Child Life Internship

Child Life Internship
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Exciting Update: New Paid Child Life Internship at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia

We are excited to share a new enhancement to our Child Life training program at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP). Beginning in 2025, we will offer a 4-month paid Child Life internship designed to provide a comprehensive and immersive training experience for future Certified Child Life Specialists (CCLS).

After a successful launch of the 2025 season of our yearlong Child Life Residency Program, we have taken account of our outcomes, feedback, and organizational needs. At this time, we will be sunsetting the 12-month residency model. We are proud of what was fostered through this program and are committed to using the lessons learned to thoughtfully evolve and enhance the learning experience for all future Child Life interns at Children’s Hospital Of Philadelphia. Our goal remains the same: to provide a robust, supportive, and high-quality training environment that prepares students to thrive as child life professionals.

This opportunity is ideal for individuals seeking in-depth clinical preparation in a high-volume pediatric hospital setting.

Program Overview

This paid internship includes:

  • Two clinical rotations
  • One orientation week
  • One elective week

Important Details:

  • This is a paid internship opportunity
  • Interns will be classified as temporary CHOP employees
    • No benefits (e.g., healthcare, PTO, retirement) are included
    • Completion of the internship does not guarantee employment

This internship is offered three times per year with limited spots per cohort.

Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia: Internship Highlights

Paid Internship

  • Interns receive an hourly training salary to help offset costs during the internship hours

Robust Learning Environment

  • Direct, hands-on clinical training in a multidisciplinary pediatric setting
  • Supervision by Certified Child Life Specialists
  • Role-playing, simulation, and in-service learning experiences

Career Preparation

  • Exposure to a wide range of patient populations and diagnosis groups
  • Aligned with ACLP internship competencies and evaluation tools
  • Supportive environment to develop critical thinking, clinical judgment, and professional identity

3 Internship Cohorts Per Year

  • Summer, Fall, and Spring sessions
  • Fixed start and end dates

Upcoming Internship Sessions

  • Spring 2026: January 5 – April 24, 2026 (Application Deadline: September 5, 2025)
  • Summer 2026: May 11-August 28, 2026 (Application Deadline: January 3, 2026)
  • Fall 2026: August 31-December 18, 2026(Application Deadline: March 21, 2026)
  • Spring 2027: TBD (TBD)

Requirements for Applicants

Education:

  • Bachelor’s or master’s degree in child development or a closely related field
  • Completion or progress on the 10 ACLP-required courses

Experience:

  • Minimum of 100 hours working with children in individual or group settings

Coursework:

  • Completion of a Child Life course taught by a CCLS
  • Other child development-related courses as required by ACLP

Application Process

  • This internship replaces CHOP’s previous traditional internship model
  • Applications are only accepted for Spring 2026, Summer 2026, Fall 2026
  • Submit your materials via Workday by the posted deadline (Check back in August 2025 for the live link)
  • Selected applicants will participate in a virtual interview with Child Life team members and Human Resources

Additional Information

Applicants are encouraged to include any prior pediatric healthcare experiences, practicum work, or volunteer experience with their common application and resume.

Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia proudly upholds an inclusive and equitable training environment and adheres to all non-discrimination laws and policies.

If selected to move into the interview process, you will need to provide up to three references. It is advantageous to have these references notified ahead of the application due date in the event you do move forward.

Our Commitment to Your Growth

At CHOP, we believe that every intern should feel supported in their learning. That’s why we provide:

  • A structured, child life–led educational program
  • Simulation-based skill building and reflective supervision
  • CHOP gear (yes—intern t-shirts!)
  • An environment focused on psychological safety, equity, and learning

Apply Today

We’re excited to meet the next generation of Child Life Specialists. Due to the selective nature of this internship, only 2–4 interns will be accepted per term.

Please fill out the ACLP common application and submit via our Workday portal.

We can’t wait to welcome you to CHOP’s Child Life team!