Child life specialists are trained professionals who assist children and families in coping with challenging life events, particularly in hospital settings. Their services include emotional support, preparation for medical procedures, play therapy, education, and advocacy for family-centered care. To become certified, candidates must complete relevant coursework and clinical experience, ultimately passing an exam provided by the Child Life Council.

1. Child Life
Leah Stapleton, Megan Greene,
Jennifer Clark

2. What is a Child Life Specialist?
• Population:
• Infants ( birth- 2)
• Toddlers (2-3)
• Preschoolers (3-5)
• School Age (5-11)
• Adolescents (11-18)
“Trained professionals with expertise in helping children and their families overcome life’s most
challenging events”. (Child Life Council)

3. Things we do:
• Provide children with support in the
hospital by:
• Preparation for medical
procedure/surgery
• Play (therapeutic, medical)
• Education (medical staff, families,
children, community)
• Coping Techniques
• Distraction Techniques
• Emotional support (families and
children)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OrFzwpAhijE&list=PL17C690E84E7F8ADD&index=14

4. What is our Goal?
• Ease a child’s fear and anxiety with therapeutic and recreational play
activities
• Foster an environment that incorporates emotional support
• Advocate for family-centered care
• coordinating special events, entertainment, and activities
• Sibling support
• Pre- Admission Hospital Tours
• Support families confronting grief and bereavement issues

5. Requirements of a CCLS
Course Work
• Applicants must have completed a total of 10 college-level courses in child life or a related
department/subject.
• Must complete a minimum of one child life course taught by a Certified Child Life Specialist
(Practicum at Georgia Southern)
Clinical Child Life Experience
• Applicants must complete a minimum of 480 hours of child life clinical experience under the
direct supervision of a Certified Child Life Specialist who meets specific qualifications.
Minimum of Baccalaureate Degree
• Applicants must have either completed a bachelor’s degree, or be in the final semester of
study for that degree.
• In order to be Certified you must complete the certification exam administered by the Child
Life Council.

6. Information on Child Life
• Georgia Southern- College of Health and Human Sciences- School of
Human Ecology
• Child & Family Development/ Child Life Emphasis
• Child Life Organization at GSU
• Child Life Council – childlife.org

7. Camps
Being creative –
arts and crafts! Lots of Play –
teaching and
education
Having fun in Child Life