Getting Started as a Caregiver
Just hired? Here’s what’s next.
Whether you’re starting a new career or caring for a loved one, paid caregiving starts with training. Learn what training you need, when to take it, and what benefits you may qualify for.
Before
You Start
Know your training requirements & deadlines.
The Basic Training you have to take is based on your provider type. Contact your employer to confirm your training requirement and deadline. You can see a list of training requirements by provider type below:
Training Requirements Checklist
If you work for multiple employers, roles or clients, your training requirements may differ. If you fall into more than one category, you must meet the highest training and certification requirements.
Provider Type | Orientation & Safety | Basic Training | Required Continuing Education | Optional Continuing Education |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Complete prior to providing care. | Complete by deadline. | 12 hours required annually. | Optional online training. | |
Standard Home Care Aide (HCA) Caregivers who take care of clients, part- or full-time. | Basic Training 70 | |||
Adult Child Provider Caregivers who care for a parent when related by marriage or domestic partnership. | Basic Training 30 | |||
Family Provider Caregivers caring only for a child, sibling, aunt, uncle, niece, nephew, cousin, grandchild or grandparent, including relations by marriage or domestic partnership. | Basic Training 30 | |||
Limited Service Provider Caregivers who work fewer than 20 hours a month. | Basic Training 30 | |||
Veteran Affairs (VA) Spouse or Domestic Partner Caregivers who service a spouse/partner through the VA homecare program. | Basic Training 30 | |||
New Provider Type Coming Soon | TBD | |||
Respite Provider Caregivers who take care of another caregiver’s clients or family members for a short period of time (less than 300 hours per year). | Basic Training 9 | |||
Parent Individual Provider (DDA) Parents who take care of their child with a developmental disability. | Basic Training 7 | |||
Providers with a NAC, OSPI, initial NAC, initial OSPI, or who are an active LPN, RN or ARNP NAC: Nursing Assistant-Certified, OSPI: Special Education Endorsement | You are exempt from Orientation and Safety and Basic Training. For more information on other required or optional training, please contact your employer. | |||
Check email for training updates.
You will receive important information, like your Caregiver Learning Center username, at the email address provided when you were hired.
Learn about your support options.
Find helpful information about training policies and take advantage of the support resources, and language assistance available to help you succeed in training.
Complete Your Training
Log in to the Caregiver Learning Center.
After you log in to the Caregiver Learning Center you can see your schedule, reschedule classes, complete your training and more. Visit the user guide to learn how to get started.
Enroll in Basic Training.
After you take Orientation & Safety, you can enroll in Basic Training. Caregivers employed by Consumer Direct Care Network Washington (CDWA) can enroll in the Caregiver Learning Center. All other caregivers should contact their employer before enrolling.
Complete Basic Training before your deadline.
Your deadline is 120 days from your hire date. Your employer can confirm the exact date.
After You Complete Training
Training is only one of the many benefits available to caregivers! You may have access to valuable benefits like affordable healthcare coverage, an employer-funded retirement plan, free slip-resistant shoes and more.
Health Benefits
After working 80+ paid hours a month for two months in a row, you may qualify for healthcare coverage for just $25 a month. Coverage includes medical, dental, vision, hearing, prescriptions, mental health support, and more.
Caregiver Kicks
Caregivers who work 160+ hours over two months may qualify for Caregiver Kicks — free slip-resistant shoes that help keep you safe on the job. Eligible caregivers can order a new pair every 12 months.
Retirement Benefits
After 6 months with a participating employer, you’re automatically enrolled in the Secure Retirement Plan. This benefit helps you save for the future and build an additional source of retirement income.
Learning Benefits
Your learning continues after Basic Training. Caregivers can take and get paid for up to 12 hours of Continuing Education courses each year, plus access additional training programs and skill-building opportunities.
Job-Matching Benefits
Find jobs and backup care through Carina, a trusted and easy-to-use job-matching service for caregivers. Carina connects caregivers with nearby families and individuals seeking care at no cost.
Member Resource Center (MRC)
If you have questions about enrolling, course options or completing training, contact the MRC. Support is available in multiple languages.
Language Support
Classes and course materials are available in many languages. Even if you speak English fluently, a course in your primary language may better set you up for success.
Peer Mentors
If you are a caregiver going through Basic Training and preparing to become a certified Home Care Aide (HCA), you can get guidance and support from Peer Mentors.
Support for Students with Disabilities
Students with disabilities have the right to request and receive reasonable accommodation in order to receive all of the Training Partnership’s programs and activities.
Learning Policies
Your class time is valuable. The following policies ensure a positive learning environment in which you are supported and have the opportunity to be successful.