Ohio Childcare Licensing
Ohio Childcare Training Hour Requirements (2026)
Ohio childcare staff must complete both pre-service (orientation) training before working with children and ongoing annual training each year. Ohio requires each child care center staff member and administrator to 'complete a minimum of six clock hours of training annually each fiscal year' (July 1 through June 30) after the initial required trainings, and health trainings (first aid, CPR, communicable disease) do not count toward the six hours (OAC 5180:2-12-10).
Last updated: April 2026
Researched by the TotReady Research TeamOhio Training Hour Requirements: The Specifics
Ohio does not set a fixed number of pre-service orientation clock hours before staff may work with children
OAC 5180:2-12-10
instead OAC 5180:2-12-10 requires specified trainings within set windows after hire - child abuse and neglect recognition and prevention 'completed within the first sixty days of hire' and first aid and CPR 'completed within the first ninety days of hire' - with at least one trained staff member on-site in each building during all hours of operation until staff are current (OAC 5180:2-12-10).
OAC 5180:2-12-10
Ohio requires each child care center staff member and administrator to 'complete a minimum of six clock hours of training annually each fiscal year' (July 1 through June 30) after the initial required trainings, and health trainings (first aid, CPR, communicable disease) do not count toward the six hours (OAC 5180:2-12-10).
OAC 5180:2-12-10
Ohio Training Hour Requirements at a Glance
| Pre-service training | Ohio does not set a fixed number of pre-service orientation clock hours before staff may work with children; instead OAC 5180:2-12-10 requires specified trainings within set windows after hire - child abuse and neglect recognition and prevention 'completed within the first sixty days of hire' and first aid and CPR 'completed within the first ninety days of hire' - with at least one trained staff member on-site in each building during all hours of operation until staff are current (OAC 5180:2-12-10). |
|---|---|
| Annual training | Ohio requires each child care center staff member and administrator to 'complete a minimum of six clock hours of training annually each fiscal year' (July 1 through June 30) after the initial required trainings, and health trainings (first aid, CPR, communicable disease) do not count toward the six hours (OAC 5180:2-12-10). |
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Ohio Training Hour Requirements: Frequently Asked Questions
How many pre-service training hours does Ohio require?
Ohio does not set a fixed number of pre-service orientation clock hours before staff may work with children; instead OAC 5180:2-12-10 requires specified trainings within set windows after hire - child abuse and neglect recognition and prevention 'completed within the first sixty days of hire' and first aid and CPR 'completed within the first ninety days of hire' - with at least one trained staff member on-site in each building during all hours of operation until staff are current (OAC 5180:2-12-10).
How many annual training hours does Ohio require?
Ohio requires each child care center staff member and administrator to 'complete a minimum of six clock hours of training annually each fiscal year' (July 1 through June 30) after the initial required trainings, and health trainings (first aid, CPR, communicable disease) do not count toward the six hours (OAC 5180:2-12-10).
Does CPR/First Aid count toward Ohio training hours?
States differ on whether CPR and First Aid certification counts toward required training hours. Confirm with the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services, Bureau of Child Care and Development before relying on it for your annual total.
Ohio childcare licensing rules are amended regularly. This page is compiled from published Ohio administrative codes and statutes for informational purposes only — always verify current requirements with the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services, Bureau of Child Care and Development before relying on them. TotReady provides information and document templates, not legal or regulatory advice.