Child Life
Since becoming the first college in the United States to institute an educational program in Child Life, Wheelock College has retained its renowned reputation for providing innovative and cutting-edge programs in the education of Child Life Specialists. This program is the source of high-quality, well trained Child Life professionals.
We are fortunate with our location in the heart of Boston’s Longwood Medical Area as well, because Boston area hospitals are highly desired locations for internships in Child Life. Our unique model of internships takes full advantage of our location and proximity to internationally-renowned medical facilities.
The Child Life and Family Centered Care program prepares students to work as child life specialists and child health and development specialists in a variety of health care settings. The program includes clinical experiences and course work that prepare students to support the psychosocial and developmental needs of children and families.
Many of the graduates of the Child Life and Family Centered Care program are currently working in the highly-regarded hospitals and health care settings in Boston and the surrounding communities, in major children’s hospitals, bereavement programs, early intervention programs, and community and specialty hospitals (inpatient units, outpatient clinics, hematology/oncology centers, specialty clinics and day surgery). Outside of their jobs, a number of Wheelock alumni hold leadership positions in the Child Life Council. Alumni of this program are highly sought after locally, regionally, and nationally.
Outside of its undergraduate concentration in Child Life and graduate programs, the Child Life department also offers an annual professional development opportunity to travel to London and take part in the 3-4 credit Hospitalized Child in England program.
The Faculty
The Child Life faculty all have years of real-world clinical and academic experience to offer the students in this program. Meet the Child Life faculty.
Applying to a Wheelock College Graduate Program
If you have any questions about these programs, other graduate programs at Wheelock College, or about applying to Wheelock College, contact the Office of Graduate Admissions at graduate@wheelock.edu or call (617) 879-2206, (toll-free (800) 734-5212), or visit the Office of Graduate Admissions Web Site.
