Child Life Services
Child Life Internships
The Child Life Department at Children’s Hospital & Research Center Oakland offers part time internships (refer to Student Internship summary below) to qualified students enrolled in an academic Child Life program or a related field. Applicants seeking Child Life certification who have completed an undergraduate or graduate degree program in Child Life or a related field may also apply for an internship.
NOTE: We require 100 hours of paid or unpaid pediatric hospital experience before the beginning of the internship.
Our Child Life Program offers a comprehensive learning experience that includes therapeutic play activities, preparation and procedural support. All interns have a primary supervisor with whom they will meet on a regular basis. Opportunities for short rotations in other areas are provided. At a minimum, all interns are required to: 1) submit a weekly journal of interactions, assessments and progress notes; 2) present a case study to the Child Life staff; and 3) complete a supervisor approved project.
If you have questions please e-mail Mary Kelly at mkelly@mail.cho.org.
Thank you for your interest in Children’s Hospital Oakland.
Application Process
1. Mail or fax the Child Life Internship Application, a current resume and current transcript of academic work to:
Mary Kelly
Manager, Child Life Department
Children’s Hospital & Research Center Oakland
747 52nd St., Oakland, CA 94609-1809
Phone: (510) 428-3520
Fax: (510) 597-7024
2. Provide two references
Use the Child Life Reference Form (Letters of recommendation cannot take the place of this form). One reference must come from an academic institution and the other one must come from your hospital experience. Reference forms are to be sent directly to Mary Kelly.
3. Prior to the beginning of a Child Life internship at Children’s Hospital, all interns must have:
- Background check completed by Children’s Hospital
- Health clearance (proof of immunizations and an up-to-date TB test)
- Documentation of liability insurance coverage or insurance coverage through an academic institution
Student Internship Summary
| Session | Application Deadline | Date of Offer | Internship Commitment |
| Fall | May 5 | June 22 | 20 hours per week for 12 weeks between September 1 and December 31. |
| Spring | September 5 | October 22 | 20 hours per week for 12 weeks between January 15 and May 31. |
| Summer | January 5 | February 22 | 24 hours per week for 10 weeks between June 1 and September 1. |
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