ACLP Mission

To foster excellence in child life professionals through engagement in education, scientific inquiry, and innovation.

ACLP Vision

Children and families of every race, identity, and community understand, navigate, and cope with serious life events.

ACLP Core Values

Integrity – We promote consistent self-awareness, accountability, responsibility, and ethical decision-making. We strive for full transparency in our actions and communications.

Equity - We strive for equitable treatment, opportunities, and access to our information and resources for all. We believe achieving equity is only possible in an environment built on respect and dignity.

Inclusivity - We build a culture of belonging by actively inviting the contribution and participation of people of every race, identity, and community. We believe every person’s voice adds value, and we strive to create balance in the face of power differences.

Collaboration – We bring together those with diverse perspectives, experience, and expertise to strengthen and enrich our organization.

Excellence - We integrate scientific evidence, best practices, rigorous standards, and innovation throughout our organization’s work.

ACLP Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Definitions

Diversity - Diversity is the representation of all our varied individual and collective identities and differences.  We proactively seek out and engage with a variety of perspectives because we believe we can only advance justice when we affirm our similarities and understand and find value in our differences.

Equity - Equity is fair treatment, equitable opportunities, and access to our information and resources for all. We recognize that we do not all start from the same place and must acknowledge and make adjustments to address these imbalances. We believe achieving equity is only possible in an environment built on respect and dignity.

Inclusion - Inclusion is an environment and culture of belonging that actively invites the contribution and participation of people of every race, identity, and community. We believe every person’s voice adds value, and we strive to create balance in the face of power differences. We believe that no one person can or should be called upon to represent an entire community.

ACLP Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Statement

The ACLP strives to create a safe and accessible environment where individuals feel they belong. The organization welcomes representation in all forms and works to dismantle barriers within the child life profession. We commit to embracing diversity, equity, and inclusion through collaboration and engaging the unique perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences of our members and the communities we serve.

ACLP Anti-Racism Statement

Anti-Racism Statement - We commit to antiracism through the promotion of inclusion, belonging, and the emotional safety of patients, families, workforces, and the communities we serve.

Addressing Staffing Crisis & Salary Concerns Within the Child Life Profession

Addressing Staffing Crisis & Salary Concerns Within the Child Life Profession

December 2023

As part of our commitment to continued transparency and open communication, we wanted to provide you with an update about the ongoing efforts of the Association for Child Life Professionals (ACLP) to address the staffing crisis and concerns related to low wages that many of our members have raised.

First and foremost, we understand the daily challenges that many child life professionals face, particularly when it comes to vacant positions, shortage of clinical supervisors, compensation imbalance, increased workload, and burnout. This is a problem that deeply concerns us. Compensation levels are not reflective of the critical role child life specialists play in supporting children and families. The emotional and psychological support provided by child life specialists is immense, and it is only fair that salary compensation should align with the significance of this work.

While ACLP is unable to directly control or impose pay rates at individual hospitals or healthcare institutions, we recognize the significance of fair and competitive compensation for child life professionals. We want to assure you that the ACLP is actively working on solutions to influence organizations to advocate for improved compensation structures. One way we are doing this is through the approval of the new Child Life Leadership Development Task Force. This task force will be charged with creating resources to address specific needs of the child life workforce. Their leading task will be to develop a salary advocacy toolkit that child life specialists can use when meeting with hospital decision-makers.

We also recognize the power of a collective voice, therefore ACLP is also exploring opportunities to collaborate with healthcare organizations and stakeholders to emphasize the importance of incorporating child life services, adequate staffing, and fair compensation for child life professionals. Our nonprofit designation limits the amount of time paid staff can spend on advocacy work, consequently, ACLP leadership is focusing on coalition building to strengthen advocacy efforts. For example, establishing new relationships with attendees of the Emotional Safety Summit II as well as the continuation of a Certified Child Life Specialist serving as the ACLP liaison to the American Academy of Pediatrics’ Committee on Hospital Care.

While the road ahead may be challenging, the ACLP remains dedicated to supporting its members and advocating for positive change within the field of child life. We encourage you to stay engaged, share your successful outcomes in workforce advocacy efforts, and actively participate in the initiatives and resources that the ACLP is developing to address these issues.

Gun Violence Prevention & Safety: ACLP Policy Statement

Gun Violence Prevention & Safety: ACLP Policy Statement

April 2023

Gun violence is a public health crisis impacting the children, families, and communities Certified Child Life Specialists serve. As advocates, condolences are not enough.

Every Child Deserves to Feel Safe in Every Aspect of Their Life

Every Child Deserves to Feel Safe in Every Aspect of Their Life

March 31, 2023

As we close out this year’s Child Life Month, with the ongoing rise of traumatic incidents that affect children and families across our communities, we are once again reminded of how fragile life can be. Child life specialists are equipped with the skills to help children cope with serious life events; however, addressing traumatic news is still a challenge to face – and one you do not have to do alone. ACLP is here to support you and the child life community...

A Call to Action for the Child Life Community: Offering Grace During an Unprecedented Time

A Call to Action for the Child Life Community: Offering Grace During an Unprecedented Time

September 2, 2022

Thank you for your continued support of children and families throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. This continues to be an arduous time, and your strength and perseverance are applauded. As we approach the upcoming internship cycle, we would like to acknowledge some of the significant challenges that have been at the center of discussion among the child life community...

