New Member Information

Become a member! Join our group of passionate child life educators! From identifying and implementing evidence-based pedagogical and curricular practices, to advocating for student well-being, and advancing child life theory and practice, the Child Life Academic Society aims to elevate the child life professional identity by enhancing the quality of child life academic preparation at all levels. 

Membership is open to any currently certified child life specialist (CCLS) who is employed full-time at a qualified academic program, and is directly involved in child life academic program and curriculum decision-making. Qualified academic programs must meet the following criteria:

• The program offers a formally documented child life specific program listed in the university/college catalog that provides either a child life degree, child life concentration, or child life option/track, AND
• Employs at least one full-time Certified Child Life Specialist faculty member.

Applicants who meet membership requirements may request to join the CLAS at any time by submitting the following documentation to childlifeacademicsociety@gmail.com

Proof of qualified academic program status:

• A university child life program of study verification, OR
• A university catalog description

Proof of full-time employment in relation to qualified academic program:

• A letter from department chair or human resources, OR 
• An annual letter of employment/contract

Proof of current Child Life Certification:

• Copy of Certified Child Life Specialist credential certificate issued by the Child Life Certification Commission

Upon review and verification of membership request documents, applicants will receive a membership invitation. Annual membership dues must be submitted within 30 days of issuance of the invitation, and on a yearly basis thereafter.

Annual Membership Dues: $150.00