2 answers
Eddie
Student
1
Question
Updated
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What classes should I take in high school to be a child life specialist?
I’m currently a sophomore in high school and I want to be a child life specialist. I’m not sure what to study in college or what AP classes would be helpful. I’m currently enrolled in principles of education and training where I will eventually work with preschool aged kids and am in a health science class and previously took medical terminology. Also, are there any jobs in hospitals that a high school student could work? Are there any programs in the Houston area for training CCLS’s? College recommendations. I know this is a lot for a sophomore but really,thank you so much. :)
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2 answers
Hany Abdulfattah
Pharmacist
14
Answers
Kuwait City, Al Asimah Governate, Kuwait
Updated
Hany’s Answer
A child life specialist is a healthcare provider who works with children during illness, injury, or hospitalization. They help ensure that children and their families have the best possible experience in the hospital. Child life specialists are educated and clinically trained in the developmental impact of illness and injury and use play, education, and other techniques to help reduce children’s fear, anxiety, and pain.
An example of a work environment for child life specialists is the MR-I Can Do It program at the C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital at the University of Michigan. It features an aquatic-themed MRI machine that gamifies a claustrophobic medical procedure to help children stay still so that technicians get the most accurate imaging results.
A child life specialist balances mental and physical health while working alongside children and their families. Child life specialists can meet with patients and families before scheduled surgeries or procedures to provide developmentally appropriate information about what will happen during the medical experience. They also offer emotional support for children and their families throughout the process and, if needed, grief and bereavement care.
In addition to providing emotional support, child life specialists also provide educational materials on health topics such as nutrition, hygiene, safety, growth & development, coping skills & stress management. They also offer therapeutic activities such as art therapy, music therapy, pet therapy, and distraction techniques.
An example of a work environment for child life specialists is the MR-I Can Do It program at the C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital at the University of Michigan. It features an aquatic-themed MRI machine that gamifies a claustrophobic medical procedure to help children stay still so that technicians get the most accurate imaging results.
A child life specialist balances mental and physical health while working alongside children and their families. Child life specialists can meet with patients and families before scheduled surgeries or procedures to provide developmentally appropriate information about what will happen during the medical experience. They also offer emotional support for children and their families throughout the process and, if needed, grief and bereavement care.
In addition to providing emotional support, child life specialists also provide educational materials on health topics such as nutrition, hygiene, safety, growth & development, coping skills & stress management. They also offer therapeutic activities such as art therapy, music therapy, pet therapy, and distraction techniques.
Kelsi Moore
Certified Child Life Specialist
3
Answers
Lehi, Utah
Updated
Kelsi’s Answer
All these classes are great for getting ready for a career in child life. The key thing to do is visit the Association of Child Life Professionals' website to find the latest certification requirements. Just go to www.childlife.org for that info. You can also find details there about schools near you that offer child life courses. Classes in education, human development, child development, psychology, health care, medical terms, play, and dealing with death and dying are all really helpful.
As far as jobs you could work, anything that gets you working with kids is going to add to the experience you can draw upon when applying for internships. We want to see a well rounded experience of working with healthy and typically developing kids, working with kids in stressful situations or with difficult backgrounds or with developmental delays, and working with kids in the hospital or medical setting.
As far as jobs you could work, anything that gets you working with kids is going to add to the experience you can draw upon when applying for internships. We want to see a well rounded experience of working with healthy and typically developing kids, working with kids in stressful situations or with difficult backgrounds or with developmental delays, and working with kids in the hospital or medical setting.