As defined in WAC 110-148-1375: (as at Jan 16 2024)
- (a) First aid;
- (b) Age appropriate cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR); and
- (c) Bloodborne pathogens and infection control standards consistent with educational materials published by the department of health.
(3) The department-approved first aid and CPR training must be accredited with nationally recognized standards. It also must include an in-person exercise demonstrating that you are capable of performing CPR.
Until July 2023, First Aid/CPR/Bloodborne Pathogen classes were offered through Keep The Beat/the Alliance. As of 2024, prospective and renewing foster parents must organize and pay for their own classes. Keep a receipt from the class and then you can request reimbursement from your assigned Licensing Division worker once the license is issued. (If you do not complete licensing, no reimbursement is available).
The WAC specifies an in-person CPR demonstration, and several organizations offer a hybrid class where the majority of the lesson is taken online, and then the demonstration is arranged in person. (Note: during covid lockdowns, it was possible to take an entirely online class. This is no longer acceptable).
Bloodborne pathogens classes can be completed entirely online, free for current or potential foster parents through the Alliance online course: https://cpe.socialwork.uw.edu/alliance-courses/content/bloodborne-pathogens-cy24-certification-elearning
(To take the class for non-fostering reasons, you can pay to take it through the Red Cross online)
Where to find classes
If you organize a class through any other group, you must verify that the class/instructor is either Red Cross or Heart Association accredited.
- Check with your local fire station (e.g. Central Pierce), Parks Department, Social Services organizations or medical facilities, many of them run regularly scheduled classes.
- Individual trainers can be hired to run small group classes at a location of your choice (you can often find other foster parents in the area who would like to attend, which can help reduce the costs!) Some known trainers who have worked with foster parents:
- Nathan LaChine: Located in Pierce County, primarily available in Western Washington but will consider anywhere.
- Email [email protected], or request at https://evergreencaregiversupport.org/trainings-and-classes
- Kris Cornyn: Located in Federal Way but will travel (requests groups of 10 or more for far away)
- Email kec123321@hotmail, Cell
- Email kec123321@hotmail, Cell
- Rachel Beaver: Cowlitz and Lewis counties (possible Thurston or surrounding areas).
- Cell
- Cell
- Nathan LaChine: Located in Pierce County, primarily available in Western Washington but will consider anywhere.
- check for in-person events being organized near you by DCYF, the Alliance or FPAWS! Even if no CPR class is included, this is a great time to arrange a class with other foster parents through the trainers above.
If you have any questions about whether a particular class will meet your license requirements, please contact your Licensing Division worker/agency licensor.