Child Life Internship

An applicant needs to have at least a bachelor's degree (or enrolled in coursework leading to a bachelor's degree) in child life or a related field (including but not limited to child development, family studies, human development, psychology, etc.). However, several courses are needed for acceptance to the internship program. Please review the internship requirements above for more specifics

We contract with colleges/universities for enrolled students completing their bachelor's or master's degrees. For individuals who have already earned their bachelor's or master's degree, the contract is between Yale New Haven Hospital and the individual learner. Individual students must purchase their own professional liability insurance.

There is no fee to apply to the internship, which is an unpaid position. Educational materials are provided and administrative costs are covered by the hospital. Interns are responsible for parking expenses and meals during the internship, although interns are eligible for a 15% food discount in the cafeteria with photo ID. Interns are also responsible for their own housing and living expenses while in New Haven. Child Life interns are able to apply for housing in the graduate dormitories associated with Yale School of Medicine and Yale University. In addition, interns have access to Yale University's off-campus housing data base to rent apartments or rooms in local Bed and Breakfasts.

We require a minimum of 200 hours of practicum, volunteer, or work experience. At least 100 of these hours must be a child life practicum experience in a hospital setting directly under the supervision of a Certified Child Life Specialist. This exposure will provide the opportunity to observe the role of a child life specialist and help you solidify your own commitment to the field of child life.

Each application is reviewed by the Child Life Internship Committee upon receipt. In keeping with the deadlines mentioned above, you will be notified if your application is going forward to the interview process. We require those within 100 miles of New Haven to interview on-site. Parking will be validated the day of the interview; all other travel expenses are the responsibility of the applicant.

Our goal during the 15-week internship is to provide a professional level, clinical experience that will prepare you to enter the field of child life. As an intern, you will work 40 hours a week (Monday-Friday), following the same schedule as your supervisor(s). The hours are typically during the daytime, although they may vary with supervisor schedules as well as special programming that might occur during the evening. In this way, you will acquire the most realistic and consistent working experience to prepare you to be a child life specialist.