 How
Do I Become a Child Life Specialist?
PLEASE VISIT www.childlife.org AND CLICK ON "CERTIFICATION" FOR VERY DETAILED INFORMATION REGARDING BECOMING A CERTIFIED CHILD LIFE SPECIALIST.
Standards:
The Child Life Council Standards for Personnel for a Child Life Specialist (from the Official Documents of the Child Life Council) are:
- Minimal academic preparation at the Bachelor’s Degree level* with supervised experience in the healthcare setting
- Certification as a Child Life Specialist**
- Demonstrated ability to work with individuals and groups of children
- Supervisory skills
- Demonstrated understanding in a variety of areas such as growth and development, play and family dynamics
**Certification Eligibility Requirements – Overview
The Candidate Manual & Application  is a detailed, printer-friendly document that provides a comprehensive overview of the certification process from start to finish, intended for use by individuals who are interested in the obtaining the CCLS credential. The manual provides information on child life certification including: eligibility requirements, application procedures, examination content and other essential information about the program.
Candidate Manual & Application
In order to establish eligibility for the exam, candidates must meet three main requirements prior to the exam application deadline. The three eligibility requirements are:
- Minimum of Baccalaureate Degree
Applicants must have either completed a bachelor's degree, or be in the final semester of study for that degree.
- Course Work
Applicants must have completed a total of 10 college-level courses in child life or a related department/subject. Note: All applicants for the fall 2013 and subsequent exams will be required to successfully complete a minimum of one child life course taught by a Certified Child Life Specialist as part of this requirement.
- Clinical Child Life Experience
Applicant must complete a minimum of 480 hours of child life clinical experience under the direct supervision of a Certified Child Life Specialist who meets specific qualifications.
Child Life Education Opportunities available in Canada:
- McMaster University (Child Life Studies Post-Graduate Diploma Program)
- University of Victoria (Bachelor of Arts in Child and Youth Care)
- University of the Fraser Valley (Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Education/Child and Youth Care with a specialization in child life), whose programs offer direct child life studies
- Cambrian College, Sudbury, ON (Advanced diploma in Child and Youth Care Post Graduate Child Life concentration)
CLICK HERE to see a list of Health Centres
in Canada who offer internships to eligible applicants (PDF).
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