Resource Guide
CPR & First Aid Certification
A complete guide for Nannies on getting certified, which providers to use, and what to expect in class.
CPR certification is table stakes for professional Nannies in 2026. Most families now require it before a first interview. You can list your CPR certification on your Chrella profile and Families can filter on it. Chrella does not verify certifications, so keep your card handy for interviews.
Common Certification Providers
American Red Cross
Find a class →Most widely recognized by families and agencies. Red Cross classes are available in all 50 states and are frequently offered at hospitals, community centers, and fire stations.
American Heart Association (AHA)
Find a class →BLS is the gold standard for healthcare environments. Heartsaver is the recommended course for childcare professionals. Accepted everywhere.
Safe Sitter (for child-specific care)
Find a class →Specifically designed for childcare. Covers infant and child CPR, choking, and age-appropriate care skills. Great complement to a standard CPR cert.
Medic First Aid (ProTrainings)
Find a class →Flexible and affordable. Good option if in-person scheduling is difficult. Verify with prospective families that they accept online certifications.
What You'll Learn
Infant CPR
Compression and rescue breathing techniques specific to babies under 12 months. Different hand placement and compression depth than adult CPR.
Child CPR
One-rescuer and two-rescuer CPR techniques for children ages 1–12.
AED operation
How to use an Automated External Defibrillator. Most providers include this in standard CPR courses.
Choking response — infant
Back blows and chest thrusts for infants. Never perform abdominal thrusts on a baby under 1 year old.
Choking response — child/adult
Abdominal thrusts (Heimlich maneuver) and how to recognize a choking emergency.
Wound care & bleeding control
How to control bleeding, clean and bandage wounds, and recognize when to call 911.
Allergic reaction response
How to recognize anaphylaxis and assist with epinephrine auto-injectors (EpiPen).
Fever and illness recognition
When a fever requires emergency care versus at-home management.
Renewal & Expiration
Most CPR and First Aid certifications expire after 2 years. Set a calendar reminder 60 days before expiration so you have time to schedule a renewal class. Some employers require you to maintain current certification at all times — a lapsed cert can put a placement at risk.
Find a Class in Atlanta
Atlanta-area locations offering regular CPR and First Aid classes:
- ·American Red Cross — Atlanta Chapter (680 Bishop St NW)
- ·Northside Hospital — Community Education Center
- ·Emory Healthcare — Simulation Center classes
- ·YMCA of Metro Atlanta — Buckhead, Sandy Springs, and East Cobb branches
- ·Atlanta Fire Rescue — periodic free community classes
Display Your Certification on Chrella
Add your CPR and First Aid certification to your Chrella profile so families can see your credentials instantly.
Update My Profile