Dear Child Life Community,
As we move into the Fall, I am energized by the momentum we’re building across ACLP, and I’m excited to share about recent and ongoing opportunities for professional development and community building
This May in Los Angeles, California, more than 700 registrants participated in four days of learning, connecting, and community at our 2025 Child Life Conference. From hands-on workshops and meaningful networking opportunities, the conference reaffirmed the strength, resilience, and innovation within our field. Thank you to our presenters, attendees, and volunteers who made this year’s event unforgettable. We also extend a heartfelt thank you to our sponsors, especially Disney and our Thought Sponsors, Abdulrahman’s Oasis, and their investment in the continued growth of the child life profession. We even received a special visit from our Disney pals- Joy and Stitch! If you missed this year’s event, be sure to check out our 2025 Conference Lightning Pass, a curated on-demand package including 12 powerful sessions worth 15 PDUs.
Looking to next year’s professional development programming, we received well over 150 abstracts from the community on a wide range of topics, including leadership training, student support, diagnostic education, and innovative interventions. Our Conference Planning Committee will review submissions, and applicants can expect to receive an update in late October or early November. We look forward to sharing the full schedule of 2026 programming at the beginning of the new year.
We are also thrilled to unveil the new ACLP and CLCC online portal—a centralized, user-friendly platform designed to streamline your experience. This integrated portal provides easier access to membership tools, certification tracking, and event registrations. Whether you’re checking your PDUs, updating your profile, or preparing for certification, everything you need is now in one place. This launch represents a major step forward in enhancing both efficiency and user experience for our members and certificants.
I’m incredibly proud of the strides ACLP and CLCC have made this year, and I’m even more inspired by the passion and dedication of our members. Thank you for all you do to support children and families through life’s most challenging moments. Together, we are shaping the future of the child life profession.
With appreciation,
Alison Heron, MBA, CAE, CEO