Step 1: Nominate an Individual

Distinguished Service Award (DSA)

Anyone may nominate a qualified individual for the Distinguished Service Award. The Awards Committee encourages applications of diverse candidates that include Black, Indigenous and Native American, Latinx, Asian, LGBTQIA+, and members with disabilities and gender identities, as well as those from varying geographical areas, program sizes, and cultural backgrounds.

Please know that you can also apply yourself! If you meet the criteria and eligibility requirements, we encourage you to showcase your dedication and achievements in advancing the field of child life.

The nominator/applicant will be considered the primary endorser and is responsible for gathering all application materials to be submitted with the DSA application.

Please note: No present ACLP Board member is eligible for nomination. 

Nominator/Applicant Responsibilities

• Submit the completed DSA application form
• Ask two individuals to serve as endorsers and complete the DSA Endorsement Form (links provided in the application)
• Serve as the author(s) of the article honoring the recipient to be featured in the ACLP Summer Bulletin
• If desired, create a video tribute to be played during the closing session at the ACLP Child Life Annual Conference

Step 2: Complete the Application

What You’ll Need to Submit

• A brief summary
• A copy of the nominee’s current Resume/CV
• One letter of support from either a student/mentee or a patient/family
• Endorsement Form (To be submitted by two separate endorsers):
  • One from Management/Administration
  • One from a Colleague

Endorsement form links will be included directly within the online application.
 

Additional Resources

Before completing your application, we recommend reviewing the Submission Tip Sheet for helpful guidance on preparing your materials and submitting endorsements.

Close date: 11:59pm, EST, Monday, December 1, 2025

Step 3: ACLP Awards Committee Selects Winner

Following the final submission deadline, the Awards Committee will review all completed applications and suggest a recipient to the ACLP Board of Directors.

All nominees and the Primary Endorser will be notified of the final decision by the end of the year. The formal presentation of the Distinguished Service Award will take place during the Child Life Annual Conference.