How To Become A Child Life Specialist | SkillsAndTech

Are you passionate about working with children and helping them through difficult situations? Do you have a natural aptitude for providing comfort, support, and guidance to young patients and their families during hospitalization? If so, then becoming a Child Life Specialist may be the perfect career path for you!

In this blog post, we’ll explore everything you need to know about becoming a certified Child Life Specialist – from education requirements and certification exams to job duties and salary expectations. Join us as we delve into this rewarding profession that is all about making a positive impact on the lives of sick kids.

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What is a Child Life Specialist?

A Child Life Specialist (CLS) is a professional who provides care and support to children and their families. CLSs work in hospitals, health clinics, schools, and other organizations that serve children. They play an important role in helping kids learn, grow, and develop healthy relationships.

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CLSs need a degree in child development or related field. They also need experience working with kids and experience working with families. CLSs usually have a certification from the National Association of Child Life Specialists (NACLSP).

What tasks does a Child Life Specialist perform?

Child life specialists work with children, their families and caregivers to provide support and resources that promote optimal development. They may provide supervision during routine doctor’s and dentist appointments, help with homework and school tasks, provide recreation and enrichment activities, or offer emotional support. Child life specialists also collaborate with other professionals in the child’s health care team to ensure that the child receives the best possible care.

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How do you become a Child Life Specialist?

Child life specialists are a vital part of pediatric medical care and play an important role in ensuring the best possible outcomes for children. Becoming a child life specialist requires a degree in child development or related field, as well as experience working with infants and young children.

Many state licensing boards require candidates to pass an exam on pediatric health and safety regulations. After completing training, many specialists work in hospitals, clinics, schools, or other settings that serve children.

What are the requirements for being a Child Life Specialist?

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The requirements for becoming a Child Life Specialist vary depending on the program you are interested in, but generally you will need to have a degree in child development or related field and experience working with children. You will also need to have experience working with families and be able to build relationships with them. Some additional requirements may include certification in CPR or first aid.

How much does a Child Life Specialist earn?

Child life specialists (CLS) work in hospitals, clinics, and schools to support children during their medical visits, surgeries, and school events. They provide emotional support and help children feel comfortable while undergoing medical procedures or attending school. CLSs get paid based on how many hours they work per week. The median salary for a CLS is $39,680 per year.

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What are the benefits of being a Child Life Specialist?

As a Child Life Specialist, you will be responsible for providing care and support to children and their families. This includes providing social, emotional, and physical support during times of crisis or when the child needs assistance coping with normal life challenges.

Some of the benefits of being a Child Life Specialist include:

* Increased knowledge and understanding of how children think and process information.
* Increased ability to communicate with children in a clear, concise, and non-judgmental manner.
* Increased ability to build relationships with children and their families.

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* Greater appreciation for the unique perspective that children have on life.
* Increased ability to address complex issues affecting children effectively.

Conclusion

Becoming a child life specialist is a challenging but rewarding career. If you are committed to providing excellent care for children and their families, this is the career for you. In order to become a child life specialist, you will need to have strong clinical skills and knowledge of pediatric emergency care and pediatric intensive care.

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You will also need to be able to work effectively with other professionals in the healthcare field and have excellent communication skills. If these qualities sound like they would be valuable additions to your resume, then becoming a child life specialist may be the right choice for you!