The Hospital Child Life Option provides the basic education for students interested in becoming child life specialists who work in health care setttings. Using play and other forms of communication, the child life specialist focuses on meeting the emotional and developmental needs of children and families. A practicum program at Ruby Memorial Hospital is included in the program in addidtion to internship hours performed at the hospital under the direction of a certified child life specialist. The foundation curricula for all three options are similar in regard to the basic university requirements, the Family and Consumer Sciences core courses, and the courses in child development, parenting, and family studies. Additional course requirements provide for the operational diversity within each option.
Elective courses accomodate individual interests.
Students are advised by the Child Development and Family Studies faculty who teach in and direct the program. The faculty assist students in the scheduling of required and elective course work which will further individual career goals. You are encouraged to contact one of the faculty for an appointment to discuss the program in greater detail. The offices are located in 704 Allen Hall. Address mail to West Virginia University, P.O. Box 6124, Morgantown, WV 26506-6124.