Child Family Life Educational Opportunities

The Child Family Life department at M Health Fairview Masonic Children’s Hospital currently offers internship and practicum opportunities for both fall and spring semesters (We currently do not offer summer internship or practicum experiences). Our program abides by the Association of Child Life Professional’s (ACLP’s) standards for internship application deadlines. See below for specific practicum information.

The Student Program Coordinator for Internship and Practicum is Kristen Weston, CCLS (Kristen.Weston@fairview.org).

Child Life Specialist Internship

M Health Fairview Masonic Children’s Hospital offers a 16-week, 640-hour full time internship. Work hours vary depending upon the needs of the patients on each unit, but generally consists of working 32-40hrs/week. Some shifts or rotations may be completed at another M Health Fairview location.

The number of interns accepted each semester varies depending on available staff resources.

Eligibility Requirements:

The following minimum entrance requirements are consistent with national standards endorsed by the Association of Child Life Professionals.

Completed Bachelor’s Degree or in final semester of undergraduate program (We accept both affiliated AND unaffiliated interns)
Required coursework identified by the ACLP
Strong foundational knowledge of child development and family systems through coursework and experience
Experience with children both in and outside of a healthcare environment
Experience with all age groups and a variety of developmental levels is preferred
Experience with children and families from a variety of cultures is preferred
Ability to participate in a two-part interview process (all interviews will be virtual)
Candidates selected for an interview may be asked to provide additional information in support of their application. Such information may include references, course descriptions, etc.
If offered an internship, the candidate will be expected to complete a background check and health screening.
The internship program is accepting applications for Fall 2023. Applications will be accepted through March 15, 2023.

The Application Process

Individuals who have successfully completed the ACLP Eligibility Assessment may apply using the ACLP Internship Readiness Common Application. https://aclp.smapply.io/prog/internship_readiness_common_application/

Once you have completed and downloaded your application as a ZIP file, please submit the ZIP file as an attachment to Kristen.Weston@fairview.org.

The Selection Process

Following the application deadline, all complete applications will be reviewed and considered by the child family life education committee.
Candidates will then be notified if they are being advanced to the interview process.
All internship placement offers will be made according to ACLP guidelines and published offer dates.

Practicum

Child Family Life Practicum

This practicum is intended to provide an observational opportunity to individuals interested in the child life profession. The participant will have opportunities to observe child life interactions through a minimum of 120 hours of supervision. We hope to enhance the understanding of child development and effects the hospital experience can have on children as well as the value of preparation and play.

We offer practicums at both M Health Fairview Masonic Children's Hospital and M Health Fairview Ridges Hospital.

Fall applications are due the First Friday in May.

Winter/Spring applications are due the first Friday in October.

M Health Fairview Masonic Children's Hospital – MCH Practicum Application

M Health Fairview Ridges Hospital - Ridges Practicum application.
Child-life@fairview.org - (952) 892-2256.

To learn more about Child Family Life Services, visit our page.

The Application Process

Complete the application for the site to which you are applying and include the following:

Professional resume outlining academic and clinical experiences, as well as other qualifications
Completed essay questions
Unofficial school transcript of child life course
Two letters of reference from non-relatives

For information on becoming a certified Child Life Specialist, please visit the Association of Child Life Professional’s website.