Resources &
Information
Educational materials and links to help you understand Child Life licensure and get involved.
Professional Organizations
Understanding Licensure
What is Professional Licensure?
An overview of how professional licensure works and its benefits
Licensure vs. Certification
Understanding the difference between state licensure and professional certification
Watch: Licensure Webinar by SACLP
Zoom information session about Child Life licensure (Passcode: nC^0TfxS)
Downloadable Documents
Download fact sheets, briefings, and official documents to share with colleagues, legislators, and the community.
Texas Governor's Proclamation – Child Life Month (March 2026)
An official proclamation signed by Governor Greg Abbott recognizing March 2026 as Child Life Month in Texas, honoring the compassion and dedication of child life professionals who support children and families during illness and emergency.
Our WHY – The Case for Licensing Certified Child Life Specialists
A concise two-page brief from the Texas Child Life Licensing Task Force outlining 11 compelling reasons why CCLS licensure matters, covering child protection, workforce strengthening, parental empowerment, professional accountability, and cost-effective care.
Supporting Citations: Outcomes, Risk of Harm & Medical Trauma
A peer-reviewed evidence brief citing published research on the positive outcomes of CCLS care, risks of unqualified psychosocial support, the growing body of evidence on medical trauma in children, and standards-of-care guidance from the American Academy of Pediatrics.
Protecting Texas Families: The Case for Licensing CCLSs
A two-page advocacy document detailing the shortage of CCLSs in Texas, the risks of the current unregulated environment, the proposed legislative solution, and the broad benefits licensure would bring to patient outcomes, healthcare costs, and safety.
Academic Program Briefing: TX CCLS Licensing
A briefing document for child life students and academic programs explaining the task force's core mission, key legislative milestones, and how CCLS licensure would positively impact students and the future workforce — without adding barriers to entry.
Texas Statistics: Child Life Services in Texas
A data-driven fact sheet covering Texas child life workforce estimates (~700 CCLSs), the approximately 850,000–1.1 million children served annually, where services are delivered across the state, and why the absence of licensure leaves families without assurance of qualified care.