California Childcare Licensing
California Childcare Training Hour Requirements (2026)
California childcare staff must complete both pre-service (orientation) training before working with children and ongoing annual training each year. California does not set a fixed annual continuing-education clock-hour requirement for child care staff or family child care providers; the only recurring training obligation is keeping required certifications current at all times, namely pediatric first aid and pediatric CPR (and, effective January 1, 2026, anaphylaxis and epinephrine auto-injector training) (Cal. Health & Safety Code § 1596.866).
Last updated: April 2026
Researched by the TotReady Research TeamCalifornia Training Hour Requirements: The Specifics
At least 15 hours of health and safety training, including pediatric first aid and pediatric CPR plus a one-time preventive health practices course (and, for licenses issued after January 1, 2016, one additional hour of childhood nutrition training), is required as a condition of licensure for the family day care home licensee or for at least one director or teacher at each child care center, with first aid/CPR administered through approved providers (Cal. Health & Safety Code § 1596.866)
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California otherwise sets staff qualifications by college semester units (teachers 12 ECE units, directors 15 units of which 3 are in administration/staff relations) under Cal. Code Regs. tit. 22 §§ 101216.1, 101215.1 rather than orientation clock hours.
teachers 12 ECE units, directors 15 units of which 3 are in administration/staff relations
California does not set a fixed annual continuing-education clock-hour requirement for child care staff or family child care providers
Cal
the only recurring training obligation is keeping required certifications current at all times, namely pediatric first aid and pediatric CPR (and, effective January 1, 2026, anaphylaxis and epinephrine auto-injector training) (Cal. Health & Safety Code § 1596.866).
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California Training Hour Requirements at a Glance
| Pre-service training | At least 15 hours of health and safety training, including pediatric first aid and pediatric CPR plus a one-time preventive health practices course (and, for licenses issued after January 1, 2016, one additional hour of childhood nutrition training), is required as a condition of licensure for the family day care home licensee or for at least one director or teacher at each child care center, with first aid/CPR administered through approved providers (Cal. Health & Safety Code § 1596.866); California otherwise sets staff qualifications by college semester units (teachers 12 ECE units, directors 15 units of which 3 are in administration/staff relations) under Cal. Code Regs. tit. 22 §§ 101216.1, 101215.1 rather than orientation clock hours. |
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| Annual training | California does not set a fixed annual continuing-education clock-hour requirement for child care staff or family child care providers; the only recurring training obligation is keeping required certifications current at all times, namely pediatric first aid and pediatric CPR (and, effective January 1, 2026, anaphylaxis and epinephrine auto-injector training) (Cal. Health & Safety Code § 1596.866). |
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California Training Hour Requirements: Frequently Asked Questions
How many pre-service training hours does California require?
At least 15 hours of health and safety training, including pediatric first aid and pediatric CPR plus a one-time preventive health practices course (and, for licenses issued after January 1, 2016, one additional hour of childhood nutrition training), is required as a condition of licensure for the family day care home licensee or for at least one director or teacher at each child care center, with first aid/CPR administered through approved providers (Cal. Health & Safety Code § 1596.866); California otherwise sets staff qualifications by college semester units (teachers 12 ECE units, directors 15 units of which 3 are in administration/staff relations) under Cal. Code Regs. tit. 22 §§ 101216.1, 101215.1 rather than orientation clock hours.
How many annual training hours does California require?
California does not set a fixed annual continuing-education clock-hour requirement for child care staff or family child care providers; the only recurring training obligation is keeping required certifications current at all times, namely pediatric first aid and pediatric CPR (and, effective January 1, 2026, anaphylaxis and epinephrine auto-injector training) (Cal. Health & Safety Code § 1596.866).
Does CPR/First Aid count toward California training hours?
States differ on whether CPR and First Aid certification counts toward required training hours. Confirm with the California Department of Social Services, Community Care Licensing Division before relying on it for your annual total.
California childcare licensing rules are amended regularly. This page is compiled from published California administrative codes and statutes for informational purposes only — always verify current requirements with the California Department of Social Services, Community Care Licensing Division before relying on them. TotReady provides information and document templates, not legal or regulatory advice.