Student Internship Programs

Internships are offered to graduate students working toward a master's degree in child life, child development, art therapy, or related fields. Students in our program are invited to join us in the pursuit of providing psychosocial care to children and families during their healthcare experience.

Child Life Graduate Internship

The University of Chicago Comer Children's Hospital offers internships to students pursuing a master’s degree in infant/toddler development and child life. Internship opportunities are available during both the academic year and the summer. The academic year internship begins in September and runs for eight months (20 hours a week). The summer internship is full-time (40 hours a week) from May through August.

Students are given opportunities to build independent professional skills, strengthen therapeutic play skills, and develop assessment and intervention skills. The student's clinical supervisor (a certified child life specialist) and other staff members in the program provide supervision, instruction, and guidance.

The internship program subscribes to the guidelines established by the Child Life Council in both the hours of service required and in the content of the field experience. Graduate students' hours will be determined according to school requirements and the child life program.

Criteria for Child Life Graduate Students

Before applying for field placement in the Child Life and Family Education Program at the University of Chicago Comer Children's Hospital, please review the following criteria to make certain that you qualify:

• Students will be working towards a master's in child development, early childhood education, or related field.
• Students will have extensive coursework in child development.
• Students will have experience working with young children and/or infants.
• Students will have a minimum overall GPA of 3.0.
• Experience working/volunteering with hospitalized children is preferred.
• Students will provide three letters of professional reference.
• Students must be enrolled in a university program. (Student's university will be required to engage in a contractual relationship with Comer Children's Hospital.)

All applicants must demonstrate:

• Sensitivity to children and their families
• The ability to work with persons from a variety of cultural backgrounds
• Flexibility and creativity
• The ability to work both independently and as a team member

Requirements

The following will be required of all graduate students:

1. A complete orientation to the Child Life Program and University of Chicago Comer Children's Hospital including health screening (TB and blood test, and drug screen provided by University Health Clinic) and criminal background check
2. Written goals and objectives for the internship experience
3. Weekly meetings with student supervisor
4. Selection of a special project for completion during field placement and presentation to the child life staff
5. Attendance at child life staff in-services
6. Participation in a mid-term and final evaluation process

Application Process

To submit an application, please observe the following steps:

1. View and download the application form (PDF).
2. Print it.
3. Complete the application form, and return it along with a copy of:

• Your resume
• Official college transcripts (undergraduate and graduate)
• Three written professional references

Send to:
University of Chicago Comer Children's Hospital
Child Life and Family Education, MC 8008
Attn: Amy Carter
5721 S. Maryland Avenue, Room K-135
Chicago, IL 60637-1470

Or you may fax it to: (773) 702-4871

The student coordinator will review your application and notify you of the status of your application. An interview may be scheduled at this time.

Art Therapy Graduate Internship

The University of Chicago Comer Children's Hospital offers internships to graduate students working toward a master’s degree in art therapy or related expressive therapy fields. Internship opportunities are available during both the academic year and the summer. The academic year internship begins in September and runs through May (24-hours a week). The summer internship is from May through August.

Students are given opportunities to build independent professional skills, strengthen therapeutic skills in both group and individual settings, and develop assessment and intervention skills. The student's clinical supervisor (a registered art therapist) provides supervision, instruction, and guidance.

Graduate students' hours will be determined according to school requirements and the child life program.

Criteria for Art Therapy Graduate Students

Before applying for an art therapy field placement in the Child Life Program at the University of Chicago Comer Children's Hospital, please review the following criteria to make certain that you qualify:

• Students will be working towards a master's degree in art therapy or a related field.
• Students will have coursework in art therapy and child development.
• Students will have experience working with young children and/or infants.
• Students will have a minimum overall GPA of 3.0.
• Experience working/volunteering with hospitalized children is preferred.
• Students will provide three letters of professional reference.
• Students must be enrolled in a university program. (Student's university will be required to engage in a contractual relationship with Comer Children's Hospital.)

All applicants must demonstrate:

• Sensitivity to children and their families
• The ability to work with persons from a variety of cultural backgrounds
• Flexibility and creativity
• The ability to work both independently and as a team member

Requirements

The following will be required of all graduate students:

1. A complete orientation to the Child Life Program and University of Chicago Comer Children's Hospital including health screening (TB and blood test, and drug screen provided by University Health Clinic) and criminal background check
2. Written goals and objectives for the internship experience
3. Weekly meetings with student supervisor
4. Selection of a special project for completion during field placement and presentation to the child life staff (subject to change for students enrolled in a 12-hour a week summer internship)
5. Attendance at child life staff in-services
6. Participation in a mid-term and final evaluation process

Application Process

To submit an application, please observe the following steps:

1. View and download the application form (PDF).
2. Print it.
3. Complete the application form, and return it along with a copy of:

• Your resume
• Official college transcripts (undergraduate and graduate)
• Three written professional references

Send to:
University of Chicago Comer Children's Hospital
Child Life and Family Education, MC 8008
Attn: Yasuko Yoshihara
5721 S. Maryland Avenue, Room K-135
Chicago, IL 60637-1470

Or you may fax it to: (773) 702-4871

The student coordinator will review your application and notify you of the status of your application. An interview may be scheduled at this time.

Housing Information

Dormitory housing is available through the International House at the University of Chicago. It is situated on the University of Chicago campus, within walking distance of the Chicago Comer Children's Hospital. The house has fully furnished rooms, and is convenient to public transportation. For more information about housing, please contact the International House of Chicago's residence director at (773) 753-2270.