Mentorship Program

Mentorship program webpage final

What

The ACLP Mentorship Program is a structured six-month program (January - June) designed to support the career development and growth of both emerging & established child life specialists.

Using a new platform (desktop and app versions), individuals will be paired together based on criteria outlined in the application. Pairings will work together during the six month duration (and beyond) through a series of monthly webinars (earn 6.0 PDUs), one-on-one meetings, and messaging.

Applications for the 2024 program will be open November 1-15, 2023.

Timeline

November 1: Mentorship Program Applications Open
November 15: Mentorship Program Applications Close
November 16 - December 31: Pairings are determined
January 2024: Individuals will be notified of their match
January - June, 2024: Monthly webinars and meetings

Mentor Criteria & Application

To be considered as a Mentor, individuals must:

Hold the Certified Child Life Specialist credential
Be employed as a CCLS for at least three years by January 2024
Be a professional member of ACLP
Identify and describe skills or expertise that could be shared with a mentee and a desire to support a mentee
Submit a completed application (including a resume)

Applications for the 2024 program will be open November 1-15, 2023.

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Mentee Criteria & Application

To be considered as a Mentee, individuals must:

Hold the Certified Child Life Specialist credential as of January 2024
Be a professional member of ACLP
Be currently employed as a child life specialist, with at least one year of paid work
Describe a general learning or professional development focus
Submit an application (including resume)

Applications for the 2024 program will be open November 1-15, 2023.

Mentorship program webpage final (11)

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FAQ's: Mentorship Program Logistics

Do I need to be in the same place of employment for the duration of the program?

No. Having a mentor during a job transition may help provide additional support, as well as another perspective as you adjust to the changes.
What is the monthly time committment?

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.
What if I am unable to attend sessions based on vacations/sickness/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.
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.
Can I be a mentor/mentee if I do not have a formal leadership role in my institution?

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.
I would like to apply as a mentee, 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.
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.
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.

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FAQs: Mentor / Mentee Relationship

I have a terrific supervisor at my job. Should I still apply?

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!
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 I don't have a lot in common with?

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).
Will I have the opportunity to meet my mentor/mentee 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 conversations?

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

Timeline

Mentor Criteria & Application

Mentee Criteria & Application

FAQ's: Mentorship Program Logistics

Do I need to be in the same place of employment for the duration of the program?

What is the monthly time committment?

What if I am unable to attend sessions based on vacations/sickness/patient needs?

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

Can I be a mentor/mentee if I do not have a formal leadership role in my institution?

I would like to apply as a mentee, but I am a student.

Am I allowed to be both a mentee and mentor?

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

FAQs: Mentor / Mentee Relationship

I have a terrific supervisor at my job. Should I still apply?

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

What if I get matched with someone who I don't have a lot in common with?

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

Who is the responsible party for driving the conversations?

What if my mentor match isn't what I expected?

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

APPLICATIONS OPEN NOVEMBER 1 - 15

Professional Development