Code C.L.I.O. (Child Life Isn’t Optional)

While play may be a child's favorite language, words still matter during the hard moments. Books can be an essential tool in helping with everything from learning how to name + handle different emotions to providing a template for difficult conversations, diagnosis education, and trauma informed care on topics like death, dying, and grief.  Join Episode 5 guests, Laura Camerona, CCLS and Jessica C...

Child development + stress/trauma/harm to that development doesn’t just exist during a hospital admission or a clinic visit. The good news? The solution to supporting children and families outside the four walls of a hospital is already here. The real question is are we ready to listen and uplift the Certified Child Life Specialists doing it?! Join guests Katie Taylor, CCLS and Shani Thornton, MS,...

What does it look like when hospitals don't value your child's psychological and emotional safety? A 2023 salary survey suggests it might mean nearly 60% of the Certified Child Life Specialists who do this vital, necessary work become "likely" or "extremely likely" forced out due to an inability to afford basic living expenses.  Kirsten Black, MS, CCLS, Registered HPS (and architect of that salary...

➡️ April 09. 🕔 5:00pm EDT 🗣️ Episode 3: The War on Wages w/guest Kirsten Black, MS, CCLS, Registered HPS It matters that the people who care for your child’s psychological and emotional safety can’t afford their basic living expenses. It matters that hospitals see Certified Child Life Specialists as opportunities to trim the budget. It matters that we refuse to allow this topic to become too tabo...

Between junk certifications, hospitals hiring non Certified Child Life Specialists for "child life" departments, and people selling products promising the results of a CCLS without actually being a CCLS, there has never been a more important time to protect you, your family, and, most of all, your children during your most vulnerable moments.  Join us for Episode 2 as Cinda McDonald, M.Ed., CCLS,...

Welcome to CODE C.L.I.O.; A new podcast about uplifting the child life field + educating the public on our work as essential clinicians! This podcast is for everyone and anyone who cares about the psychosocial, cognitive, and emotional development of children. Certified Child Life Specialists (CCLS) want to care for you and your families. But, we can’t do that if we don’t get paid a living wage or...