Child development certificationUnited States

Certified Child Life Specialist (CCLS)

Association of Child Life Professionals

What parents should know

Specialist in helping children and families cope with hospitalization, illness, and medical procedures. Uses play, preparation, and education to minimize stress and support development.

Coaching is not therapy

Parenting coaching focuses on goal-setting, skill-building, and moving forward. It is not a substitute for therapy or mental health treatment. Coaches with therapy licenses may offer coaching services separately from their clinical practice.

Requirements

Bachelor’s or master’s degree, 600-hour supervised clinical internship, certification exam

Certified Child Life Specialist (CCLS) is a credential of Association of Child Life Professionals. The Parenting Passport is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by Association of Child Life Professionals. Information on this page is sourced from publicly available materials.

At a glance

Issued by
Association of Child Life Professionals
Region
United States
Regulation
Not government-regulated
Requirements
Bachelor’s or master’s degree, 600-hour supervised clinical internship, certification exam
Official website

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Certified Child Life Specialist (CCLS): What Parents Need to Know | The Parenting Passport