Students develop skills as child development specialists, interdisciplinary team members, and health educators. They select courses in child life, human development, multiculturalism, research, and family studies. The Child Life and Family-Centered Care Program includes clinical experiences and course work that prepare students to support the psychosocial and developmental needs of children and families. Both placements must be supervised by a certified child life specialist. In collaboration with the interdisciplinary team, students assess, plan, implement, and evaluate developmental and psychosocial services for children and families.
Students are eligible for the Child Life Certification examination at the end of the program.
During two clinical experiences in two 200-hour field placements in community health care or specialty settings, students work with interdisciplinary teams to facilitate health promotion and early identification of developmental problems in children. Option II is especially suited for students who have backgrounds in child development or have completed an undergraduate child life program and wish to have a more varied experience in health care at the graduate level. On acceptance to the program, the student and child life advisor develop a plan of academic study and clinical experience based on the student's needs and professional goals. Students pursue study on a full-time basis and complete the program in four terms. The Child and Family in Health Care before beginning their clinical experience.