HLTAID012 First Aid Training for Educators and Childcare Centres in Perth

First aid training is a mandatory and critical component of risk management for early learning centres and childcare services. Under the Education and Care Services National Regulations and the National Quality Framework, all early childhood educators must hold valid, nationally recognised first aid qualifications that prepare them to respond to emergencies involving infants, toddlers, and children.

The required unit is HLTAID012 – Provide First Aid in an Education and Care Setting, and it must be delivered by an approved Registered Training Organisation (RTO). This article explains what HLTAID012 involves, who needs it, how often it must be renewed, and why onsite group delivery is the most efficient option for Perth-based early learning providers.

What Is HLTAID012?

HLTAID012 – Provide First Aid in an Education and Care Setting is the standard course required for educators, childcare workers, early learning professionals, and support staff working in regulated care environments.

It covers all the essential first aid knowledge from HLTAID011 and HLTAID009, but with additional emphasis on paediatric care. Participants are trained to manage illness and injury in infants, children, and adults.

HLTAID012 includes:

• Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) for infants, children, and adults

• Use of an AED (automated external defibrillator)

• Anaphylaxis and asthma management (including auto-injector use)

• Choking, seizures, febrile convulsions, diabetes, and more

• Bleeding, fractures, burns, and soft tissue injuries

• Managing shock, unconsciousness, and breathing emergencies

• Infection control and safe manual handling

• Legal considerations and incident reporting in childcare environments

All instruction is aligned with current Australian Resuscitation Council (ARC) guidelines and ACECQA standards.

Who Needs HLTAID012 Certification?

In Perth and across Australia, the following personnel must complete HLTAID012:

• Early childhood educators

• Centre directors and coordinators

• Family day care providers

• Out-of-school-hours care (OSHC) staff

• Education assistants in early learning settings

• Support and relief staff in long day care or kindergarten

According to ACECQA, at least one educator with HLTAID012 must be on site at all times, including during excursions and transport. Many centres go beyond this minimum to ensure full coverage during staff absences and to meet best practice for child safety.

How Often Does HLTAID012 Need to Be Renewed?

• HLTAID012 certificate is valid for three years

• The CPR component (HLTAID009) must be refreshed every 12 months to remain compliant with ARC guidelines

Tracking and renewing certificates on time is essential to maintaining your centre’s compliance with WA licensing requirements and quality standards.

Why Choose Onsite Group First Aid Training?

For early learning providers in Perth, onsite group training offers significant advantages over sending staff to external public courses:

• Minimises disruption to staffing and ratios

• Tailored content relevant to early childhood settings

• Consistent training for the entire team in one session

• Convenient scheduling around nap times and rosters

• More affordable than enrolling individuals separately

• Streamlined record-keeping for centre managers

At Ready Set Rescue WA, we bring all training materials and equipment to your location. Our trainers are experienced emergency responders who understand the childcare sector and focus on building staff confidence in real-world situations.

Why HLTAID012 Is Essential for Childcare Compliance in WA

The WA Department of Communities, ACECQA, and the Education and Care Services National Regulations all require that educators hold a current, nationally recognised first aid certificate appropriate to the age group they care for.

Failing to maintain valid training could jeopardise your centre’s licence, insurance, and quality rating. With regular audits and high parental expectations, up-to-date training is not just a requirement—it is an essential part of professional care and reputation management.

What to Expect During Onsite Training

Our onsite HLTAID012 training includes:

• A blended learning model, combining online theory with 3–4 hours of practical face-to-face instruction

• Hands-on practice using child and infant manikins, trainer auto-injectors, and asthma equipment

• Realistic scenarios based on incidents in early childhood settings

• Certification issued via our RTO partner, compliant with all national standards

All learners are assessed via practical demonstration and knowledge-based questions. Upon successful completion, participants receive a Statement of Attainment for HLTAID012, HLTAID011, HLTAID010, and HLTAID009.

Conclusion

HLTAID012 is the gold standard for first aid training in the education and care sector. Every early learning centre, kindergarten, or family day care provider in Perth must ensure their team is trained, confident, and compliant.

Ready Set Rescue WA delivers onsite group HLTAID012 training tailored to the unique needs of early childhood educators. We offer flexible scheduling, engaging instruction, and reliable record keeping to help you meet your regulatory obligations with ease.

Book your next training session today and keep your staff and children safer, every day.