Child Life Profession FAQs

The goal of a certified child life specialist (CCLS) is to reduce the stress and anxiety childrenand families experience related to healthcare and hospitalization. CCLSs are experts in child development. They promote effective coping through education, preparation, and play.

• Preparation for tests, surgery, and procedures
• Procedural support and distraction
• Non-pharmacological pain management
• Education regarding new or existing diagnoses
• Medical play
• Developmental play
• Emotional support
• Sibling and family support
• Bereavement support
• Preoperative tours
• Patient advocacy

• Communication with interdisciplinary team members
• Educational opportunities for medical and nursing staff
• Daily charting for consultations and significant interactions
• Daily statistics for all interventions
• Involvement with special events/activities and donations
• Supervision and education of child life students and volunteers
• Participation in meetings/committees relevant to profession/unit
• Creation of preparation tools/resources for use by patients and families
• Professional involvement with other organizations (i.e. Association of Child Life Professionals)

No. To become certified, a bachelor’s degree in child life, child development, or a related field is required. In 2019 a master’s degrees in Child Life will be required for certification. Click here for a list of recommended curriculum.

• Child Life
• Child/Family Development
• Human Development
• Family Dynamics
• Expressive Therapies (play, music, dance, art)
• Psychology
• Sociology
• Therapeutic Recreation
• Education

For a list of colleges that offer a specific child life program, visit the Academic Program Directory at www.childlife.org.  Identify colleges that have a child development program.

The Association of Child Life Professionals (ACLP) requires a total of 10 college-level courses in child life or a related field, which they approve in order to be eligible to sit for the Child Life Professional Certification Examination.

Most hospitals require child life professionals to be certified or at least to be eligible to sit for the Child Life Professional Certification Examination. For more information about becoming a Certified Child Life Specialist (CCLS), visit the ACLP website at www.childlife.org.

CCLSs are typically employed in hospitals. Some CCLSs are applying their skills in other areas such as outpatient clinics, doctors’ offices, hospice, schools, and funeral homes.

A full time CCLS works 40+ hours per week. Some sites may offer part time opportunities.

The average salary of a child life specialist varies depending on position, years of experience, education level, and location. The salary calculator at www.childlife.org (available to ACLP members) provides more information on salary. Other benefits may include healthcare coverage, 403b, tuition reimbursement, and conference reimbursement.

No, shadowing opportunities are not available at CHM to protect our patients’ rights to confidentiality and privacy.

Candidates must be certified or eligible for certification. If candidates are not certified when hired, they have up to one year to obtain certification. Maintenance of certification is required.

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• Child Life
• Child/Family Development
• Human Development
• Family Dynamics
• Expressive Therapies (play, music, dance, art)
• Psychology
• Sociology
• Therapeutic Recreation
• Education