How can I become a child life specialist?
There are several educational steps that you have to take to become a child life specialist. In general, the more education you get, the better. However, the availability of work may be minimal, but your chances of finding opportunities will generally increase if you have other skills as if you could speak a different language or have experience with children.
Before you start an educational trip in this specialization, you may want to consider a few things. The most important thing is that child life specialists work on high -pressure jobs and often suffer from emotional myth, especially when a young patient loses their lives. The ability to effectively deal with difficult and sad situations is definitely a prerequisite. Many hospitals do not have a child life department, and if you cannot get funds to start one, the most available work takes place in large cities.
Once you find out that you want to become a child life specialist, you will first have to get a bachelor's degree. In general, if you study a university degree in children's development or education, you will need to complete many other classes in psychology to fully cover the spectrum of things that you will have to know to work in this work. Some universities are now offering child life programs that can provide you with the best training and the most likely chance of work as soon as you complete the title.
, as well as education in family counseling, death, development of children, family dynamics and cultural sociology, you may also want to spend some time studying a medical point of view. You should have at least a minimum knowledge of medical terms and possibly a course proposed to understand the main diseases of children. From their parents to be frustrated when they feel that they have to explain such matters of hospital staff can be very auxiliaryOh, when you are preparing to become a specialist in a child's life.
When visiting a school, you can also consider a volunteer or a paid position that works with children. Volunteering in the center or camp, which focuses on children with big diseases, should help develop your career. Most countries have ordered pre -school children programs with significant learning or illnesses that are entitled to a free preschool and services. These schools, called Selpa in California, often hire assistants, although the clock may contradict your school clock.
Once you have reached the classroom requirements, you will need to complete at least 480 hours for internship with a baby life. It is a great opportunity that can help you create a connection necessary to get a job in this area. It is important that these positions are often unpaid or low reward.
Most states in the US require certification to work as a specialistTyan life. This certification will include compulsory fingerprint checks and background checks. Some programs may also require a drug test or psychological assessment. Certification may require approximately 4,000 hours of experience under field supervision before you can sit on the exam. Check state laws on specific instructions as they may vary. Getting a certification in several countries can increase your job chances. After becoming a certified child life specialist, further education may be required to maintain certification.