OVERVIEW
Program Review & Development Services
ACLP offers Program Review & Development Services for new and existing child life programs in need of support from a consultant.
Comprehensive Program Review
The Comprehensive Program Review provides a broad and inclusive review of new or existing child life programs. Please contact the ACLP office at aclpprogramreview@childlife.org if you are interested in discussing alternative program review and development services. An assessment of your needs may result in a plan for reduced or expanded consultant time and an adjustment of fee structure. The institution is responsible for arranging and funding travel expenses, lodging and meals for the reviewers.
What is a Comprehensive Program Review
This service is effective in providing strategies to meet the specific goals of the requesting facility. The process, inclusive of systematic self-assessment, on-site consultation, and final report offers assessment of overall program strengths and opportunities for improvement, validation of child life as an essential component of the facility’s care quality, as well as advocacy tools, additional resources, and recommendations for future program development.
The specific goals for each program review are established between the requesting facility, the Association of Child Life Professionals (ACLP), and the consultants prior to their arrival.
Use Cases
Comprehensive Program Reviews have been useful in:
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setting new directions for an existing program
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validating departmental goals, policies and practices
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developing tactics for program expansion
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enlarging an existing department
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establishing a new department or program
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during transitions in program leadership
Process
The process consists of an on-site visit by two recognized leaders in the field of child life, who have been selected by ACLP using specific criteria. The review generally takes two full days.
All participating programs receive a copy of ACLP’s digital publication, Program Review Guidelines (PRG). The onsite review concludes with a verbal report of initial findings and recommendations with a full written report submitted within 6-8 weeks.
Areas of Focus
The Comprehensive Review includes the follow areas of focus:
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Guidelines and Procedures
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Program Leadership
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Funding and Budgeting
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Staffing and Scope of Service
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Staff Development and
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Clinical Supervision
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Child Life Programming
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Interdisciplinary
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Collaboration and Education
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Volunteers
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Environment
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Documentation and Data
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Collection
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Research and Evidence-Based-Practice
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Clinical Preparation Program
Sample Agenda
Day 1
8:00 – 9:20 am
Meet with child life director/leader and administrator to discuss schedule
and any changes in plans for next two days, brief tour of hospital.
9:30 – 10:50 am
Review PRG self-evaluation feedback with child life staff.
11:00 – 11:50 am
Review documentation re: operating policies, personnel, Q&A, etc.
12:00 - 1:20 pm
Meet with key representatives from other disciplines over lunch.
1:30 – 3:20 pm
Discussion and/or observation of hallmark child life programming.
Discussion and/or observation of potential child life growth areas.
3:30 – 4:20 pm
Meet with child life staff either individually or in small groups.
4:30 – 5:30 pm
Meet with child life director/leader.
Day 2
8:00 – 8:50 am
Review departmental materials (charting, etc.).
9:00 – 10:20 am
Observe and meet with child life staff either individually or in small groups.
10:30 – 11:20 am
Meet with key representatives and stakeholders (individually or in small
teams).
11:30 – 12:20 pm
Prepare summation report.
12:30 – 1:20 pm
Lunch
1:30 – 2:20 pm
2:30 – 3:30 pm
Meet with administrator to discuss findings and recommendations.
Please note, the sample agenda is an example and will be individualized to
each program based on program needs and goals, consultants’ travel, and
other program specific variables.
Consultants
The Consultant Team is made up of established and respected leaders in the child life field. Each consultant submits a formal application which is competitively reviewed to ensure adherence to stringent standards and criteria.
Qualifications for PRDS comprehensive program review consultants include:
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Current member of the Association of Child Life Professionals (ACLP)
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Certified Child Life Specialist
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Active ACLP participation
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Has been a leader in the field of child life for at least 10 years
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Has demonstrated experience in program evaluation
Request Process & Fee Structure
Programs wanting to participate in a Program Review must complete the request form linked below.
Upon confirmation of the service, ACLP will respond with a contract, documentation describing the process, information on responsibilities of the requesting facility, profiles of the assigned ACLP reviewers, and confirmation of the financial arrangements. Requests are reviewed as they are received.
Questions? Email aclpprogramreview@childlife.org.