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Pathway to Becoming a
Child Life Specialist
Heidi Giese, BS, CCLS, CTRS, CIMI
Manager, Child Life Services
Ministry Saint Joseph’s Children’s Hospital
Marshfield Clinic
What is a Child Life Specialist?
Child Life Specialists are experts in child development, who
promote effective coping through play, preparation,
education, and self-expression activities. They provide
emotional support for families, and encourage optimum
development of children facing a broad range of challenging
experiences, particularly those related to healthcare and
hospitalization. Understanding that a child’s well-being
depends on the support of the family, child life specialists
provide information, support and guidance to parents,
siblings, and other family members. They also play a vital
role in educating caregivers, administrators, and the general
public about the needs of children under stress. (CLC, 2012)
What does the day of a CCLS
commonly include?
Working in a medical setting requires flexibility as
patient needs are constantly in flux, making no two
days exactly the same
Daily tasks of a CCLS commonly include:
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Assessment
Development of coping plans
Procedure preparation
Support during and after procedures
Bedside support and group activities for patients and
families
◦ Direction of volunteers/cleaning of play areas
◦ Program management and advancement work
(charting/statistics, policies, special events, donations)
Child Life Demographics
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4333 CCLS worldwide as of October 2012 (4018
in the United States)
220 of 270 of candidates tested in May, 2012
received CCLS certification
508 Child Life programs worldwide, as listed in
the CLC Program Directory
Median Salary (Nationwide): $43,631
Job outlook: Slow growth; Better outlook for
those willing to relocate
** The most recent Demographic Survey was compiled in 2012.
Common Traits of a CCLS
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Interpersonal and communication skills
Comfort around children of all ages and genders
Outgoing and friendly
Organization/time management skills
Ability to adapt and think outside the box
Ability to actively listen
Comfort with the medical setting, equipment and
procedures
Steps to Becoming a CCLS
Effective January 1st, 2019
The Child Life Council (CLC) recognizes 3 requirements
before taking the CCLS certification exam:
◦ 1.Minimum of Bachelor’s Degree (Education)
Please note: Effective 2022
Advanced Degree Requirement
◦ 2.Related Course work (Education)
◦ 3.Clinical Child Life Experience (Internship)
 CLC Certification Manual
Coursework Requirements
(As of January 1st, 2019)
CLC requires completion of at least 10 courses
❏ (1) Child Life Course - must be taught by a CCLS who
meets additional requirements
❏ (2) Child Development - growth/development for all ages
from birth to 18 years must be covered
❏ (1) Family Systems
❏ (1) Therapeutic Benefits of Play
❏ (1) Loss/Bereavement or Death/Dying
❏ (1) Research
❏ (3) Additional Courses in Child Life or related content
area
❏ Human Anatomy/Physiology
❏ Medical Terminology
❏ Ethics
Education: Choosing a
College/University
❏Child Life Council Academic Program
Directory
❏Child Life Academic Programs offering
Child Life Course
Education: Choosing a
College/University
Only 2 schools in Wisconsin have child life specific
coursework
Edgewood College
◦ Madison, Wisconsin
◦ Major: Child Life
University of Wisconsin-La Crosse
◦ La Crosse, Wisconsin
◦ Major: Therapeutic Recreation, Child Life Focus
Related Areas of Study
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Child/Family Development
Human Development
Family Dynamics/Systems
Psychology
Counseling
Sociology
Building Your Resume
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Medical Experiences
◦ Hospital experiences
 Practicum
 Volunteering within a Child Life program (Hospitals near you
may not have specific child life programs but general hospital
exposure is extremely important as well)
 Other Experience opportunities with Medically Needy
Children
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Camp Hope
Camp Easter Seals
Flu Shot/Immunization Clinic
Autism/Early Intervention programs
Building Your Resume
Well Child Experiences
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Summer Camps
Nursery/Day care
School age after school programs
Boys and Girls Club
Big Brother’s and Big Sisters
Coaching (developmentally appropriate and adaptive
programs)
◦ Autism/Early Intervention programs
Other Resume Boosters
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Memberships to Professional Organizations
◦ Child Life Council (Student Membership)
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Attending relevant conferences
◦ Annual National Child Life Conference
◦ Other professional development conferences and
workshops (Midwest Conference, webinars)
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On Campus Involvement
◦UWSP Dance Marathon-Donate & Register
◦UWSP Dance Marathon Facebook Page
Saturday May 2nd, 2015 4-8 pm
Relevant Certifications
◦ Sibshops
• CPR or more advanced basic medical training
Internship: Choosing a Site
Your Internship = Your Choice
◦ Choose the internship that offers the best experience for
YOU!!
◦ Factors to consider include
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Geographic Location
Program/Hospital size, resources, etc.
Academic Affiliations
Financial and housing factors
What different hospital areas does the internship include
Do not necessarily choose the first site you research,
remember what you put into the internship is what you
get out!
Internship: Researching sites
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It is important to have as much information about the
internship sites you’re applying to before and during the
application process
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Internet Research
◦ Child Life Council Tips Choosing an Internship Site
◦ Hospital/Program specific websites in Wisconsin
 Ministry Saint Joseph’s Children’s Hospital Child Life Program
 American Family Children’s Child Life Program
 Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin
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Be responsible and take initiative
◦ Search out information yourself prior to contacting the potential site
◦ Look at site information up to a year out from when you plan to
apply. This will be helpful for you to meet any specific coursework
requirements requested by a site.
Internship: Making Contact
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If you have any addition questions beyond what you
find in your research, feel free to contact the
program’s Child Life Manager or whoever is listed as
the internship contact
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If using email be sure that you appear professional
(email address, spelling, grammar, etc.)
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If calling on the phone plan out your questions. Have
a rough outline of the information you are seeking.
This is your first impression!
Internship: Paperwork
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Check, Double Check, and Triple Check
◦ Make sure you have all of the correct paper work and
information that each internship site you apply for is
requesting. NOT ALL SITES ARE THE SAME!!!
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Start your paperwork well before the deadline!
◦ Most Internship sites follow CLC Internship deadlines but
some are more strict than other.
Internship: Interviewing
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Dress to Impress
◦ Professional attire/Business Casual
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Be confident
◦ Sell yourself and your experiences
⚫ Do not try to compare your experiences to other applicants.
Be honest about your specific , unique experiences
◦ Do not be afraid to talk yourself up and your
accomplishments
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Try not to take yourself or the interview too
seriously...
JUST BE YOURSELF!!!
Post Interview
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After your interview you will enter one of the most
difficult parts of the internship
experience…WAITING!
Most sites will offer their internships following the
CLC Internship Guidelines.
If you receive more than one offer be sure take
time to think and choose which site best suits
you.
Congratulations and enjoy your internship and all
of the experiences that come with it.
Questions?
References
Child Life Council
http://www.childlife.org/
Ministry Saint Joseph’s Child Life Program
http://ministryhealth.org/SJCH/ChildLife.nws