Online learners can find child life
specialist programs that lead to a bachelor's and master's degree. Major
areas of study include child development, nutrition and helping
children cope in a hospitalized setting. Many programs prepare students
for the national examination to become a Certified Child Life Specialist
(CCLS).
Bachelor's degree programs teach students to provide assistance and
care to children and their families in hospitals and other health care
settings. Students delve into clinical issues in child life, program
development and administration and illness and loss. Internships and
practicum courses are designed to provide valued hands-on experience.
These programs are intended to provide students with a foundation for
entry into the child life specialist field or pursuit of further study
in the discipline.
Some institutions require students to complete prerequisite
coursework in areas such as child development, psychology, education, or
social work.
Programs that are taught completely online are rare; however, many
schools combine online classes with on-campus coursework. Most programs
require students to complete a practimum or internship experience to
earn their degree.
Common Online Courses
Bachelor's degree candidates examine the process of helping children
and their families in environments such as hospitals, rehabilitation
facilities and hospice. The curriculum covers both general education and
program-specific courses.
Individual and Family Development Course
In this online course, students examine the fundamental principles
and order of human development and the role the family plays in this
sequence. Emphasis is placed on the elements that impact the lives of
individuals and families, such as culture, health and education.
Early Childhood Development Course
This courses examines all aspects of the development of children from
ages three through eight years, including physical, mental, emotional
and social characteristics.
Graduates can pursue careers as certified child life specialists
providing they have completed the necessary requirements to acquire
certification as determined by the Child Life Council (CLC) (
www.childlife.org). In August 2010, the average annual salary for a child life specialist was $44,407, according to
Salary.com.
Online Master's Degree in Child Life Specialist Overview
Master's degree programs provide students with the necessary
knowledge and expertise to become certified child life specialists.
These programs are designed to prepare students to take the Certified
Child Life Specialist (CCLS) exam.
Applicants must hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited college
or university. Most programs require students to have completed
prerequisite coursework in a related discipline, such as family studies
or human development. An internship is typically required by most
institutions.
Common Online Courses
Students study the roles and responsibilities of the child life
specialist. Particular emphasis is placed on planning the health care
environment that supports a child's development while being
hospitalized.
Program Administration Course
This online course examines how child development programs are
implemented. Major topics covered include program development, personnel
issues, financial management and legal and professional considerations.
Parent Education Course
In this course, students examine parenting techniques as determined
by sociological and environmental characteristics. An evaluation of
parent education programs also is included.
Child Life Internship Course
Students acquire field experience at a university-approved pediatric
facility under the supervision of a Certified Child Life Specialist
(CCLS). Program hours can be applied to fill the requirements to sit for
the Certified Child Life Specialist exam.
Those who've completed a master's degree and acquired certification
might pursue such positions as a Certified Child Life Specialist or
senior-level jobs such as child care center director. In August of 2010,
Salary.com reported that the average annual salary for a child
care center director, a position for which a master's degree is usually
required, was $65,288.
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