As a child care provider, you have a responsibility to take care of both the children who visit your learning centers as well as the staff. While you've likely had to change some procedures to respond to the new coronavirus pandemic, you still need to stick to the requirement of making sure that your staff is fully trained in first aid and CPR.
Taking a CPR course has naturally changed due to the need for social distancing, and you may have some questions about how to get your staff members certified without sacrificing their health. You can use these three tips to begin creating your training plan to meet state and local licensing requirements without putting anyone's health at risk.
Check Into the Current Accommodations
Some states have loosened up CPR requirements. For instance, some are allowing employees to maintain their license until the state lockdowns are lifted. Others still require people in first responder positions to update their license, but they may allow for modified methods to do so. You will also want to identify which of your staff members need renewals versus those who need a first-time course since this could change how you deliver the trainings.
Explore Online Certification Options
Many areas are allowing for CPR classes to be administered completely or partially online. Online classes can allow your staff to meet the requirements and stay up-to-date on their current skills. These classes also now incorporate strategies for handling the need to give CPR to someone who may be suspected to be carrying an infectious disease such as the coronavirus. Teaching your employees how to protect themselves while administering first aid gives them more confidence as they care for children during the pandemic.
Inquire About Social Distancing for In-Person Courses
There are some situations where your staff might need to attend an in-person training. This might happen for a brief skill check if it is not offered virtually in an online course. If your team needs to attend classes in person, then make sure that the certification company that you work with practices social distancing on top of the expected stringent attention to sanitation and hygiene. For instance, your team may need to do their training in a small group setting where there is adequate room for social distancing. Personal protective equipment should also be used during in-person classes such as wearing face coverings during times when the trainees are not actively practicing their mouth-to-mouth skills.