History of CLAS

In 2021, a group of full-time faculty members teaching in child life academic programs began to gather citing concerns about the future of child life pedagogy. With a specific focus on the academic and clinical preparation of child life students, this group began to meet regularly to discuss the challenges faced by both child life students and child life academicians. Recognizing the need to chart our path forward, our membership transformed into the Founders Council, a name we would call ourselves while we began to formalize plans for establishing a novel Child Life Academic Society. 

The Founders Council consisted of faculty and program coordinators who were actively engaged in child life academic and clinical programming in higher education. In addition, an Emeriti Council was formed to recognize and engage retired child life faculty members who have extensive expertise in child life pedagogy and practice. We also acknowledged, in memoriam, the work of child life academicians who also historically served as the early pioneers of child life education. Recognizing the historic work of individuals who have paved the way for current and future considerations in best practices in the academic and clinical preparation of child life students. 

In 2022, we held our inaugural Summit at historic Wheelock College at Boston University. This event brought together visionaries and collaborators for an unprecedented think tank where experts could address trends and challenges in child life student development, while considering solutions and directions. Identification of our mission, vision, and values was a key priority, and we were able to move forward in our direction of becoming a formal organization. 

In 2023, our second Summit was held at Edgewood College. Our group recognized the need to understand the complexities of the current and future state of child life academic programming. This meeting solidified our mission, vision, values, plans for membership structure, and developed a strategic plan to officially become a 501(c)(3). It was also determined that the work of the Child Life Academic Society was best aligned with faculty members who were both Certified Child Life Specialists, and held academic positions in a child life academic program. In this meeting, Colleen Cameron was recognized for her leadership efforts in organizing the early work of the Founders Council. Jessika Boles and Cara Sisk were recognized as new leadership, elevating our work into what is now formally known as the Child Life Academic Society. Anita Pumphrey, Inaugural Chair of the Emeriti Council, was also recognized for her extraordinary work, engagement, and advocacy for child life students. 

In 2024, we were pleased to announce that the Child Life Academic Society became a 501(c)(3), allowing us to formally engage with key stakeholders who are invested in the academic and clinical preparation of child life students. This substantive work relied on the membership and committee work that has shaped our governance structure, key documents, policies and procedures. The Child Life Academic Society released the 2025 Strategic Plan, addressing key initiatives that will move our work forward. In addition, the Academic Best Practices statement was released, providing guidance that was developed through benchmarking and evidence-based practice review. We recognize and appreciate all who have worked diligently in service and committee work, this lift will have a long-standing impact on the future of child life students, academic programs, and the child life profession. 

The creation of a novel academic society is a bold endeavor that would not be possible without our 2024 Board Members, we are grateful for their work and commitment to child life education: 

Jessika Boles, PhD, CCLS - Executive Director

Cara Sisk, PhD, CCLS – President

Katie Glass, EdD, CCLS President-elect

Anita Pumphrey, MS, CCLS Emeriti Member

Melinda Anderson, PhD, RDN, Public Member

Thank you for reading about our history as we look to the future!