Health and Safety Training

Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) partners with child care providers to serve low income families through the Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP).To ensure the health and safety of children, the Federal government is now asking that non relative providers who receive CCAP funds complete specific child development, health, and safety trainings and have a current CPR/First Aid certification. 

All non-relative license-exempt home providers must meet the following orientation requirements: 
All non-relative license-exempt home providers (764,766) and license exempt centers (761) must be members of the Gateways Registry to track training completion.  The Gateways to Opportunity Registry membership must be renewed every year.

One the orientation is complete, non-relative providers must complete 6 hours of additional health and safety training within the year (the year begins with their approval date).

Continuing providers are required to complete 6 additional hours of health and safety training each year to continue to receive payment.

Topics accepted for the annual training requirements:
  • Prevention and control of infectious diseases (including immunizations);
  • Prevention of sudden infant death syndrome and use of safe sleeping practices (applicable only to those serving infants);
  • Administration of medication, consistent with standards for parental consent;
  • Prevention and response to emergencies due to food and allergic reactions;
  • Building and physical premises safety, including identification of and protection from hazards that can cause bodily injury; such as, electrical hazards, bodies of water, and vehicular traffic;
  • Prevention of shaken baby syndrome, abusive head trauma, and child maltreatment;
  • Emergency preparedness and response planning for emergencies resulting from a natural disaster, or a man-caused event (such as violence at a child-care facility);
  • Handling and storage of hazardous materials and the appropriate disposal of bio-contaminants;
  • Appropriate Precautions in transporting children (if applicable);
  • Pediatric First Aid and Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) Certification;
  • Recognition and reporting of child abuse and neglect; and
  • Promotion of child growth, development and learning.
  • Nutrition (including age-appropriate feeding);
  • Access to physical activity;
  • Caring for children with special needs; or
  • Additional subject areas to promote child development and/or protect children's health and safety​
Training Methods:
Training opportunities are available and offered statewide by a variety of delivery methods, including local CCR&R agencies, on-line through the Illinois Gateways i-Learning system or through instructor led courses and through the SEIU METC Training Center.


Most recent announcement from IDHS about mandatory training

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