Child Life Program

Child Life Program

About the Child Life Program

Child life specialists are part of the health care team.

They are trained to help children, teens and families deal with stress and anxiety from illness, hospital stays and medical treatments.

Since all kids learn through play, child life specialists use toys, games and other tools to:

  • Teach kids about their bodies and illnesses
  • Help them get ready for procedures
  • Distract them during treatments
  • Support them in expressing their feelings

Support Child Life

You can help our Child Life Program by:

When donating online, choose “Other” in the gift section and type “Child Life.”

If you have questions about donating other items, you can find more information here.

How a Child Life Specialist Can Help

Support Videos

MRI With Sedation

Learn what it is like to get an MRI with sedation.

MRI Without Sedation

Learn what it is like to get an MRI without sedation.

Nasogastric (NG) Tube

Learn what it is like to get a Nasogastric (NG) tube placed.

Colon Motility Study

Learn what it is like to go to the hospital for a colon motility study.

Antro-Duodenal Colon Motility Study

Learn what it is like to go to the hospital for an antro-duodenal colon motility study.

Blood Test

Learn what is is like to get your blood tested at Children's Wisconsin.

Análisis de Sangre

Aprenda cómo es hacerse un análisis de sangre en Children's Wisconsin.

Child Life Internship

This comprehensive, hands-on internship prepares you to become an entry-level Child Life Specialist.

Internship Details

  • Duration: 16 weeks (640 clinical hours).
  • Semesters: Internships are offered in the Fall and Spring only.
  • Focus: Developing clinical skills in patient preparation, procedural support, assessment, play techniques, and education.
  • Child Life Internship Frequently Asked Questions

Key Requirements

  • Affiliation Agreement: Your university must have a current Affiliation Agreement with Children's Wisconsin before you apply. Confirm this with your academic coordinator.
  • CPR Certification: Valid CPR certification is required if you are accepted.

How to Apply

Submit the following documents to childlife@childrenswi.org:

  • ACLP readiness common application.
  • Personal philosophy on child life services.
  • One letter of recommendation from your academic program.

Important Dates

We follow the application deadlines set by the ACLP (Association of Child Life Professionals) for the fall and spring semesters.

Additional Notes

Interns are responsible for their own transportation and housing.