What is a Child Life specialist?
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. They are skilled in providing developmental, educational, and therapeutic interventions for children and their families. Child Life specialists support growth and development while recognizing family strengths and individuality, and respecting different methods of coping.
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, an application and examination process. Child Life specialists are certified through the Child Life Council (CLC).
