Childcare Licensing Glossary
Pre-Service Training
Training that childcare workers must complete before — or within a short window after — they begin working with children unsupervised.
Last updated: June 2026
Compiled by the TotReady Research TeamDefinition
Most states require new childcare workers to complete a set of training topics before (or within days or weeks of) starting work with children. Common required topics include child abuse prevention and mandated reporting, emergency procedures and evacuation, health and hygiene, safe sleep practices, and basic child development. Some states require a fixed number of hours (e.g., 8 or 16); others specify a list of topics rather than hours. Pre-service training hours often count toward the first year's annual training requirement. The requirement can differ between center staff and family child care providers. See /data/training-hours-by-state for pre-service training requirements by state.
Related terms
Annual Training Hours
The number of professional-development hours a childcare worker must complete each calendar year to maintain their license.
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.
Mandated Reporter
A person in a defined professional role — including all childcare workers — who is legally required to report suspected child abuse or neglect to authorities.
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 Pre-Service Training in childcare licensing?
- Training that childcare workers must complete before — or within a short window after — they begin working with children unsupervised.
- Does Pre-Service Training vary by state?
- Yes. Pre-Service Training rules differ across states. Training that childcare workers must complete before — or within a short window after — they begin working with children unsupervised. Check your state's licensing agency for the exact requirements that apply to your program.
- Where can I find the Pre-Service Training 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.