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
University Of Wisconsin - Stevens Point
Major: Family and Consumer Sciences
Becky Konietzki, Academic and Career Advisor
Becky.Konietzki@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 programs
