Child Life Specialists

A Child Life Specialist is a professional who is specially trained to help children and their families understand and manage challenging life events and stressful healthcare experiences. Child Life Specialists are skilled in providing developmental, educational, and therapeutic interventions for children and their families under stress. Child Life Specialists support growth and development while recognizing family strengths and individuality, and respecting different methods of coping.

Education

Certified Child Life Specialists (CCLS) have earned a Bachelor's or Master's degree, with an educational background that includes human growth and development, education, psychology, and counseling. They are required to complete an internship program in a healthcare setting, a rigorous application and certification board exam.

Child Life Specialists are certified through a program administered by the Child Life Council (CLC).

Find out more about Child Life Specialists by clicking here.