What does a Child Life Specialist do?

I've heard about being a child life specialist and wanted to understand this role better. What are the day-to-day responsibilities, and how do they support children in healthcare settings? What education is necessary to pursue this career?

A Child Life Specialist is a vital part of the healthcare team that focuses on the emotional and psychological well-being of children and their families during their healthcare experiences. Their role is stress reduction and trauma prevention, helping children and families understand and manage challenging experiences related to healthcare and hospitalization.

Day-to-day responsibilities of a Child Life Specialist may include:

1. Providing therapeutic play sessions to reduce fear and anxiety

2. Educating children and families on medical procedures to promote understanding and coping

3. Collaborating with the healthcare team to provide support during medical procedures

4. Facilitating communication and providing emotional support to families, ensuring that the child's needs are met

5. Organizing group activities or therapies to provide a sense of normalcy and community for children in the hospital

6. Coordinating with other services such as school programs, to maintain the child's academic progress during prolonged hospital stays

To become a Child Life Specialist, you will need a Bachelor's degree, typically in child life, child development, psychology, or a related field. Besides, many employers and the Child Life Certification Commission prefer (or may even require) a Master's degree. Then, you should complete a 600-hour clinical internship under the supervision of a Certified Child Life Specialist.

After completing the necessary education and internship, you'd need to pass the Child Life Professional Certification Exam administered by the Child Life Certification Commission to become a Certified Child Life Specialist (CCLS). The certification must be maintained by continuing education.

Pursuing this career requires a mix of technical medical knowledge, an understanding of developmental psychology, excellent interpersonal communication skills, and emotional resilience. This career can be emotionally demanding but can also be incredibly rewarding, as child life specialists play a crucial role in providing child-centered care, promoting positive experiences, and helping families navigate through stressful experiences in healthcare settings.