Child Life Specialists

Child Life Specialists are trained professionals who support the emotional and developmental needs of children and families in healthcare settings.

Through therapeutic play, education, and coping strategies, they help reduce stress and anxiety related to medical experiences. By collaborating with the healthcare team, they ensure that care is not only medically sound but also child- and family-centered.

How Child Life Specialists can help patients and families in the hospital

• Education about the hospital and new diagnosis.
• Preparation for procedures and treatments.
• Coping and distraction techniques.
• Adjustment to the hospital setting and normalizing hospital environment.
• Therapeutic activities that encourage expression of feelings.
• Sibling support and education.

Child Life Services are offered in:

Inpatient acute care units and some specialized care clinics.

Child Life education/certification

• Hold a bachelor’s or master’s degree in an area related to child development, psychology, or education.
• Complete a 600-hour clinical internship under the supervision of a Certified Child Life Specialist and within a hospital setting.
• Pass the certification exam written by the Association of Child Life Professionals.
• Dedicated to continuing education and the advancement of skills to maintain the Association of Child Life Professionals’ certification.

Professional organization

Association of Child Life Professionals

Research

The Journal of Child Life