Child Life Specialists

• Preparation before surgery, exams and other potentially anxiety-provoking experiences by using developmentally appropriate language, books and other teaching materials to reduce stress and increase understanding.
• Medical play by using specially adapted dolls, as well as real and pretend medical equipment, to enhance understanding and clarify misconceptions.
• Help manage pain and encourage relaxation by offering various techniques such as comfort positioning, guided imagery and deep breathing exercises.
• Procedural support by modeling positive coping strategies using developmentally appropriate items such as bubbles, viewmasters and books.
• Developmental play opportunities to promote continued development through age-appropriate activities at the bedside, in play groups and in outpatient waiting areas.
• Sibling support to helping siblings understand what is happening, help them work through their feelings and answer their questions about the hospital experience.
• Bereavement support by providing support and resources for grief and bereavement issues.

Child Life Internships

Child life internship opportunities are available during the academic year and the summer. Our fall internship offering is an eight-month, three-days-a-week internship that begins in September. The summer internship is a 15-week, five-days-a-week internship that begins the end of May/early June.

Entrance Requirements

1. Completed Course Work Review Form from Child Life Council.
2. Overall G.P.A of 3.0
3. Supervised hours working with children: 
• Minimum of 100 documented hours working with children in non-hospital setting
• Minimum of 100 documented hours working with children in hospital setting 
• **These hours need to be completed and not in progress when application is mailed.**