Thank you for your interest in the Child Life and Creative Arts Therapy Department at the Mount Sinai Kravis Children's Hospital. The goal of our internship program is to offer Child Life interns a wide range of learning opportunities through which to develop clinical skills. Through this internship experience, students will engage in enriching and thought provoking learning opportunities, which link theory to actual “hands-on” practices with children, youth and families.  This internship program will help clinically prepare students in skills that can be applied to any setting as a Child Life Specialist.

We offer the framework and support necessary for interns to build independence in developing thorough assessments, providing appropriate interventions, and creating unique programming for children and families. In addition, interns increase their skills and focus their learning through curriculum focus readings, seminars and relevant assignments.

The Child Life and Creative Arts Therapy Department at the Mount Sinai Kravis Children's Hospital is in alignment with the standards, philosophy, and mission of the Child Life Council including the Standards for Academic and Clinical Preparation. Our students are an integral part of our programming for hospitalized children, and we are committed to ongoing education in the areas of Child Life and the Creative Arts Therapies.

Program Goals:
Interns will, through their placement in the Child Life and Creative Arts Therapy Program:

• Develop Child Life clinical skills though hands-on experience and supervision in inpatient and/or outpatient areas
• Incorporate play, emotional support, healthcare education and family involvement to enhance the social, emotional, intellectual and physical well-being of children and families in the healthcare setting
• Gain a deeper understanding of the profession of Child Life.
• Enhance their practices in interactions with children, youth, and families.
• Explore developmental theories and have the opportunity to link theoretical frameworks to Child Life interventions and practices. 
• Increase their knowledge of recommended practices for children, youth and families from diverse backgrounds.
• Participate in multidisciplinary meetings, special hospital events, support groups and supervision of volunteers
• Enhance their thinking skills through critical reflections, thought provoking assignments, journaling, seminars, as well as weekly supervision.

Scheduling Options:

Two scheduling options are available for interns:

Some clinical rotations may include evening and weekend hours to best meet patient and family care needs. Hours are not to exceed an 8 hour work day and will always include 2 consecutive days off. Interns are not expected to work on hospital holidays. Anticipated time off must be approved before the start of your internship. Any additional requests for time off should be submitted in writing to your supervisor 2 weeks prior to the requested time. All time beyond 2 sick days must be made up in order to complete internship hour requirements.

Placements:

Interns will begin their experience with a one week general orientation, followed by their primary clinical placement. At the mid-point, interns will rotate to their secondary clinical placement. Placement areas for interns include but are not limited to: Medical/Surgical, Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU), Oncology, Cardiology, Emergency Department, Outpatient Services, and General Pediatrics. Availability of placements will vary each semester. Regardless of the rotations, each intern will be supervised throughout the entirety of their internship by a certified Child Life Specialist meeting the standards set forth by the Child Life Council.

How To Apply:

Prior to Application

• Complete coursework in Child Life, Child Development or related fields, minimum bachelors degree earned at start of internship session
• Experience with children and families in non-healthcare settings (i.e. daycare, school environment)
• Minimum of 100 hours of fieldwork or volunteer experience in a Child Life Program under the supervision of a Child Life Specialist

Submit completed application the Mount Sinai Kravis Children's Department including the following documents:

• Completed application form (click here)
• Confirmation of completed pre-requirement of at least 100 hours volunteer/field work experience in a Child Life Program
• 1 current (within the past year) sealed letter of recommendation from a Child Life Specialist supervising your fieldwork or volunteer experience
• 1 current sealed letter of recommendation from professional of your choice
• Current Curriculum Vitae
• Copy of coursework audit from Child Life Council

Send Applications to:
ATTN: Internship Coordinator
The Child Life and Creative Arts Therapy Department Box 1153
The Mount Sinai Kravis Children's Hospital
1 Gustave L. Levy Place
New York, NY 10029

After review of complete applications, applicants may be contacted for an interview.  Selection of interns is based on college major, high level of academic achievement, letters of recommendations, written and verbal communication skills, strong personal qualities appropriate when working with children, families, staff and supervisors and strong knowledge of child development and child life.

Internships are offered two times a year and follow the recommended dates from the Child Life Council as stated below.  

Internship Schedule and Deadlines

Stipends
The Child Life Internship is unpaid.

Housing
Housing during internship will be the responsibility of each student.    

Questions
Contact Wanda Valdez
Internship/Student Coordinator

wanda.valdez@mountsinai.org  or call (212) 241-6797

UPDATE: Art Therapy internship application deadline is now April 15, 2013.

Please read the files below to learn about future Art Therapy intern positions:
To All Potential Art Therapy Applicants
Art Therapy Internship Facts
Art Therapy Internship Application
Art Therapy Internship Contract

Child Life Interns, Art Therapy Interns and Volunteers:

Volunteers are an important part of The Child Life and Creative Arts Therapy Department.

If you would like information on volunteering during the academic year, please contact: caroline.boynton@mountsinai.org

REQUIREMENTS

• Time: A minimum commitment of 4 consecutive hours per week for 4 consecutive months. (Exception: A condensed summer program is available. Contact cheryl.strauss@mountsinai.org to obtain more information)

• Age requirements: Child Life will only consider individuals 18 years of age and older for inpatient openings, 17 years and older for The Zone.  Teens 15-17 will be considered for KidZone TV openings.
• It is preferred that a candidate has had prior experience with children or a background/strong interest in child development.
• Energy, enthusiasm, creative resourcefulness and a desire to work with children.
• Completion of all necessary volunteer department paperwork and medical clearance.
• Participation in a department specific orientation.

• Responsibilities include:
• Provide developmentally appropriate activities to individual patients referred by the Child Life Specialist.
• Assist Child Life staff or interns in group activities, including set-up and clean up of the activity room or clinic area.
• Work independently, but be open to supervision.
• Practice strict hand-washing techniques and follow procedures for contact and other isolation precautions.
• Volunteers are encouraged to make note of significant interactions with patients and to pass it on to Child Life or other health care team members; this information can contribute to the care of the patient.
• Follow safety and other guidelines as outlined in the orientation checklist.