This course covers:

• CPR and AED use for infants and children

• Choking relief

• Asthma, allergic reactions, bleeding, and more

• Hands-on practice with child-sized manikins

It’s ideal, and often required, for daycare staff, preschool teachers, and other childcare professionals.

How to Get Certified in 3 Easy Steps

1. Find a Trusted Local CPR Training Provider

Look for a provider authorized by the American Heart Association (AHA) or American Red Cross. Make sure they offer a course specifically focused on pediatric care.

📍 FITSPIRENT LLC is a trusted CPR training provider based in Philadelphia, offering same-day certification for individuals and groups. We specialize in training daycare staff, parents, schools, and healthcare providers across Pennsylvania.

👉 See available classes here

2. Attend a Hands-On Class or Blended Course

Most daycare CPR certifications require an in-person component—you’ll need to physically practice CPR on a manikin to pass. You can choose:

• In-person class: Fully taught by a certified instructor.

• Blended learning: Complete an online course, then attend an in-person skills check.

Our classes are designed to be fun, low-stress, and practical, and they meet all DHS and Keystone STARS requirements for childcare professionals in PA.

3. Receive Your CPR Certification Card

Once you complete the course and pass the skills test, you’ll receive an official certification card (digital or physical), valid for 2 years.

FITSPIRENT provides same-day AHA eCards so you can show proof of training to your employer or licensing board right away.

How Much Does CPR Certification Cost?

Prices vary, but you can expect to pay between$70 and $150 for a high-quality, AHA-compliant course. At FITSPIRENT, we offer affordable group rates for daycare teams and discounts for students.

📞 Need group training? We’ll come to your daycare, school, or center to provide on-site certification. Contact us to set it up.

Why Choose FITSPIRENT for Childcare CPR Certification in Philadelphia?

At FITSPIRENT, we understand how important it is to keep children safe—and how busy your schedule can be. That’s why we offer:

• ✅ AHA-authorized CPR & First Aid classes

• ✅ Pediatric-focused training that meets PA childcare requirements

• ✅ Evening & weekend availability

• ✅ Mobile services—we come to you!

• ✅ Same-day certification cards

Whether you’re a teacher, daycare employee, babysitter, or parent, we’ll help you feel confident and prepared in emergencies.

Final Thoughts

Getting CPR certified is more than just a job requirement—it’s a sign of your commitment to protecting the children in your care. The process is quick, the training is practical, and the peace of mind is priceless.

If you’re in Philadelphia or anywhere in Pennsylvania, FITSPIRENT is here to help you get certified quickly and correctly.

📍 Ready to get CPR certified for your daycare job?

Visit www.fitspirent.com to register for an upcoming class or request group training.