The child life profession will be examined, including history,
theory, clinical practice, techniques, and interventions, along
with experiential-learning with children and families coping
with illness.
Additional Requirements for Graduate Students: Graduate students will have additional assignments, including
papers, service learning opportunities, and research
requirements. Specifically, graduate students will give a short
series of presentations to the undergraduates related to child
life interventions. In addition, they are required to prepare a
20-page paper based on peer-reviewed literature and a project
about a childhood illness. Graduate students are also expected
to do solo presentations on their papers and projects tailored
to their career goals. Lastly, graduate students will use their
practicum placements as a service-learning opportunity related
to course material.
Athena Title
Child Life Theory and Practice
Undergraduate Prerequisite
(HDFS 2100 or HDFS 2100E or HDFS 2100H) and (HDFS 2950 or HDFS 2950E) and HDFS 4810/6810 and permission of department
Graduate Prerequisite
Permission of department
Semester Course Offered
Offered spring
Grading System
A - F (Traditional)
Student Learning Outcomes
Students will demonstrate understanding of the history and evolution of the role of Child Life Specialists in healthcare settings.
Students will acquire knowledge of the Child Life profession through reviewing the Official Documents of the Child Life Council.
Students will identify key components of Patient and Family Centered Care as it relates to the Child Life role.
Students will demonstrate understanding of the role of play and therapeutic play in daily Child Life interventions.
Students will identify types of preparation and methods utilized in preparing children and families to cope with stressful situations in health care settings.
Students will demonstrate an understanding of the link between developmental theory and Child Life practice.
Students will demonstrate an understanding of the benefits and techniques of coping and distraction for hospitalized children and families.
Students will explore the various areas/populations and environments of Child Life practice in and outside the hospital.
Students will identify various indirect responsibilities of a Child Life Specialist, including administrative tasks, budgeting, statistics, and charting.
Students will identify the role of Child Life Specialist in assisting patients and families in grief and bereavement.
Topical Outline
I. Overview of Child Life Profession and Professional Organization
II. Child Life Documentation to include:
Official Documents of the Child Life Council
Code of Ethical Responsibility
Child Life Competencies
Standards of Clinical Practice
Child Life Mission, Values, and Mission Statement
Code of Professional Practice
III. History of Child Life and Its Development in the Evolution of Children’s Healthcare
IV. Developmental Theories in Relation to Child Life
V. Child Life’s Role in Facilitating Play/Medical Play/Therapeutic Play
VI. Impact of Illness, Injury, and Healthcare on Patients and Families
VII. Child Life Specialist's Role in Preparation Along with Historic and Current Perspectives
VIII. Child Life’s Role in Coping/Distraction Techniques
IX. Scope of Child Life Practice
X. Family Centered Care
XI. Child Life Administration
XII. Child Life Specialist's Role in Grief and Bereavement Situations
