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Child Life Activity Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Provide activities and play opportunities for patients. Assists with special events and supervises Child Life volunteers. Provides general support in daily tasks of Child Life Department. Is able to ...

Documents Child Life activities in the patient chart. Communicates observations and information to appropriate personnel. Participates in volunteer orientations. Supervises volunteers assigned to the ...

Matches Interactions And Activities To Developmental Level And Emotional State Of The Child. * 7. Maintains Child Life Policies And Procedures. Collaborates In The Development Of Age-Appropriate ...

Matches Interactions And Activities To Developmental Level And Emotional State Of The Child. * 7. Maintains Child Life Policies And Procedures. Collaborates In The Development Of Age-Appropriate ...

Matches Interactions And Activities To Developmental Level And Emotional State Of The Child. * 7. Maintains Child Life Policies And Procedures. Collaborates In The Development Of Age-Appropriate ...

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Child Life Activity information

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How much do child life activity jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for child life activity in the United States is $15.99, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.42 and $17.31 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What can I do with a child life certification?

A child life certification qualifies individuals to work with children and families in healthcare settings, providing emotional support, education, and therapeutic activities. Certified child life specialists often work in hospitals, clinics, or community programs, utilizing skills in child development and play therapy to improve patient experiences.

What are some common challenges faced by Child Life Activity Specialists when supporting children in medical settings?

Child Life Activity Specialists often face the challenge of addressing the diverse emotional needs of children who may feel anxious or fearful due to hospitalization. They must balance engaging children in therapeutic activities while also providing support to families and collaborating with medical staff. Managing time effectively to serve multiple patients, adapting activities to various developmental levels, and maintaining a calm demeanor during stressful situations are also key challenges. Strong communication and flexibility are essential for success in this rewarding yet demanding role.

What are the job opportunities for child life specialists?

Child life specialists can find job opportunities in hospitals, pediatric clinics, and healthcare settings where they support children and families through therapeutic play, education, and emotional support. They often work as part of multidisciplinary teams and may require certification from the Child Life Professional Certification Examination. Job availability depends on healthcare facility needs and regional demand for specialized pediatric support.

What are Child Life Activity specialists?

Child Life Activity specialists are trained professionals who help children and families cope with the challenges of hospitalization, illness, and disability. They use play, education, and other therapeutic activities to support children's emotional and developmental needs in healthcare settings. Their goal is to minimize stress and anxiety, promote normal growth, and help children understand and manage their experiences. Child Life Activity specialists also provide support and guidance to families during difficult times.

What qualifications do I need to be an activity coordinator?

Child Life Activity coordinators typically need a bachelor's degree in child development, education, or a related field. Relevant skills include strong communication, creativity, and the ability to plan engaging activities for children; some positions may also require certification in child life or activity planning. Experience working with children is often preferred.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Child Life Activity Specialist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Child Life Activity Specialist, you typically need a background in child development, psychology, or related fields, often supported by a bachelor's degree and, in some cases, Child Life Certification (CCLS). Familiarity with therapeutic play techniques, hospital protocols, and documentation systems is important for effective intervention and record-keeping. Strong interpersonal skills, creativity, empathy, and the ability to communicate with children and families distinguish outstanding professionals in this role. These skills are crucial for supporting pediatric patients' emotional well-being, reducing anxiety, and promoting positive coping strategies during medical experiences.

How much do child life specialists make?

Child life specialists in Florida typically earn an average annual salary of around $50,000 to $65,000, depending on experience, certifications, and work setting. Salaries can vary based on hospital size, location, and additional skills such as play therapy or trauma training.
More about Child Life Activity jobs
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What states have the most Child Life Activity jobs? States with the most job openings for Child Life Activity jobs include:
Child Life Activity Coordinator

Child Life Activity Coordinator

Children's Hospital Colorado

Aurora, CO • On-site

$18.44 - $27.67/hr

Full-time, Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 7 days ago


Children's Hospital Colorado rating

7.4

Company rating: 7.4 out of 10

Based on 77 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

318th of 1,003 rated hospitals


Job description

In collaboration with Child Life Specialists, Child Life Activity Coordinator provides support to patients in the hospital setting by evaluating and facilitating patient activity and events. These interventions occur at the bedside, during special events, and in the patient activity areas. The goal of the Child Life Activity Coordinator is to provide opportunities for play and to support the overall operational needs of the Child Life department.
This position will support our Tween Zone.
Duties & Responsibilities
  • Provides developmental and recreational play opportunities for patients and families.
  • Ensures activity rooms are available to patients and families during designated hours.
  • Maintains required patient care documentation and reporting of play sessions.
  • Assists Child Life Specialist in planning, conducting, and evaluating activities for patients and families.
  • Assists with special events and departmental programming, helps with promoting events to patients and families, assists patients with getting to events, or bedside visits. Helps with set up and clean-up of events.
  • Provides training, instruction, and guidance to Patient Activity Volunteers
  • Maintains clean, safe, and developmentally appropriate Child Life areas (activity rooms, etc.).
  • Supports the supply process thorough ordering, receiving, organizing, and distributing child life supplies (non-medical patient equipment, toys, activities, etc.).
  • Partners with Association of Volunteers to assist with donations.

Minimum Qualifications
  • Degrees
    • High School diploma or GED
  • Experience
    • Minimum Experience Required: Two years of experience working with children
    • Psych Experience preferred
  • Equivalency
    • Two years experience above stated requirements may substitute for associate's degree.

Schedule/Shift
  • 20hrs PT
  • Monday-Friday 4p-8p

Salary Information
Pay is dependent on applicant's relevant experience.
Hourly Range: $18.44 to $27.67
Benefits Information
Here, you matter. As a Children's Hospital Colorado team member, you will receive a competitive pay and benefits package designed to take care of your needs that includes base pay, incentives, paid time off, medical/dental/vision insurance, company provided life and disability insurance, paid parental leave, 403b employer match (retirement savings), a robust wellness program, and access to professional development tools, including an education benefit to help you advance your career.
As part of our Total Rewards package, Children's Colorado offers an annual employee bonus program that rewards eligible team members based on organizational performance. If organizational goals are met for the year, the bonus is paid out the following April.
Children's Colorado delivers annual base pay increases to eligible team members based on their performance over the previous year.
EEO Statement
It is our intention that all qualified applicants be given equal opportunity and that selection decisions be based on job-related factors. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, or any other status protected by law or regulation. Be aware that none of the questions are intended to imply illegal preferences or discrimination based on non-job-related information. The position is expected to stay open until the posted close date. Please submit your application as soon as possible as the posting is subject to close at any time once a sufficient pool of qualified applicants is obtained.
Colorado Residents: In any materials you submit, you may redact or remove age-identifying information such as age, date of birth, or dates of attendance at or graduation from an educational institution. You will not be penalized for redacting or removing this information.
Estimated Close Date
06/29/2026
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