Signs It’s Time for a CPR & First Aid Refresher Course - post

CPR and First Aid training help child care providers save lives. These skills are not just for emergencies—they also help you stay calm, act fast, and protect children every day. But even the best training can fade over time. Knowing when to refresh your CPR and First Aid skills is very important.

If you work in child care, this article will help you spot the signs that it may be time for a refresher course. It will also show you how ongoing training keeps children #safe, supports licensing rules, and builds confidence at work.

Have Your Certifications Expired or Are They About to Expire?

One of the clearest signs is an expired or soon-to-expire certification. Most CPR and First Aid certifications are valid for one or two years.

If your card is expired:

• You may not meet state licensing rules

• You may not be allowed to work with children

• You may feel unsure during an #emergency

Even if your certification is still valid, it’s smart to refresh your skills before it expires. Refresher courses help you stay ready and confident.

A blended option like First Aid & CPR – Blended Course makes it easier to renew while balancing a busy schedule.

Do You Feel Nervous About Handling an Emergency?

Ask yourself this question: If an emergency happened today, would I know what to do?

If you feel nervous, confused, or unsure, that is a strong sign you need a refresher. CPR and First Aid steps must be clear in your mind. In real emergencies, there is no time to guess.

You may notice:

• You forget the steps for CPR

• You are unsure how to help a choking child

• You panic instead of feeling calm

Refresher training helps turn fear into confidence. When you practice again, your body remembers what to do.

Have Guidelines or Best Practices Changed?

Health and #safety guidelines in child care are always changing. As new research and best practices emerge, recommendations for CPR, First Aid, illness prevention, and daily safety routines can be updated. This makes it important for child care professionals to stay informed.

If your CPR and First Aid training was completed some time ago, you may not be unfamiliar with newer guidance that supports emergency response. Even small changes in best practices can affect how you prevent injuries and respond in urgent situations.

Ongoing learning helps child care providers:

• Understand how updated #health and safety guidance supports emergency care

• Recognize changes in CPR and First Aid recommendations

• Apply current best practices in child care settings

Staying up to date helps you feel more confident, respond more effectively during emergencies, and better support the health and safety of children, families, and #staff.

Are You Responsible for Medications or Children With Health Needs?

If your role includes giving medication or caring for children with medical needs, updated training is especially important.

You should consider a refresher if:

• You give daily medications

• You care for children with allergies or asthma

• You are unsure how to respond to medication reactions

A course such as 6-Hour Medication Administration works well alongside CPR and First Aid training. It helps you respond #safely and correctly when health needs come up.

Have You Experienced a Recent Incident or Close Call?

Sometimes it takes a real event to show us we need more training. If you recently had:

• A choking scare

• A #playground injury

• A child who needed medical attention

That experience may be your sign. Even if everything turned out okay, refresher training helps you reflect, improve, and prepare for next time.

After incidents, many providers realize:

• They hesitated too long

• They were unsure what step came next

• They want to feel more prepared

Refresher courses give peace of mind and stronger skills.

Do You Know Where Your First Aid Supplies Are—and How to Use Them?

Training is not just about CPR. It also includes knowing your tools. If you are unsure what is in your First Aid kit or how to use the items, it may be time for a refresher.

Use helpful resources like the First Aid Kit Checklist for Admin Safety to review your supplies. A refresher course will also teach:

• When to use gloves

• How to clean wounds

• How to respond to #burns, cuts, and falls

Knowing your supplies saves time in an emergency.

Are You a Director or Administrator Managing Staff Training?

If you are a director, keeping staff training current is part of your role. If staff members:

• Have expired certifications

• Feel unsure about emergencies

• Ask many questions about safety

It may be time to schedule refresher training for your team. Group training helps create a safer, more confident workplace and supports compliance.

Why Refresher Training Helps You and the Children You Serve

Regular CPR and First Aid refreshers help you:

• Stay calm under pressure

• Respond quickly and correctly

• Meet licensing and program rules

• Build trust with families

Parents feel safer knowing their children are cared for by trained professionals. Ongoing learning shows your commitment to safety and quality care.

You can also explore more on this topic in the related article: You Could Save a Life Today: Why Every Childcare Worker Needs This CPR & First Aid Training.

Stay Connected and Keep Learning

Emergency skills are not “one and done.” They grow stronger with practice and updates. Staying connected with trusted training providers helps you stay ready.

Follow ChildCareEd on Instagram for tips, reminders, and training updates:
👉 Follow us at https://www.instagram.com/childcareed/ to keep safety top of mind and stay inspired.

Training today can make a life-saving difference tomorrow.