The Child Life Profession
Spotlight on Child Life | Mission, Values & Vision | Operating Principles | Code of Ethical Responsibility |
History of the Profession | Timeline
What is a Child Life Specialist?
A Child Life Specialist is a professional who is specially trained to help children and their families understand and manage challenging life events and stressful healthcare experiences. Child Life Specialists are skilled in providing developmental, educational, and therapeutic interventions for children and their families under stress. Child Life Specialists support growth and development while recognizing family strengths and individuality, and respecting different methods of coping.
Certified Child Life Specialists (CCLS) have earned a Bachelor's or Master's degree, with an educational background that includes human growth and development, education, psychology, and counseling. They are required to complete an internship program and a rigorous application and examination process. Child Life Specialists are certified through a program administered by the Child Life Council (CLC).
See the certification section of the web site for information on how to become a Certified Child Life Specialist (CCLS).
Child Life Services Fact Sheet
This fact sheet provides professionals and consumers alike with a brief, easy-to-read introduction to child life. Designed to assist child life specialists in educating parents, members of the healthcare community, and the general public about the child life profession and the benefits of child life services, this material may be printed and distributed without prior written consent.
Child Life Services Fact Sheet 