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How child life specialists transform healthcare for kids and families

They’re the unsung heroes of pediatric care—bridging gaps between doctors and families. Meet the specialists who ease fear with compassion and play.

Here we can see baby face. Background it is blur.
Here we can see baby face. Background it is blur.

How child life specialists transform healthcare for kids and families

The role of a child life specialist is crucial in healthcare settings, providing emotional support and therapeutic activities to children and their families. The Association of Child Life Professionals (ACLP) leads the way in supporting these dedicated professionals.

Becoming a child life specialist involves a four-year bachelor's degree in a related field, followed by an 18-month accelerated master's degree and a 600-hour internship. Financial aid, including loans and scholarships, is available for accredited schools. The ACLP recommends certification after completing academic and experiential requirements.

These specialists, similar to pediatric social workers, offer practical and emotional support to children and families navigating medical challenges. They provide a vital link between healthcare professionals and families, ensuring children's needs are met. The Child Life Council, established in 1983, has grown the profession to thousands of members, setting professional standards along the way.

Child life specialists earn an average of $97,783 per year, according to Indeed. Their role is invaluable in healthcare settings, providing emotional support, therapeutic activities, and guidance to children and families. The ACLP continues to advocate for and support these professionals, ensuring high-quality care for children and families in need.

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