Child Life Educator Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In today’s dynamic world, the focus on Child Life Educators has never been more essential.

As children are the future, the need for compassionate, skilled, and dedicated individuals who can guide, educate, and protect their development grows ever stronger.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from a Child Life Educator?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker aiming to understand the core of this role,
• A hiring manager outlining the perfect candidate,
• Or simply curious about the integral role of Child Life Education,

You’re in the right place.

Today, we present a customizable Child Life Educator job description template, designed for easy posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right in.

Child Life Educator Duties and Responsibilities

Child Life Educators are specialists who support the emotional and developmental needs of children in healthcare settings.

They have a deep understanding of child development and use this knowledge to help children understand and cope with their medical experiences.

Child Life Educators have the following duties and responsibilities:

• Assess the developmental, social and emotional needs of children in a healthcare setting
• Plan and implement therapeutic play activities to help children understand and manage their medical conditions
• Provide education about healthcare experiences and procedures to children and their families in a developmentally appropriate manner
• Support children and families during medical procedures, offering comfort and understanding
• Collaborate with a multidisciplinary team, including doctors, nurses, social workers, and other healthcare professionals to develop a comprehensive plan of care
• Provide crisis intervention services to children and families in distress
• Advocate for the needs and rights of children and families in healthcare settings
• Document and evaluate the services provided to ensure the effectiveness of the interventions

 

Child Life Educator Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a dedicated and compassionate Child Life Educator to join our team.

The primary responsibility of this role is to support children and families during hospital stays and medical procedures, helping to alleviate fear and anxiety through education and therapeutic activities.

The ideal candidate should have a deep understanding of child development and experience in a pediatric healthcare setting.

The ultimate goal for the Child Life Educator is to promote optimum development of children facing a broad range of challenges related to healthcare and hospitalization.

 

Responsibilities

• Design and implement therapeutic and educational activities for children and their families.
• Provide age-appropriate explanations for medical procedures and hospital stays to reduce anxiety and stress.
• Work closely with a multidisciplinary team to provide comprehensive patient care.
• Help children cope with the challenges of hospitalization, illness, or disability.
• Advocate for the needs of children and families within the healthcare system.
• Assist children and families with grief and bereavement issues.
• Maintain accurate patient records and document patient progress and treatment plans.
• Provide emotional support and guidance to families and patients.
• Participate in patient care meetings and contribute to treatment planning.

 

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Child Life, Child Development, Psychology, or a related field.
• Certified Child Life Specialist (CCLS) credential required.
• Proven experience as a Child Life Specialist or similar role in a healthcare setting.
• Strong understanding of child development and the impact of illness and hospitalization on this development.
• Ability to communicate effectively with children and families in stressful situations.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Compassionate and patient with a high degree of professionalism.

 

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Professional development opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Child Life Educator
• Work Environment: Hospital setting. Weekend and evening hours may be required.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Child Life Services Manager.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume, certifications, and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Child Life Educator Do?

A Child Life Educator typically works in healthcare settings such as hospitals, clinics, or therapeutic centers.

They may also work in educational institutions, social service agencies, or even in the private sector as consultants or private practitioners.

They play a crucial role in assisting children and their families to understand and manage challenging health experiences, especially those related to hospitalization.

They provide children with age-appropriate educational activities that explain medical procedures, diagnoses, and conditions.

Their job includes planning, organizing, and implementing programs that promote effective coping through play, preparation, education, and self-expression activities.

They help to ease the anxiety and stress of children and families during medical procedures.

Child Life Educators also serve as a resource for the medical team, providing insights about the child’s understanding and emotional response to their illness and treatment.

In addition, they may advocate for the needs of children and their families within the healthcare system, ensuring the child’s comfort and emotional well-being are prioritized alongside their medical care.

Overall, their goal is to promote the optimal development of children facing a broad range of challenges related to healthcare and hospitalization, and to ensure their families are effectively supported in the process.

 

Child Life Educator Qualifications and Skills

A qualified Child Life Educator should have a range of technical knowledge, soft skills and practical experience to support and educate children and their families during challenging experiences such as hospitalization, illness or disability.

These include:

• Excellent communication skills to effectively explain complex medical information to children and their families in a way they can understand, as well as to liaise effectively with medical professionals.
• Knowledge of child development and psychology to assist children in understanding and coping with their situations.
• Empathy and compassion to provide emotional support to children and their families during difficult times.
• Ability to create and implement therapeutic play programs to reduce stress and anxiety in children and promote positive coping skills.
• Exceptional problem-solving skills to identify individual needs of each child and develop tailored care plans.
• Strong organizational skills to manage multiple cases, document patient progress and liaise with medical teams.
• Creativity and resourcefulness to develop engaging educational materials and activities suitable for a variety of age groups and cognitive abilities.
• Patience and resilience to work in emotionally challenging environments and deal with difficult situations.

