Child Life Specialists

Employers

Child life specialists work as members of the health care team typically in hospitals. Increasingly, though, specialists are finding employment outside of hospitals at such places as rehabilitation centers, hospices, ambulatory care facilities, courtrooms, and funeral homes and bereavement services. Most child life programs in hospitals are autonomous and report to hospital administrations as other departments and programs do.

Child life programs often work with school programs within hospitals. Specialists may work with teachers to coordinate the curriculum with recreational activities. They also may encourage hospital administrations to provide adequate classroom facilities and highly qualified teachers.

Starting Out

Your internship may provide you with valuable contacts that can give you information on job leads. In addition, the career services center of your college or university should be able to help you locate your first job. The Association of Child Life Professionals offers a job bank (https://aclp.nationalhealthcarecareers.com) that lists openings at hospitals and clinics. You may also contact hospitals' placement offices directly for information on available positions.