Certified Child Life Specialists (CCLS) are critical members of healthcare teams across the world that are trained with expertise in helping children and their families cope with stressful experiences in a variety of settings. They provide preparation, education, distraction, play, and coping tools, among many other benefits, to children and their families. Prioritizing the coping and developmental needs of pediatric patients and families, CCLSs promote and protect emotional safety in times of healthcare duress. This minimizes both the immediate and long-term effects of stress, anxiety, and psychosocial trauma, ultimately empowering children, families, and their support systems.
CCLSs provide preparation, education, distraction, play, and coping tools, among many other benefits, to children and their families.
One children’s hospital secured funding to staff a child life specialist to provide support to patients enrolled in a vaccine trial.
Research findings regarding roles and experiences of 55 CCLSs who volunteered to provide psychosocial care for children on short-term medical missions.
Research findings on a non-sedate program in a children's hospital.
Research findings on economic impact of play-based procedural prep and support intervention.