The ACLP Mentor Program

Frequently Asked Questions about the Mentor Program

• I've only been in the field for three years, but I think I could be a good mentor. Can I still apply?

  Yes! Mentee applicants are sometimes brand new to the field, and you might be a new child life specialist's perfect mentor match. 

• I already have a terrific supervisor at my job. Does the mentor program have anything to offer me?

  Yes! Working with a mentor is not meant to take the place of supervision. Instead, it provides an additional opportunity to learn, grow, and problem solve with someone who likely has had similar experiences. Past participants in the program report that they enjoy gaining an outside perspective and building a new connection within the field of child life. Something else to consider: a CCLS who has experienced excellent supervision can benefit from being a mentee, but they might also have a lot to offer as a mentor!

• Can I be a mentor if I do not have a formal leadership role in my institution? Can I be a mentee if a formal leadership role is not my career goal?

  Yes and yes! All child life specialists (whether in a clinical, managerial, academic, or alternative role) can utilize leadership skills to become advocates and role models for improving psychosocial care for children and families. Mentor/mentee pairs will work together to set goals that are a good fit. Regardless of the role you play at your current workplace, you are welcome to apply to the mentor program.

• Do I need to have a specific goal in mind to be a Mentee?

  No. We recognize that everyone will have a different reason for applying, and that original reasons may change during the course of the program. Consider what you are hoping to get out of the mentorship program, and what you are hoping to learn. Mentors can be matched on general or specific goals.

• What if I get matched with someone who doesn’t have a lot in common with me?

  The Mentor Program recognizes that everyone is a leader in some way, shape or form. As a Mentor, you can still help provide opportunities for growth, problem solving, and support without having something specific in common. This might even support your own professional growth in the process! “Sometimes having someone to look at things from an entirely unfamiliar perspective and viewpoint helps you gain the most clarity” (Prossack, 2018).

  Prossack, Ashira. (2018). 4 Things to Look for in a Mentor [blog post]. Retrieved from https://www.forbes.com/sites/ashiraprossack1/2018/04/27/4-things-to-look-for-in-a-mentor/#a6d1b552d47f.

• I would like to have a Mentor, but I am a student.

  The Mentor Program is currently designed to support Certified Child Life Specialists working in the field. Check with your regional child life group or university to see if they offer mentoring to students.

• I’m in the middle of a job transition. Do I need to be in one place the entire time?

  No. Having a mentor during a job transition may help provide additional support, as well as another perspective as you adjust to the changes.

• Am I allowed to be both a mentee and mentor?

  We would prefer that you pick one role at a time. This will allow you to fully benefit from the mentorship experience.

• What does the monthly time commitment look like?

  The minimum monthly commitment is a minimum of three hours, one hour for phone conversation, and one-one hour webinar. There may be some work involved in journaling or finding resources as well. Some mentor pairings may choose to connect more often, which would increase the time involved.

• How will I communicate with my mentor/mentee?

  Communication styles between pairings will differ. Each mentor and mentee pair will designate how they choose to communicate, focusing on what best meets the needs of the dynamic (ex. phone call, FaceTime, texting, etc.)

• Do I have to be a mentee through this program before I am eligible to be a mentor?

  No. If you are looking for a way to become involved and feel like you have something to teach, apply. The learning process is just as important for mentors as it is for mentees.

• Will I have the opportunity to meet my mentee/mentor in person?

  If you and your mentor attend conference at the same time, there may be an opportunity to meet in person. At this time, there is not a formal time for mentee/mentor pairings to meet in person.

• Who is the responsible party for driving the conversation?

  This will depend on the mentor pair. Some mentor relationships, the mentor sets up the conversations and leads or organizes. For others, the responsibility will be on the mentee to set up the meetings.

• What if my mentor match isn’t what I expected?

  Again, under the umbrella of everyone has something to learn or teach, we recommend you stick with it. Find common ground, be flexible, and communicate your concerns to each other. If it truly does not work or the tension is unable to be overcome, please communicate with the Mentorship Committee.

• Can I stay in touch with my mentor/mentee afterwards?

  Yes, you can! Many of our mentor/mentee matches stay casually in touch after the relationship has formally ended.

• What about vacations/sickness/inability to get online at the time due to patient needs?

  Be flexible with each other and reschedule as you need to. Please communicate with your mentor match if you cannot make the assigned time.

• What if I have additional questions about the Mentor Program?

  The mentor program sub-committee welcomes questions at any time. Please feel free to email mentorship@childlife.org.