A Pedagogy of Inclusion: Integrating Topics of Diversity and Social Justice into Child Life Curriculum

The Association of Child Life Professionals includes diversity as a core tenet of the values and mission of the child life profession. This presentation will consider the integration of diversity and social justice theories into child life curriculum. Presenters will explore approaches for teaching, examine the implications for students, and discuss how this integration can enhance evidence based practice and organizational growth. SUGGESTED DOMAIN: Professional Responsibility

Objectives:
Discuss approaches for integrating diversity and social justice topics into child life curriculum.
Describe the impact integrating social justice curriculum can have on the student experience and their clinical growth.
Discuss the implications this curriculum might have on reinforcing the field's core tenet of diversity.

Kathryn A Cantrell

Assistant Professor

Texas Woman's University

Kathryn Cantrell, PhD, CCLS is a child psychologist and child life specialist living in Boston. Kathryn received her masters in child development from Tufts University and worked as a child life specialist with youth with HIV at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in Memphis before pursuing more education. Kathryn received her doctorate in counseling psychology from the University of Massachusetts Boston and has worked clinically as a child psychologist in a number of settings across the city. Kathryn currently works as a Lecturer at Tufts University and the University of Massachusetts Boston, supporting emerging clinicians interested in helping youth. Kathryn teaches courses on child life, child development, and counseling at both universities. She is also Executive Editor of the ACLP's Bulletin and Focus publications. Her applied developmental research addresses healthcare disparities amongst youth and emerging adults by integrating evidence based intervention with technology as a tool for furthering social justice. Her research has been published in a number of peer reviewed journals, chronicled in chapters, and shared at international conferences.

Elizabeth Gaitskill

Child Life Specialist, Diagnostic Imaging

Libby Gaitskill is from Sugar Hill, New Hampshire and earned her Bachelor of Arts in Public and Community Service Studies and Bachelor of Science in Health Policy and Management from Providence College. After working as a case worker for a year, she then completed a Master of Arts in Child Study and Human Development with a concentration in Clinical Developmental Health and Psychology with a degree focus in Child Life at Tufts University. Libby joined the child life team at St. Jude Children’s Hospital in September 2018. She currently works with patients of all ages in diagnostic imaging. Inspired by the social justice focus of her child life coursework, Libby uses this framework in her clinical role.

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A Pedagogy of Inclusion: Integrating Topics of Diversity and Social Justice into Child Life Curriculum Quiz
3 Questions  |  Unlimited attempts  |  2/3 points to pass
3 Questions  |  Unlimited attempts  |  2/3 points to pass
A Pedagogy of Inclusion: Integrating Topics of Diversity and Social Justice into Child Life Curriculum Certificate
1.00 PDU credit  |  Certificate available
1.00 PDU credit  |  Certificate available