 

Child Life Educator Experience Requirements

For a Child Life Educator position, entry-level candidates usually have a bachelor’s degree in child life, child development, or a related field.

They may also have completed an internship or practicum in a child life setting, acquiring practical experience in the field.

Some individuals may gain initial experience in roles such as a childcare worker, preschool teacher, or social worker.

This experience allows them to understand the physical, emotional, and developmental needs of children, which is crucial for a Child Life Educator role.

Candidates with 2 to 3 years of experience often have a Certified Child Life Specialist (CCLS) credential, which is highly valued in this field.

They have developed their skills through hands-on experience, often working in hospitals or healthcare settings providing emotional support to children and families during stressful situations.

Those with more than 5 years of experience may have advanced their knowledge and skills in child psychology and development, crisis intervention, and therapeutic play.

They may be ready to take on leadership roles such as a Child Life Director or Program Manager, and are often equipped to design and implement child life programs in healthcare settings.

In all cases, the role of a Child Life Educator requires a deep understanding of children’s needs and the ability to work closely with their families and healthcare teams.

Therefore, experience working with children in stressful situations is highly beneficial.

 

Child Life Educator Education and Training Requirements

Child Life Educators typically need a bachelor’s degree in child life, child development, psychology or a related field.

Coursework in areas such as child growth and development, psychology, human anatomy, pediatric illnesses, therapeutic play, and family systems are especially beneficial.

In addition to a degree, becoming a Certified Child Life Specialist (CCLS) is highly recommended and often required by employers.

The certification process includes completing an internship under the supervision of a certified Child Life Specialist and passing the Child Life Professional Certification Exam.

Many employers also require Child Life Educators to have experience working with children, particularly in a hospital or healthcare setting.

Continuing education is important in this role to stay informed about the latest research and techniques in child life education.

Some professionals choose to pursue a master’s degree in a related field to further their knowledge and increase their opportunities for advancement.

Child Life Educators should also have strong communication, empathy, and teaching skills to help children understand and cope with their illnesses, as well as guide families through difficult situations.

 

Child Life Educator Salary Expectations

A Child Life Educator can expect to earn an average salary of $51,767 (USD) per year.

However, the actual salary can significantly vary based on the level of experience, education, geographical location, and the employing institution.

 

Child Life Educator Job Description FAQs

What skills does a Child Life Educator need?

Child Life Educators should have strong communication and interpersonal skills to connect with children of all ages and their families.

They need to be knowledgeable about child development and must be capable of using this information to help children and families understand and cope with hospitalization or illness.

Problem-solving skills are essential for creating individualized care plans, as are patience and empathy.

Child Life Educators also need to be able to work as part of a multi-disciplinary team.

 

Do Child Life Educators need a degree?

Yes, Child Life Educators typically need a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in a field related to child development or education.

Many also have a master’s degree in child life, child development, counseling, or a related field.

They must also complete an internship under the guidance of a Certified Child Life Specialist (CCLS) and pass a certification exam to become a CCLS.

 

What should you look for in a Child Life Educator resume?

In addition to the appropriate educational qualifications, look for experience working with children, especially in a healthcare setting.

Look for a Child Life Educator who is a Certified Child Life Specialist (CCLS), which demonstrates that they have met rigorous standards in their field.

Other valuable skills may include experience with grief counseling, family support, and knowledge of therapeutic play techniques.

 

What qualities make a good Child Life Educator?

A good Child Life Educator is compassionate, empathetic, and patient.

They should have excellent communication skills to explain complex medical procedures and conditions to children in an understandable way.

They must also be resilient and adaptable, as working in a healthcare environment can often be unpredictable and emotionally challenging.

 

What are the daily duties of a Child Life Educator?

On a typical day, a Child Life Educator might meet with a child and their family to explain a diagnosis or upcoming procedure, using age-appropriate language and teaching aids.

They may also arrange therapeutic play sessions for children in the hospital, facilitate support groups for siblings or parents, or collaborate with other healthcare professionals to create a care plan for a child.

Other duties could include documenting interactions and progress, and staying up to-date with the latest research in child development and psychology.

 

Conclusion

So there you have it.

Today, we’ve explored the heart and soul of what it means to be a Child Life Educator.

And guess what?

It’s not just about teaching and childcare.

It’s about shaping the future, one child at a time.

With our go-to Child Life Educator job description template and real-world examples, you’re ready to take your next step.

But why limit your journey here?

Delve further with our job description generator. It’s your key to crafting precise job listings or refining your resume to absolute perfection.

Remember:

Every child educated is a step towards a brighter future.

Let’s shape that future. Together.

How to Become a Child Life Educator (Complete Guide)

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