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Child Life Training

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The Child Life Internship Program provides students with a wide range of learning opportunities.  Interns have the opportunity to receive hands-on experience and supervision in both inpatient and outpatient areas where Child Life Specialists support patients and families.  In addition, interns also increase their skills through weekly seminars and relevant assignments. 

Program Goals

Interns will, through their placement in the hospital's Child Life Program:

  • Gain a deeper understanding of the profession of Child Life.
  • Enhance their practices in interactions with children, youth, and families.
  • Understand the impact of hospitalization/health care experiences for children, youth and families.
  • Identify coping strategies in helping to support children, youth and families in the health care setting.
  • Explore developmental theories and have the opportunity to link theoretical frameworks to Child Life interventions and practices. 
  • Increase their knowledge of recommended practices for children, youth and families from diverse backgrounds.
  • Enhance their thinking skills through critical reflections, thought provoking assignments, journaling, seminars, as well as weekly supervision.

Scheduling Options

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Interns are scheduled to work 40 hours per week for 15 weeks (600 hours total). Schedules will include days, evenings and/or weekends.

Placements

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Upon acceptance to the internship, interns will be assigned up to three rotations with a supervisor in each rotation. Through these placements, students will gain a deeper understanding of specific Child Life practices in different areas of the hospital through observation and "hands-on practice”.  

How To Apply

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Requirements to Apply

  • Completed coursework in Child Life, Child Development or related fields with a minimum of 10 related courses verified by the Child Life Council in a coursework audit
  • Minimum GPA of 3.0 in Child Life, Child Development or other related courses
  • Experience with children and families in non-healthcare settings (i.e. daycare, school environment)
  • Minimum of 100 hours of fieldwork or volunteer experience in a Child Life Program under the supervision of a Child Life Specialist

Submit completed application to Child Life Program, including the following documents:

  • Completed Common Child Life Internship Application from Child Life Council
  • One current (within the past year) sealed letter of recommendation from a Child Life Specialist supervising your clinical experience
  • One current sealed letter of recommendation from professional of your choice
  • Current resume
  • Confirmation of completed pre-requirement of at least 100 hours volunteer/field work experience in a Child Life Program
  • Philosophy statement (A maximum of two pages typed stating your philosophy on working with children, youth and families in the health care setting. Include your description of Child Life, the importance of it and why you have chosen it as a career.)
  • Copy of coursework audit from Child Life Council (Please reference Child Life Council website and note deadlines for submission of coursework)
  • Mail completed application packet to:
    Sara Chester, CCLS, and Chanille Scroggins, CCLS
    4650 Sunset Blvd., MS #28
    Los Angeles, CA 90027

If selected for an interview, the Internship Coordinator will contact potential interns to arrange an on-site interview and tour of Child Life Program for local applicants or a telephone interview for applicants out of the Southern California area. 

Applicants will be notified of acceptance status within 6 weeks from application deadline. If accepted, professional liability insurance is required and will be the responsibility of the student and/or affilated university.

Deadlines to Apply

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Fall Semester September - December May 5 (postmarked)
Spring Semester January - May September 5 (postmarked)
Summer Semester May - September January 5 (postmarked)

Stipends

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The Child Life Internship is unpaid.

Housing

Housing during internship will be the responsibility of each student. Stipends are not provided.   

Questions

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Contact Chanille Scroggins, CCLS & Sara Chester, CCLS
Internship Coordinators
Email or call (323) 361-2355.

Internship Philosophy

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The Child Life Program is in alignment with the standards, philosophy, and mission of the Child Life Council including the Standards for Academic and Clinical Preparation.

The Child Life Program values the reflective and critical process that is integral to helping students learn about Child Life. We strongly believe it is one of the ways students learn best.  Through this internship experience, students will engage in enriching and thought provoking learning opportunities, which link theory to actual “hands-on” practices with children, youth and families.  This internship program will help clinically prepare students in skills that can be applied to any setting as a Child Life Specialist.