ACLP Statement Backing the American Academy of Pediatrics Policy Supporting Adolescents' Rights to Access Reproductive Healthcare Services

Association of Child Life Professionals Statement Backing the American Academy of Pediatrics Policy Supporting Adolescents' Rights to Access Reproductive Healthcare Services

June 28, 2022

Despite the recent Supreme Court decision to overturn Roe v. Wade, the Association of Child Life Professionals remains resolute in backing the American Academy of Pediatrics' longstanding policy of supporting adolescents’ right to access comprehensive, evidence-based reproductive healthcare services, including abortion.

ACLP Position Statement on Deadly School Shootings

Association of Child Life Professionals Position Statement on Deadly School Shootings

May 26, 2022

Statement from Alison E. Heron, MBA, CAE, CEO of the Association of Child Life Professionals on the deadly mass shootings that are tearing communities across the country apart with communities of color being disproportionately harmed.

ACLP Condemns Actions that Threaten the Health of Transgender and LGBTQIA+ Youth

Association of Child Life Professionals Condemns Actions that Threaten the Health of Transgender and LGBTQIA+ Youth

March 10, 2022

The Association of Child Life Professionals (ACLP) strongly condemns the actions occurring across the United States that directly threaten the health and well-being of transgender, gender-expansive, and LGBTQ youth. 

ACLP is a 501(c)(3) non profit association. What is an association?

ACLP is an 501(c)3 non-profit association. Associations generally operate as membership organizations, with the primary focus of providing services and benefits to members of that specific group (i.e. education, networking, professional development, etc). There are many associations for all types of professions such as the American Physical Therapy Association, the American Psychiatric Association, American Insitute of Architects, American Bankers Association, and thousands more! 

Who runs an association?

Associations are run by a board of directors.  For ACLP, board elections are determined by a membership vote. Since board members are elected by the membership, the terms for each board position are clearly defined. At ACLP, all board members are required to be Certified Child Life Specialists (CCLSs). The CEO oversees staff and operations and reports to the board of directors.  

Who does “the work” at ACLP?

ACLP is composed of the board of directors (volunteers), committees run by volunteers, members, and staff. Strategic plan goals are divided into projects and assigned to ACLP Committees to be completed. Over 25 different ACLP Committees, Work Groups, and Task Forces then come together to complete the assignments they have been given. Once the project is complete, the committee submits their final project back to the board for approval. The board reviews, provides feedback on, and/or approves the committee's work. If changes are needed, the work goes back to the committee for revisions. Once the board has approved the work, it is then sent to ACLP staff to distribute or implement. The child life community then provides feedback on projects and what the strategic plan's priorities should be through surveys, meetings, etc. The process then repeats itself every two years with a new strategic plan.

Who leads the ACLP?

The ACLP is led by the Board of Directors.  The ACLP CEO reports to the board. The board is made up of a president, president-elect, past-president, secretary, treasurer, four director roles, Canadian liaison, CLCC liaison, ACLP CEO, and two public members. Excluding the CEO and public members, all other individuals on the board are Certified Child Life Specialists and bring their experience as CCLSs to all discussions and conversations. Board members are volunteer positions. 

Why is the board not paid for their work?

The vast majority of board members for charitable nonprofits serve as volunteers without any compensation. 

What does ACLP have oversight of?

ACLP oversees the awareness of the profession, fostering community, enabling learning through education and training, building knowledge as the definitive source for resources and research, and fiscal responsibility. 

Who makes up the ACLP staff?

Like other associations, ACLP staff is comprised of association management professionals who have both experience and knowledge of how associations are run as well as expertise in their specific role, such as marketing or education. 

Why is the ACLP staff not made up of CCLSs?

ACLP staff are not responsible for the development of projects, programs, or initiatives. ACLP Committees are the entities developing the content and then it is staff who distributes or implements. Staff members have their respective degrees, certifications, and experience in their specific line of work. 

What are my membership dues going towards?

Membership dues support the overall operation of ACLP. For example, dues support both revenue generating as well as free programming for the profession (i.e. Mentorship program, Meet-Ups, etc) as well as other operational budget items such as technology, website, staff, software, etc.

Are ACLP and the CLCC the same organization?

How much advocacy can ACLP do as a 501(c)3 do versus the CLCC as a 501(c)6?

ACLP is a 501(c)3 nonprofit association. The IRS is clear on its rules relating to nonprofits and lobbying and political activities. Generally speaking, 501(c)(6) organizations have more latitude when it comes to engaging in activities of this nature. They are allowed to engage in unlimited lobbying and may also support and endorse political candidates.

On the other hand, a 501(c)(3) organization should not engage in unlimited lobbying activities. 501(c)(3) public charities may engage in lobbying so long as such activities are insubstantial in relation to their overall activities. Doing so risks the loss of tax-exempt status and likely runs outside the organization's mission statement.    

Do I have to be an ACLP member to maintain my CCLS credential?

No. You do not have to be a member to maintain your CCLS credential 

Why am I paying ACLP for my certification dues?

You aren’t! Your certification dues are going directly to the CLCC bank account. The two organizations have separate financials as they are separate organizations.  

Why doesn’t ACLP stop hospitals from hiring noncertified individuals in CCLS roles?

ACLP does not oversee certification activities. The CLCC has authority for making decisions regarding all certification activities.