Child Life Fellowship

The Child Life Department is committed to providing quality education and training for future child life professionals. The fellowship is awarded to individuals who are committed to career development in child life, have completed a child life internship and want experience with all ages and diagnoses in pediatrics. Fellowship applications are reviewed in June of each year, with interviews taking place during late June or July. Our fellowship lasts 12 months.

General Expectations

  • A stipend for a full-time, 12-month (40 hours per week) placement. Experience, training and supervision are provided in all facets of our Child Life-Child Development department.

  • 40-hour weeks which include:

    • 35 hours direct patient care with patients and families

    • 1 hour in-service education 5 days a week for the first 3 to 4 months

    • 1 – 1.5 hour weekly department meeting

  • Participation as a member of the healthcare team and in psychosocial conferences

  • Administrative experience through supervision of volunteers and participation in continuing education opportunities

  • Clinical rotations for the fellowship position are established after evaluation of both the interests of the fellow and current department needs and staffing

Necessary Skills

  • Charting of patient’s progress in medical records

  • Assessment of children’s development

  • Assessment of children as basis for planning child life interventions

  • Evaluation of self-performance and programming

  • Preparation of children for hospitalization, surgery and procedures

  • Supervision of playroom and special events

  • Assessment of environments

  • Work with patients and families from diverse backgrounds

Requirements

  • Committed to career development in child life

  • Obtained an undergraduate degree

  • Completed an internship under the direct supervision of a certified child life specialist

Benefits

Children’s Medical Center has a 100-year history of providing extraordinary patient care to children. Many of our programs receive recognition in the U.S. News & World Report ‘Best of’ Lists

  • Monthly stipend

  • Medical-Dental insurance

  • Educational materials (books, papers, pamphlets, etc.)

  • Free employee parking

  • Opportunity to learn from experienced Child Life Specialists

Process

Email below items to fellowshipapplications@childrens.com (please include your first and last name in the subject line):

  • Completed fellowship application

  • Current resume

  • A 300-500 word essay, describing the ways in which the work of a child life specialist contributes to the health care experience of a child and his/her family.

Submit in one envelope via US mail or FedEx:

  • Current transcripts

  • Two letters of reference

    • One from an academic professor

    • One from your internship supervisor

Please mail to:
Krista Stringer, MS, CCLS
Child Life Department
1935 Medical District Drive
Dallas, TX 75235

Important Dates

  • Annual deadline to apply is June 1st (must be post-marked by this date)

  • If selected, you will be contacted between June 15 and July 15 regarding an interview

  • **Candidates selected to interview will be required to come in person for the interview, which will include a traditional interview as well as a practical component, which will take up to 3 hours**

  • The fellowship year begins in September

Due to the large number of applicants, we are unable to individually respond to confirm receipt of documents. If you require verification of receipt, please arrange for this with the post office or delivery service you choose.