HDFS 476 - Foundations in Child Life

(3 units)

Overview of the child life (CL) profession and the role of a child life specialist (CLS) in the healthcare environment and in alternative settings. Review of the history of the profession and value of CLS services as part of the mental health team. Taught in alignment with the knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs) required to enter into the CL field.

Maximum units a student may earn: 3

Prerequisite(s): HDFS 201 or HDFS 202

Grading Basis: Graded
Units of Lecture: 3
Offered: Every Spring

Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:
1. describe official documents of Association of Child Life Professionals (ACLP) and Child Life Certifying Committee (CLCC), including Code of Ethics, Competencies, Standards of Practice, and Evidence-Based Practice Statements.
2. articulate the scope of child life specialist services, value of the child life profession, and foundational theories that support child and family development.
3. explain the impact that illness/trauma/healthcare experiences have on children’s development and family coping.
4. identify the principles of patient and family-centered care, trauma informed service provision, and the benefits of child life services in this manner.
5. demonstrate the value of developmentally appropriate preparation in a variety of settings and value play (therapeutic and medical) as a modality for supporting infants, children, youth and families.
6. act with cultural awareness and cultural humility when working with children and families in a variety of settings (healthcare, community, and the like).

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