Beginning December 10, 2026, first aid training for early childhood educators will be subject to new requirements for daycare educators, home childcare providers, daycare permit holders, and certain childcare staff members.
The proposed amendments to Quebec’s Educational Childcare Regulation, published by the Ministère de la Famille, aim to place greater emphasis on practical learning while improving the overall quality and consistency of first aid training.
Will educators now have to complete a full 8-hour certification every time they renew their certification?
The answer is no.
The Ministry has confirmed that the 6-hour renewal course will continue to be recognized, provided the participant has previously completed a compliant 8-hour initial certification specifically adapted to early childhood education, including training on severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis).
Here’s everything you need to know about the upcoming changes, key dates, revised requirements, what is changing, and what remains the same.
Key Changes at a Glance
* Provided the participant has already successfully completed a compliant 8-hour initial first aid course adapted to early childhood education.
Who Is Affected by These New Requirements?
The updated requirements for early childhood first aid training primarily apply to:
- Daycare educators
- Home childcare providers
- Licensed daycare operators
- Staff members working directly with young children
Why Are the First Aid Training Requirements Changing?
The Ministère de la Famille wants to ensure that first aid training for early childhood educators is delivered according to consistent standards, regardless of the training provider.
The regulatory amendments clarify several aspects of the training, including:
- required course content;
- minimum course duration;
- delivery format;
- instructor qualification requirements.
The objective is straightforward: to ensure educators are fully prepared to respond quickly and effectively in emergencies, whether dealing with choking, severe allergic reactions, or cardiac arrest.
What Are the New First Aid Training Requirements?
1. An Initial Training Course of at Least 8 Hours
The initial certification must now include a minimum of eight hours of training.
The course must cover:
- Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)
- Airway obstruction (choking) response
- Management of severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis)
2. At Least 4 Hours Must Be Completed In Person
Of the total eight hours, a minimum of four hours must be completed through in-person instruction.
This practical portion includes:
- hands-on demonstrations;
- practical skill assessments;
- competency evaluation.
3. Instructors Must Be Recognized by an Authorized Organization
Only instructors certified by one of the following organizations may deliver the training:
- Heart & Stroke Foundation
- Canadian Red Cross
- St. John Ambulance
- Lifesaving Society Quebec
Certificates must also clearly indicate that the instructor is officially recognized by one of these organizations.
4. Additional Changes Affecting Childcare Services
The proposed regulation also introduces several changes related to children’s health and safety, including:
- mandatory inclusion of a children’s epinephrine auto-injector in first aid kits;
- simplified parental authorization procedures for administering medication;
- expanded use of Ministry-approved medication administration protocols.
What Remains Unchanged?
Although the updated regulation introduces several new requirements, some important aspects of early childhood first aid certification remain unchanged.
1. Certificates Will Still Be Valid for Three Years
The validity period of first aid certificates is not changing. Certificates will continue to remain valid for three years from the date of issue.
2. Existing Certificates Remain Valid
Certificates issued under the current regulation will continue to be recognized until their normal expiration date.
This means there is no requirement to retake your training immediately when the new regulation comes into effect on December 10, 2026.
3. The 6-Hour Renewal Course Remains Recognized
The Ministère de la Famille has confirmed that:
-
the 6-hour refresher course remains compliant with the new requirements;
-
it continues to be recognized for individuals who have already completed a compliant 8-hour initial certification adapted to early childhood education, including training on severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis).
As a result, educators will not be required to complete a full 8-hour certification every time they renew their certificate.
4. The 6-Hour Refresher Course Is Still Accepted
This is the clarification many educators were waiting for.
The Ministry has confirmed that the 6-hour renewal course remains fully recognized under the new regulatory framework.
If you have already completed a compliant 8-hour initial certification adapted to early childhood education—including the severe allergic reaction component—you may continue renewing your certification by taking the 6-hour refresher course.
In short, there is no requirement to repeat the full 8-hour course at every renewal.
Which Course Should You Choose?
*The Ministry confirms that the 6-hour renewal course remains recognized for individuals who have previously completed a compliant 8-hour initial certification adapted to early childhood education.
Frequently Asked Questions
When do the new requirements come into effect?
The updated requirements will take effect on December 10, 2026.
Will I have to complete a full 8-hour course every time I renew my certification?
No. If you have already completed a compliant 8-hour initial certification adapted to early childhood education, the 6-hour renewal course remains recognized.
Are current certificates still valid?
Yes. Any certificate issued before the new regulation comes into force will remain valid until its normal expiration date.
Are the 4 hours of in-person training mandatory?
Yes. The regulation requires at least four hours of in-person instruction, including practical demonstrations and competency assessments.
Who is authorized to provide the training?
Only instructors recognized by one of the approved national organizations may deliver the training.
How Can You Prepare for the New Requirements?
These new standards are designed to strengthen the quality of first aid training for early childhood educators and childcare professionals. By understanding the changes ahead of time, you can confidently plan your next certification or renewal while ensuring compliance with the requirements established by the Ministère de la Famille.
Looking for a First Aid Course That Meets the New Requirements?
Santinel offers early childhood first aid training that complies with the latest requirements established by the Ministère de la Famille.
Whether you need your initial certification or a 6-hour renewal course, our experienced instructors will help ensure your certification remains fully compliant.
