For current Edgewood College Child Life students, ED 210, 220, 301, and 306 are required before applying for full admission into the Child Life Major. To take Child Life courses beyond the ED 301 level, one must complete the Child Life application.
The application is due by June 1st for students in Fall Session and August 1st for students in Summer Session for admissions into the Child Life program for the next academic year:
Child Life core classes – All of the following courses taught by a CCLS
ED 301: Introduction into Child Life
The child life profession, including theoretical and historical perspectives on child life; programming, job availability, trends affecting academic preparation; program requirements, field experiences, including practicum placements, internships and volunteer experiences; supplemental career options; interviews and presentations of program directors, child life professionals, and alumnae working in the field of child life. Prerequisites: Second year students only
ED 308: History of Child Life
An overview of the history of the child life profession, from the earliest development of pediatric care and the identification of psychosocial care for children in health care settings, through the emergence of child life as a professional organization. Topics will include fundamental theorists and researchers, and key pioneers whose work help define the profession, the Association for the Care of Children in Hospitals, the Child Life Council, and the CLC Archives. This is a predominantly online course. Prerequisite: ED 301 Introduction to Child Life
ED 311C: Wellness and Ethics in Child Life
This course provides introductory knowledge and skills to integrate concepts of health and wellness into practice in the field of elementary education and child life. Instruction in developmentally appropriate programs for health promotion will build understanding of personal and community health issues that are currently relevant with children and families.
ED 360: Medical Terminology for Child Life
This medical terminology course will provide framework for medical terminology used in the hospital setting. This course is primary held online. Prerequisites: Admission to Child Life.
ED 370: Psychosocial Care of Hospitalized Children and Families
Effects of hospitalization on children, adolescents and families at each stage of development. Focus on applied theory and interventions to lessen the stress of hospitalization. The role of family systems and the relationship with the child life specialist as a member of the health care team will be explored. A practicum is required. Prerequisites: Admission to Child Life.
ED 372: Materials and Methods of Play- Child Life
Materials and methodology for Child Life activity programs; including preparation, therapeutic medical play, distraction, and coping. Prerequisites: ED 370, ED 375, Admission to Child Life.
ED 375: Pediatric Conditions and Research
Common medical diseases and conditions of children and adolescents including those requiring surgical intervention. Emerging treatment and innovative research methods in child life and the healthcare environment will be explored. Prerequisites: Admission to Child Life.
ED 376: Loss, Bereavement, and Trauma- Child Life
Special needs, interventions and coping strategies for dealing with crisis situations of emergency room trauma, dying children and youth, and grieving families. Prerequisites:
ED 370, ED 375, admission to Child Life
ED 475: Child Life field experience
This course will provide students with the opportunity to apply academic and clinical skills learned in the classroom in a professional program setting under the supervision of a Certified Child Life Specialist. Students will be required to explore the application of their unique background and foundation included with interpersonal skills to develop a philosophy and professional standard that will encourage their emerging role as a family centered health care professional. Consideration of all current aspects of multidisciplinary health care will be included as students create an understanding of medical, psychosocial, and ethical care of children in hospitals and health care settings. Prerequisites: Completion of all other coursework.
*Edgewood College follows the Association of Child Life Professionals standards for internship application: