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Initial and Ongoing Training Requirements of Child Care Licensing: Guidelines for Completion

Reviewed/Updated August 2025

All licensed child care facilities in Nevada are regulated by the State of Nevada Division of Supportive Services-Child Care Licensing Program (DSS CCL).

Per Nevada Child Care Regulations NAC432A SERVICES AND FACILITIES FOR CARE OF CHILDREN, all caregivers working in licensed child care facilities are required to complete specific initial courses of training in child care to work with young children. These topics include: CPR, First Aid, Signs and Symptoms of Illness with Bloodborne Pathogens, Recognition and Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect, Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, Child Development, Lifelong Wellness, Prevention of Shaken Baby Syndrome and Abusive Head Trauma, Building and Physical Premises Safety/Storage of Hazardous Materials, Emergency Preparedness and Response Planning, Medication Administration and the Prevention of Food Allergies and Transportation and Field Trip Safety. All initial training must be completed within 90 days of hire*.

The chart included on this page outlines the general guidelines for the completion of all required initial training requirements including the number of hours required, the frequency of requirements, as well as which staff (if not all) are required to complete each course. Compiled with assistance from Child Care Licensing staff, it is intended to help Early Childhood educators better understand their responsibilities regarding the initial and continuing training requirements of Child Care Licensing.


General Notes Regarding Initial/Ongoing Training Requirements:

  • All caregivers working in licensed child care facilities regardless of type (Center-Based, Group-Home and Family Child Care) are required by Child Care Licensing regulations to complete 24 hours of training annually. The 24 hours can be a combination of both initial and continuing training.
    • Initial Training: All training topics listed in the preceding chart are considered initial training requirements and must be completed within 90 days of hire and again as frequently as indicated. All initial training courses can be completed online, virtually or in person except for CPR which must be completed in person***.
    • Continuing Training: Twenty-four hours of training must be completed during each 12-month licensing period and in accordance with the facility’s licensure date. Twelve of these hours must be specific to the age group served by the child care facility (as per SB189). (Initial training hours are included in the 24 training hours of training required annually.) All continuing training courses can be completed online, virtually or in person.
  • Child Care facilities may elect to require additional training above and beyond the minimum requirements of Child Care Licensing as a condition of employment.
  • All training must be approved and/or recognized by The Nevada Registry to be counted toward annual training requirements.
  • All employees working in licensed child care facilities are required to become an active member of The Nevada Registry within 90 days of hire and maintain an active membership on an annual basis.
  • All required initial training should be completed prior to requesting a Nevada Registry membership application. Individuals submitting incomplete applications without documentation showing completion of all required initial training requirements** are not in compliance with Child Care Licensing regulations regarding mandatory participation.
* One-Time Requirements:
Though only required once by regulation, individuals working in licensed facilities may be required to retake the course if completed more than two years prior (at the discretion of their Licensing Surveyor). NOTE: Initial training DOES NOT need to repeated when changing employers, unless the trainings were taken more than two years prior to that change.
**Initial Training:
For the purpose of application to The Nevada Registry (only), individuals who possess a current official CDA (temporary CDAs are not recognized), eight or more college credits in ECE (with 2000+ hours of experience), a degree in ECE and/or a degree in another field with 30 ECE credits may submit a copy of their current CDA Credential (for CDA) or copies of official (preferred) or unofficial transcripts (for college credits and degrees) in lieu of initial training certificates.
*** CPR/First Aid Training:
Per Child Care Licensing:
  • CPR training must include an infant/child/pediatric component. Cards indicating adult only instruction or that do not clearly indicate that infant/child/pediatric CPR was included do not meet the requirement and will not be accepted.
  • CPR training must include an in-person skill demonstration component. Blended instruction combining online learning with skill demonstration is permitted. A CPR course offered 100% online will not be accepted, even when taken from one of the recognized agencies.
  • First Aid training may be taken in person or online.
  • CPR and First Aid cards/digital certificates must be issued by one of the following authorized agencies: American Heart Association, American Red Cross, or HSI (parent agency for American Safety and Health Institute, Medic First Aid and EMS Safety Services brands).
  • CPR and First Aid training must be current (not expired) at time of initial application to The Nevada Registry to be accepted.

This page may undergo periodic review and revision.