Child and Family Life educational opportunities

Overview


The Child and Family Life department currently offers child life student learning opportunities within our Fairview healthcare system.

Our certified child life specialists educate students on how each assessment is based on theory and observation valuing the unique differences of each individual and their family including, but not limited to their cultural backgrounds, developmental and physical abilities.

Our goal is to provide students with supportive learning experiences that are individualized for their learning goals while encouraging self-reflection and self-evaluation throughout their time.

"As an intern, my supervisor and preceptors supported me through all the successes and challenges that come with an internship. This support allowed me to learn on my own and gave me the space to grow as a child life professional. As I reflect on my internship experience at Masonic, I learned so much about the field of child life and have been able to grow as not only a CCLS but also a member of the Twin Cities community."

- Sarah, former child life intern

Child Life Specialist Internship


Fairview Masonic Children’s University Hospital offers 16-week, 600-hour full-time internships under the supervision of a certified child life specialist. The internship shifts and rotations may include other local Fairview sites. The number of interns accepted each semester varies depending on staff availability.

Selected students will have opportunities to observe child life interactions in a variety of clinical settings which may include:

  • Pediatric inpatient units
  • Pediatric outpatient specialty clinics
  • Radiology
  • Surgery
  • Adult units
  • Emergency departments


Eligibility Requirements
 

The following minimum requirements are consistent with national standards endorsed by the Association of Child Life Professionals.

  • Completed bachelor’s degree or final semester of undergraduate program. We accept both affiliated AND unaffiliated interns.
  • Required coursework identified by the ACLP.
  • Strong foundational knowledge and exposure to child life theory, child development, and family systems through coursework and experience.
  • Experience with children both in and outside of a healthcare environment.
  • Experience with children and families from a variety of cultures.

Preferred Experience:

  • 100hrs+ pediatric hospital experience.
  • Experience with children who are neurodivergent and/or who have intellectual and developmental disabilities.
  • Experience in varied settings (bereavement camps, support groups, advocacy centers, etc.)

Selected candidates will be asked to participate in, at most, two rounds of virtual interviews and may be asked to provide additional information supporting their application. If offered an internship, the candidate will be expected to complete a background check and health screening.

Internship Application Process

Additional Requirements

  • Resume

Internship Selection Process


Following the application deadline, all complete applications will be reviewed and considered by the Child Family Life Department Student Learners Committee. Candidates will then be notified if they are advanced to the interview process. As part of the interview process, candidates will be updated on the timeline for intern selection.

Child Life Specialist Practicum


Our practicum experiences provide an observational opportunity for individuals interested in the child life profession.

This practicum offers at least 120 hours of supervision designed to prepare the participant for a child life specialist internship experience.

Practicum Application Deadlines:

  • Summer/Fall- First Friday in May
  • Winter/Spring- First Friday in October

Apply here for the child life practicum:

Fairview Child Life Practicum Application - All sites
 

For more information about our child life student learning opportunities, contact our student program coordinator, Kristen Weston, CCLS, at Kristen.Weston@fairview.org.