ABSTRACT
The duties of a child life specialist are varied and emotionally challenging; these specialists work with young clients and their families in delicate situations. For example, child life specialists often work with infants and their families in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) or have to comfort and support children who face end-of-life concerns. Child life specialists work in hospitals or other health-related settings with children who are ill or with children whose parents are ill. They help relieve the anxiety and stress that come with illness, providing emotional and social support for the children and their parents and families. They provide family-centered care, usually working with a team of nurses, social workers, parent educators, physicians, and other professionals. The training and education requirements for child life specialists are currently changing. In 2019, there will be more requirements for coursework and internship hours. The requirements may change again after 2022.
