What is the Mentorship Program?

The ACLP Mentorship Program is free for ACLP members. As a structured six-month program, it is designed to support the career development and growth of both emerging & established child life specialists.

Individuals are paired together based on criteria outlined in the application. Pairings will work together during the six month duration through a series of monthly webinars where individuals earn 6.0 PDUs, one-on-one meetings, and messaging.

Timeline

The Mentorship Program will be opening the next round of applications later in 2025. Please check back in 2025 for more details and specific dates.

2025

Mentor Criteria

To be considered as a Mentor, individuals must:

  • Hold the Certified Child Life Specialist credential

  • Be employed as a CCLS for at least three years by January 2024

  • Be a professional member of ACLP

  • Identify and describe skills or expertise that could be shared with a mentee and a desire to support a mentee

  • Submit a completed application

Not Accepting Applications

Mentoring is a great way to support our fellow colleagues and it opens up conversations for support to each other.

2021 Mentorship Program Participant

Mentee Criteria

To be considered as a Mentee, individuals must:

  • Hold the Certified Child Life Specialist credential as of January 2024

  • Be a professional member of ACLP

  • Be currently employed as a child life specialist, with at least one year of paid work

  • Describe a general learning or professional development focus

  • Submit an application

Not Accepting Applications

My mentor and I created a friendship, in addition to mentorship, and are still able to reach out and learn from one another even though our official program has ended.

2021 Mentorship Program Participant

FAQs: Mentorship Program Logistics

Do I need to be in the same place of employment for the duration of the program?

What is the monthly time commitment?

What if I am unable to attend sessions based on vacations/sickness/patient needs?

I've only been in the field for three years, but I think I could be a good mentor. Can I still apply?

Can I be a mentor/mentee if I do not have a formal leadership role in my institution?

I would like to apply as a mentee, but I am a student.

Am I allowed to be both a mentee and mentor?

Do I have to be a mentee through this program before I am eligible to be a mentor?

FAQs: Mentor / Mentee Relationship

I have a terrific supervisor at my job. Should I still apply?

Do I need to have a specific goal in mind to be a mentee?

What if I get matched with someone who I don't have a lot in common with?

Will I have the opportunity to meet my mentor/mentee in person?

Who is the responsible party for driving the conversations?

What if my mentor match isn't what I expected?

Can I stay in touch with my mentor/mentee afterwards?