Association of Child Life Professionals

08/19/2026

Have you ever wondered what the ACLP Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee does?

Go behind the scenes to learn how the committee supports child life professionals through education, advocacy and resources that help foster a more inclusive profession and better care for children and families.

https://www.childlife.org/Resources/Publications/ACLP-Bulletin/ACLP-Bulletin-Issue-2-Table-of-Contents/Behind-the-Work-The-ACLP-DEI-Committee "

08/18/2026

🌈 Connect with colleagues in a supportive community.

The LGBTQIA+ Affinity Group will meet on Tuesday, August 19 at noon. This member space offers an opportunity to connect, share experiences and build community with fellow LGBTQIA+ child life professionals.

Interested in joining? email [email protected] to be added to the meeting invite

08/17/2026

There’s an art to combining research, play, and the ability to meet a child's needs where they are. 💙

Certified child life specialists bring expertise, creativity and compassion to every interaction, helping children and families navigate healthcare experiences with greater understanding, confidence and support.

08/14/2026

✨ Board Member Spotlight: ACLP President Victoria (Vicky) Isaacson, CCLS, NCC

With more than 20 years of experience as a child life specialist, Vicky has dedicated her career to supporting children and families while advancing the child life profession. From expanding child life services in child advocacy settings to mentoring future specialists and serving ACLP for more than a decade, her leadership continues to make a meaningful impact.

As ACLP President, Vicky will lead the 2026 ACLP Annual Business Meeting on August 25 at 2 p.m. CT, bringing members together to hear updates from association and commission leadership, learn more about ACLP’s work and financial health, and participate in a Q&A.

Thank you, Vicky, for your continued leadership, commitment to ACLP, and dedication to the child life community. 💙

📅 Join us August 25 at 2 p.m. CT for the Annual Business Meeting.

08/13/2026

Your expertise can help strengthen the child life certification program. 💙

The Child Life Certification Commission (CLCC) is seeking active CCLSs in non-academic roles to volunteer as item writers and reviewers for the certification examination.

Your expertise can help ensure the exam remains relevant, valid, and reflective of current child life practice.

📅 Interested? Submit the contact form by Friday, August 21, 2026, at 11:59 p.m.

https://form.jotform.com/262223435730046

08/11/2026

A familiar face is gracing the back cover of the latest AAP News! 👀

Congratulations to Hilary Woodward, MS, CCLS, Director of Patient and Family Programs at Children’s Hospital at Montefiore Einstein, on this well-deserved spotlight celebrating the compassionate work of child life professionals.

We’re proud to see Hilary representing the impact of child life and grateful that she’s sharing the spotlight with ACLP and our profession. 💙

08/10/2026

🏆 Applications are now open!

Help us celebrate the child life professionals whose leadership, innovation and clinical excellence are making a lasting impact on our profession.

The Distinguished Service Award recognizes exceptional leaders for their outstanding contributions to the field of child life and the Mary Barkey Clinical Excellence Award honors a child life specialist who has demonstrated exemplary patient care and exceptional clinical skill.

Nominate a deserving colleague—or yourself—and help us recognize excellence in child life. Submit your application today.

➡️Distinguished Service Award https://www.childlife.org/About/Awards-Grants/Distinguished-Service-Award

➡️Mary Barkey Clinical Excellence Award
https://www.childlife.org/About/Awards-Grants/Mary-Barkey-Clinical-Excellence-Award

08/05/2026

💜Community. Connection. Support.

The ACLP Disability Affinity Group provides a confidential space for members who identify as part of the disability community to connect, share experiences, build relationships, and support one another.

Whether you're looking to engage in meaningful conversations, expand your network, or connect with peers who share similar lived experiences, you're invited to join us.

📅 Next meeting: Thursday, August 6, at 1 p.m. CT
📧 Interested in joining? Email [email protected] to be added to the meeting invite.

Together, we're building a more inclusive and supportive child life community where every member is empowered to show up as their authentic self. 💜

08/04/2026

We are deeply saddened by the passing of Stefi G. Rubin, Ph.D. A passionate advocate for children and families, respected educator, and supporter of the child life profession, Stefi's impact will be felt for generations. Our thoughts are with all who loved and learned from her. 💙

View STEFI G. RUBIN Ph.D.'s obituary, send flowers and sign the guestbook.

08/03/2026

In tomorrow's webinar we'll explore how data can help create emotionally safer experiences for pediatric patients and families.

Join us live or catch the on-demand recording of Emotional Safety in Pediatrics: A Data-Informed Approach to Quality Care to hear from Jenaya Gordon, MA, CCLS, NCC, and Barbara Romito, MA, CCLS, as they share practical, evidence-informed strategies to strengthen emotional safety and improve quality care across pediatric settings.

Whether you're looking to enhance your practice or bring new insights back to your team, this webinar offers actionable takeaways you can apply right away.

https://education.childlife.org/products/emotional-safety-in-pediatrics-a-data-informed-approach-to-quality-care