Childcare Licensing Glossary
Annual Training Hours
The number of professional-development hours a childcare worker must complete each calendar year to maintain their license.
Last updated: June 2026
Compiled by the TotReady Research TeamDefinition
Every state sets a minimum number of training hours that childcare staff must complete per year. Topics typically include child development, health and safety, first aid/CPR, and behavior guidance. Hours must usually be completed through approved providers and documented in a professional development registry or personnel file. The required number varies widely: some states require as few as 6 hours per year; others require 24 or more. Check your state's current requirement at /data/training-hours-by-state.
Related terms
Pre-Service Training
Training that childcare workers must complete before — or within a short window after — they begin working with children unsupervised.
CDA Credential (Child Development Associate)
A nationally recognized early-childhood credential awarded by the Council for Professional Recognition, often required for lead teachers in licensed centers.
Director Qualifications
The education, credential, and experience requirements a person must meet to serve as the director of a licensed childcare center.
Frequently asked questions
- What is Annual Training Hours in childcare licensing?
- The number of professional-development hours a childcare worker must complete each calendar year to maintain their license.
- Does Annual Training Hours vary by state?
- Yes. Annual Training Hours rules differ across states. The number of professional-development hours a childcare worker must complete each calendar year to maintain their license. Check your state's licensing agency for the exact requirements that apply to your program.
- Where can I find the Annual Training Hours rules for my state?
- Your state's childcare licensing agency publishes the current rules in its administrative code or licensing regulations. TotReady's state pages at /states cover key licensing topics by state, and the /data section has cited 50-state tables for ratios, training hours, capacity limits, fees, and exemption thresholds.