Childcare CPR & first aid requirements

First Aid & CPR Ireland

If you work in childcare in Ireland — whether at a daycare, preschool, home-based care, or camp — first aid and CPR certification is not optional. It's a licensing requirement, and for good reason: children are among the most vulnerable to choking, allergic reactions, and injuries. Being prepared to respond can mean everything.

Requirements at a glance

Regulatory frameworkEarly-years services regulated by Tusla must have at all times a person trained in first aid for children. Tusla recognises the PHECC First Aid Response (FAR) course as meeting the requirement: 18 contact hours (3 days), certificate valid 2 years with recertification. A blended format (e-learning theory + in-person practical) is accepted; a fully online-only course does not meet the PHECC standard.
Governing authorityTusla — Child and Family Agency (Early Years regulation); PHECC — Pre-Hospital Emergency Care Council (FAR standard)
Training hours18 hours required
Renewal periodEvery 2 years
Min. certified staffAt least one person holding PHECC FAR available to children at all times (and on outings).
Online training acceptanceOnline courses accepted
18 hours requiredEvery 2 yearsOnline courses accepted

What Ireland requires

In Ireland, early-years services regulated by Tusla must have a person trained in first aid for children available at all times, including on outings. Tusla recognises the PHECC First Aid Response (FAR) standard as meeting this requirement: 18 contact hours over three days, with the certificate valid for two years and then recertified. A blended format combining e-learning theory with an in-person practical is accepted, but a fully online-only course does not meet the standard.

Anaphylaxis and medication administration

Tusla's medication policy requires written parental consent for both prescription and non-prescription medicines. Crucially, it permits an adrenaline auto-injector to be given during an acute anaphylactic reaction even without prior written consent, with parents notified immediately afterwards. When a severe reaction takes hold, being able to act in seconds is what protects the child.

How our courses meet these requirements

A recognized, standards-based certification — online theory paired with a hands-on skills check — meets Ireland’s requirement and keeps your team ready to act.

Don't wait for renewal day

When a young child chokes, has a seizure or suffers a severe allergic reaction, the first minutes rest with whoever is present, not with the ambulance on its way. A recognised, standards-based certification not only satisfies the regulator's requirement but gives your team the calm competence to act, and gives parents genuine peace of mind. Training is what turns a frightening moment into one you know how to handle.