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 Pathway to becoming a Certified Child Life Specialist

​​Outgoing, friendly and motivated are common traits of a Certified Child Life Specialist (CCLS). 

CCLSs are professionals who are comfortable around children of all ages and genders. They adapt and think outside of the box. CCLSs feel comfortable in a medical setting, including being present during procedures.

Three steps to becoming a CCLS

1. Minimum of Bachelor's Degree

We strongly encourage a degree in Child Life through an endorsed academic program.

2. Related coursework

Complete 10 college-level courses in Child Life or a related department/subject:

  • (1) Child Life – must be taught by a CCLS
  • (2) Child Development – must cover growth/development from birth to 18 years
  • (1) Family Systems
  • (1) Therapeutic Benefits of Play
  • (1) Loss/Bereavement of Death/Dying
  • (1) Research
  • (3) Additional courses in Child Life or related content area (Human Anatomy/Physiology; Medical Terminology; Ethics)

3. Clinical experience (practicum and internship)

Child Life practicums and internships provide hands-on experience and prepare you for certification.

Learn about our practicum opportunities

View eligibility requirements at ChildLife.org​




For high school students

Begin preparing for a Child Life profession.

Work with your high school counselor to select classes related to Child Life:

  • Child Development
  • Foreign Language
  • Health Careers or Health Professions
  • Home Economics (Family and Consumer Science)
  • Human Development
  • Interpersonal Communications
  • Psychology
  • Sociology

Consider taking additional coursework related to children, health, people skills, world cultures, diversity or kids with illnesses/disabilities.

Volunteer

Contact volunteer services at your local hospitals to see if they have pediatric opportunities.

There also are camps offering volunteer opportunities near Marshfield:

 

Volunteer work with healthy children is just as important. Consider after-school programs, day care, Boys and Girls Club or similar experiences.




For incoming or college students

Edgewood College (Madison, Wis.) offers a Child Life degree or closely-related field.

Major: Child Life (Department of Education)
Katie Glass, Ed.D, CCLS
Director Child Life Program
kglass@edgewood.edu
608-663-4433

Child Life Program Edgewood College
School of Education Office Der. 226

1000 Edgewood College Drive
Madison, WI 53711-1997

ACLP endorsed program
Unive​rsity Of Wisconsin - Stevens Point    ​

Major: FCS-Child Life & Family Studies (Child Life Certificate)

Abby Baker, MS, CCLS, Retention Specialist

Abbaker@uwsp.edu    ​

School of Health Sciences and Wellness

2001 Fourth Ave, UW-Stevens Point

Stevens Point, WI 54481​​​​

                                           
Specific coursework in Child Life helps prepare you for your internship and certification.

View additional Child Life academic progra​m​s