Child Life Specialists Poster

About This Resource

Child Life Specialists are credentialed professionals trained in child development, coping, and the science of how kids process fear, pain, and stress during medical experiences. They work in hospitals, clinics, and emergency departments — helping kids and families through procedures, surgeries, diagnoses, and everything that comes with them.

This illustrated guide walks through the role: what Child Life Specialists actually do, how they work with kids and care teams, and why the outcomes matter. Created in collaboration with Child Life professionals to get the details right.

How to Use This

FOR PARENTS: Read through it before your child’s next hospital visit or procedure. It gives you the language to ask for Child Life services and helps you understand what to expect. Share it with grandparents, babysitters, or anyone who might take your child to an appointment.

FOR PROVIDERS: Print copies for your waiting room or share the link with families before scheduled procedures. It’s a quick visual explainer that does the work of introducing Child Life services so the conversation can start from a shared foundation.

FOR CHILD LIFE SPECIALISTS: Use it with kids, families, and medical providers — it explains the incredible you do in a way that makes sense the stressed family and the provider who doesn’t get the depth of your skill set quite yet! Share it on social media during Child Life Month or any time someone asks what you do.

Who Is This For

Parents, caregivers, healthcare providers, and Child Life Specialists.