Childcare CPR & first aid requirements

First Aid & CPR New Mexico

If you work in childcare in New Mexico — 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.

Requirements at a glance

Regulatory framework N.M. Admin. Code Section 8.16.2.23
Governing authority New Mexico Early Childhood Education and Care Department
Training hours 24 hours required
Renewal period Every 2 years
New hire deadline Within 90 days of hire
Min. certified staff 1 — Minimum on-site at all times
Online training acceptance Online courses accepted
24 hours required Every 2 years Online courses accepted

What New Mexico requires

Under N.M. Admin. Code Section 8.16.2.23, administered by New Mexico Early Childhood Education and Care Department, childcare providers must maintain current first aid and CPR certification that covers infant, child, and adult techniques.

The key requirements are:

  • Training duration: A minimum of 24 hours of instruction, including pediatric CPR and first aid.
  • Certification renewal: Every 2 years. Your certification must remain current throughout your employment.
  • New hire deadline: New employees must be certified within 90 days of starting work.
  • On-site coverage: At least 1 certified staff member(s) must be present at all times when children are in care — including during outdoor activities, field trips, and transportation.

How our courses meet these requirements

Our first aid and CPR courses cover everything required by New Mexico's childcare regulations: infant CPR, child CPR, adult CPR, AED use, choking response, and pediatric first aid. The curriculum follows the latest ILCOR 2025 guidelines — the same scientific evidence base that informs the standards referenced in N.M. Admin. Code Section 8.16.2.23.

Online training is fully accepted for childcare certification in New Mexico. Our courses allow you to complete your training at your own pace, on your own schedule, without taking time away from the children you serve.

Don't wait for renewal day

Expired certifications put your facility's license at risk and, more importantly, leave children without a trained responder. Whether you're a new hire needing certification or a veteran provider approaching renewal, our courses make it easy to stay compliant.