ACLP Connect
Career Center
CCLS Directory
Join ACLP
Support ACLP
Contact Us
Child Life Store
Login
Become Certified
About ACLP
Mission & Vision
ACLP Board of Directors
Strategic Plan
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
Committees
News Room
Support
Advertise
Careers
History of ACLP
About Child Life
Official Documents
The Case for Child Life
Values Statement
Emotional Safety Initiative
Awards
Scholarships
2023 Child Life Month
Membership
Membership Types
Networking
ACLP Connect
First Book Marketplace
Resources
ACLP Publications
ACLP Bulletin
For Child Life Specialists
For Educators & Internship Coordinators
For Parents and Caregivers
Directories
Regional Child Life Groups
International Child Life Groups
Certification
Becoming Certified
Student Library
Becoming Certified/Eligibility
Eligibility Requirements
Eligibility Assessment
Verification of Requirements
Academic Requirements Detail
The Certification Exam
The Certification Exam
Preparing for the Exam
Dates, Fees, & Registration Information
Exam Day Instructions
2019 Exam Content Outline
Exam Development
Certification Resources
Pre-Approved Courses
Endorsed Program Directory
Internship Information
Accredited Internships
Internship with Remote Supervision under Extenuating Circumstances
Internship Accreditation
Child Life Academic Programs
Maintaining Certification
Maintaining Certification
Certification Maintenance FAQs
Recertification Options, Dates and Fees
Recertification Options, Dates and Fees
Professional Development Units
How can I earn PDUs
Child Life Code of Ethics
Child Life Code of Ethics
Social Networking Guidelines
Ethics Violations & Complaint Form
CCLS Directory
CLCC Policies Manual
Forms and Other Resources
Forms and Other Resources
Digital Badges
CCLS Connection Newsletter Archives
Child Life Practicum
Rescinding the Master's Degree
Child Life Certification Commission (CLCC)
CLCC Overview
Professional Development
Upcoming PDUs
Online Learning Portal
Child Life Conference
Mentorship Program
Expand all
Collapse all
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.
Expand all
Collapse all
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.
Close
Become Certified
About ACLP
Mission & Vision
ACLP Board of Directors
Strategic Plan
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
Committees
News Room
Support
Advertise
Careers
History of ACLP
About Child Life
Official Documents
The Case for Child Life
Values Statement
Emotional Safety Initiative
Awards
Scholarships
2023 Child Life Month
Membership
Membership Types
Networking
ACLP Connect
First Book Marketplace
Resources
ACLP Publications
ACLP Bulletin
For Child Life Specialists
For Educators & Internship Coordinators
For Parents and Caregivers
Directories
Regional Child Life Groups
International Child Life Groups
Certification
Becoming Certified
Student Library
Becoming Certified/Eligibility
Eligibility Requirements
Eligibility Assessment
Verification of Requirements
Academic Requirements Detail
The Certification Exam
The Certification Exam
Preparing for the Exam
Dates, Fees, & Registration Information
Exam Day Instructions
2019 Exam Content Outline
Exam Development
Certification Resources
Pre-Approved Courses
Endorsed Program Directory
Internship Information
Accredited Internships
Internship with Remote Supervision under Extenuating Circumstances
Internship Accreditation
Child Life Academic Programs
Maintaining Certification
Maintaining Certification
Certification Maintenance FAQs
Recertification Options, Dates and Fees
Recertification Options, Dates and Fees
Professional Development Units
How can I earn PDUs
Child Life Code of Ethics
Child Life Code of Ethics
Social Networking Guidelines
Ethics Violations & Complaint Form
CCLS Directory
CLCC Policies Manual
Forms and Other Resources
Forms and Other Resources
Digital Badges
CCLS Connection Newsletter Archives
Child Life Practicum
Rescinding the Master's Degree
Child Life Certification Commission (CLCC)
CLCC Overview
Professional Development
Upcoming PDUs
Online Learning Portal
Child Life Conference
Mentorship Program
ACLP Connect
Career Center
CCLS Directory
Join ACLP
Support ACLP
Contact Us
Child Life Store