Childcare CPR & first aid requirements

If you work in childcare in Costa Rica — 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.

What Costa Rica requires

In Costa Rica, the General Law on Integral Care Centers (Law 8017), the CAI habilitation norms and the Ministry of Health's operating health permit require staff trained in pediatric first aid and infant and neonatal CPR. At least one certified person must be present at all hours, including outings and transport. Certification is kept current through renewal every two years.

Anaphylaxis and medication administration

Costa Rica's childcare habilitation norms cover first aid and health conditions but do not specifically regulate anaphylaxis or adrenaline, and no auto-injectors are nationally available nor is there a stock-adrenaline rule for children's centres. In practice, giving any medication is governed by each centre's own protocols. The sensible approach is to train staff to recognise the signs of a severe allergic reaction, hold the family's authorization and safely store any medication the child brings from home.

How our courses meet these requirements

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

Don't wait for renewal day

Choking, a seizure or a severe allergic reaction can happen at any point in the day, and the response in the first minutes matters more than anything that follows. Staff certified in pediatric first aid and CPR respond with composure and method, protecting the lives of children who depend entirely on the adults in their care. A standards-based certification satisfies the health permit and, beyond the paperwork, sustains the trust families place in you every morning.