The child life department is offering internships for those wishing to pursue a career as a child life specialist. Be advised that if you are selected as an intern, your college/university must negotiate a contract with CHKD before the internship start date. If you have any questions, please contact Traci Maye, CCLS, at Traci.Maye@CHKD.org.

CHKD's Child Life Services provides a quality training experience for future child life professionals by offering a 640-hour, 16-week internship program with varied days and hours, twice a year.

Fall Internship 2023

Eligibility Assessment Documents must arrive at ACLP office by March 1, 2023

Application Deadline: March 15, 2023
Initial Offer Date: May 2, 2023
Acceptance Date: May 3, 2023
2nd Offer Date: May 4, 2023

Winter/Spring Internship 2024

Eligibility Assessment Documents must arrive at ACLP office by August 21, 2023

Application Deadline: September 7, 2023
Initial Offer Date: October 10, 2023
Acceptance Date: Occober 11, 2023
2nd Offer Date: October 12, 2023

Eligibility and Application Details Below

Application Requirements

In order to apply for this internship, you must meet the Association of Child Life Professionals (ACLP) certification eligibility course requirement, be affiliated with a college or university that has a standing agreement with CHKD, and you must have at least 100 hours of volunteer or paid experience working with children and/or have completed a child life practicum. For more information regarding ACLP’s course requirement please click here.

Submit Your Application

Please submit the ACLP Common Internship Application Form which includes a completed application, unoffical transcript and eligibility assessment.

Mail your completed application in one envelope to: 

  • CHKD, Child Life Department, C/O Traci Maye, CCLS, 601 Children's Lane, Norfolk, VA 23507.

Interview Process

An interview is required if your application meets the admission criteria. Upon review of your application, you will be notified of your selection status, which may include scheduling an interview. A personal interview is preferred if you live within 100 miles of Norfolk. However, a phone interview can be arranged if you live outside the 100 mile radius or are unable to attend a personal interview. If you are selected as an intern, an affiliation agreement must be negotiated between your college or university and CHKD prior to the start of your internship. If an affiliation fails to be negotiated, the internship offer becomes void.