Originally written by  Carin Mangimeli.  Updated by In-Pulse CPR training staff December 2025

A Minnesota state law (MN Statute § 245A.40) requires licensed child-care programs to have at least one staff member trained in pediatric CPR present whenever children are in care. This includes licensed child-care centers and licensed family child-care (home-based) programs.

Who Must Be Trained

Before having unsupervised direct contact with children, staff must complete:

• Pediatric CPR (infant and child)

• Obstructed-airway (choking) training

• Hands-on skills practice and assessment

Training must be documented in staff files.

Timing Requirements

• New staff must complete pediatric CPR training before they are responsible for children without supervision.

• Renewal is required at least every two years.

• Many facilities train multiple staff members, ensuring coverage during breaks, illness, or turnover.

Field Trips and Off-Site Activities

If children leave the child-care premises for a field trip or facility-sponsored activity, a CPR-trained staff person must accompany them at all times.

CPR vs. First Aid Requirements

Minnesota licensing rules also require staff to hold current pediatric first aid training. While CPR focuses on resuscitation and breathing emergencies, first aid classes cover:

• Choking prevention and assistance

• Illness and injury response

• Treatment of traumatic injuries

Most programs choose to train employees in CPR and First Aid together for full compliance and safety.

Why This Law Exists

Minnesota updated its childcare training rules after several infant emergencies in facilities where staff did not have CPR skills. Research shows many parents believe childcare workers are trained in CPR, but not all programs were providing that training before the requirements were strengthened.

Where to Get Certified

CPR certification can be obtained through American Heart Association–approved classes taught by certified instructors. Classes are available throughout Minnesota.

To attend a required class…

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In Minnesota, childcare licensing is regulated by the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS), through its Licensing Division within Children and Family Services. County human services departments assist in inspections, approvals, and compliance monitoring for both childcare centers and family childcare providers.

Childcare Licensing Resources – Metro & Central Minnesota Counties

Hennepin County (Minneapolis metro)
https://www.hennepin.us/en/business/licenses-permits/family-child-care-licensing

Ramsey County (Saint Paul metro)
https://www.ramseycountymn.gov/businesses/licenses-permits-inspections/licenses-inspections/child-care-licensing

Anoka County
https://www.anokacountymn.gov/660/Family-Child-Care-Licensing Anoka County+1

Dakota County
https://www.co.dakota.mn.us/HealthFamily/ChildCare Dakota County+1

Carver County
https://www.carvercountymn.gov/departments/health-human-services/child-family/family-child-care-licensing Carver County

Scott County
https://www.scottcountymn.gov/351/Child-Care-Licensing scottcountymn.gov

Washington County
https://www.washingtoncountymn.gov/748/Child-Care-Licensing

Stearns County (St. Cloud / central MN)
https://www.stearnscountymn.gov/1032/Child-Care-Search

Sherburne County (central MN)
https://www.co.sherburne.mn.us/361/Child-Care-Providers-Licensing

Olmsted County (Rochester / SE MN)
https://www.olmstedcounty.gov/business/business-licensing-permits/child-care