Master of Science in

Human Development and Family Science

with an

Emphasis in Child Life Information Guide

2012 - 2013

The University of Georgia

Department of Human Development and Family Science

Table of Contents

Welcome ………………………………………………………………………………………….2

Master of Science Program with an Emphasis in Child Life ……………………………………...2

Benefit of a Degree in Human Development and Family Science………………………………..2

Study in Human Development and Family Science and Child Life ……………………..2

Research …………………………………………………………………………………..3

Thesis or Clinical Project……………...………………………………………….……………….3

Thesis……………………………………………………………………………………...3

Clinical Project…………………………………………………………………………….3

Practicum ………………………………………………………………………………………....4

Internships ………………………………………………………………………………………...4

When to Intern ……………………………………………………………………………5

Application Process ………………………………………………………………………5

Previous Internships ………………………………………………………………………5

Assistantships …………………………………………………………………………………….6

Volunteer Work …………………………………………………………………………………..6

Professional Development ………………………………………………………………………..6

Membership in the Child Life Council and Other Organizations…………………………6

Conferences ………………………………………………………………………………7

Presentations ……………………………………………………………………………...8

Graduates of Program …………………………………………………………………………….8

Appendix A: Program of Study Sheet ………………………………………….………………...9

Appendix B: Frequently Asked Questions …………………..…………….……………………11

Appendix C: Forms………………………………………………………………………………16

* All content within this booklet is subject to change. This is only an informational guide; students in the Master of Science in Human Development and Family Studies with an Emphasis in Child Life Program will need to obtain a copy of the “Program policy and planning procedures for master’s students,” which will serve as the handbook to their graduate studies.


Welcome

The Department of Human Development and Family Science at the University of Georgia prides itself on providing students with various academic and career options. The aim of this department is to maximize the strengths of each individual student and support his/her area of study and research. In order to meet the individualized needs and interests of the students, the department offers a Master of Science degree in Human Development and Family Science, a Master of Science degree in Human Development and Family Science with an Emphasis in Child Life, and a Doctor of Philosophy degree in Human Development and Family Science, and a Doctor of Philosophy degree in Human Development and Family Science with an emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy.

Master of Science Program with an Emphasis in Child Life

The program with an emphasis in Child Life is offered for students wishing to pursue a higher academic education and who are interested in working with children and families in healthcare settings. This program allows a dual focus on the study of issues and development in children and families, along with theory, practice, and research in Child Life. Students in this emphasis will complete the required Human Development and Family Science and Child Life coursework listed in their program of study (see Appendix A). Upon fulfillment of the program requirements, students will graduate with a Master of Science degree in Human Development and Family Science with an Emphasis in Child Life. For further information and a list of frequently asked questions and answers on this program see Appendix B.

Benefit of a Degree in Human Development and Family Science

There are many benefits to pursuing the study of Child Life within a Master of Science program in Human Development and Family Science. Students in this program learn about and apply research skills to their areas of interest, preparing them to work in both the field of Child Life and Human Development and Family Science.

Study in Human Development and Family Science and Child Life

A Master of Science degree in Human Development and Family Science will be beneficial for students pursuing a career in the field of Child Life by educating them on developmental issues and important topics concerning both children and families. Additionally, students in this emphasis will receive education on Child Life theory, practice, and application within the field. After meeting the program of study requirements students will be prepared to participate in an internship under a Certified Child Life Specialist. The program with an Emphasis in Child Life at the University of Georgia works in congruence with the Child Life Council’s requirements for becoming a Certified Child Life Specialist. Therefore, upon completion of both their educational requirements and their internship, students will graduate and be eligible to sit for the Child Life Certification exam.

Research

The Department of Human Development and Family Science believes that research is an integral part of students’ training. Various research and analyzation skills are taught and refined throughout the students’ studies, which include research presentations and completion of a thesis or a clinical project. See Masters Program Handbook for more information on the research focus.

Thesis or Clinical Project

A thesis or clinical project will be completed by all students in the Master of Science degree in Human Development and Family Science with an Emphasis in Child Life. Students are required to declare a committee of three faculty members who will provide supervision throughout the process.

Thesis

A thesis requires students to use research and critical thinking skills they have learned and apply them to an area of interest within their field. Students must complete their thesis research and pass a thesis defense with their committee members in order to be eligible to graduate. Please see the Masters Program Handbook for detailed information about the thesis.

Clinical Project

A clinical project is an applied option that requires a literature review, a proposal, and completion of a project that will be useful in the Human Development and Family Science field. This project is a rigorous, research-based clinical project completed under the direction of the major professor. The project applies a review of substantive literature and relevant theory to a problem of an applied nature in a clinical setting. The student’s advisory committee will evaluate the project based on its comprehensiveness, completeness, and appropriateness in relation to professional work in the student’s area of interest. The student also must pass an oral examination given by the student’s faculty committee over the research area upon which the specialized clinical project is based.

The process for a clinical project follows that of a thesis closely. You are required to declare a committee, pick a topic for your project, complete a comprehensive literature review related to your project, propose your project to your committee, complete your project, and defend your project to your committee. A master’s portfolio is also required.

Forms for the clinical project are similar to those for a thesis, but it is very important that you make the distinction of “non-thesis” option on your forms. This distinction occurs where you put what degree you are seeking (so, you would put “Masters of Science (or M.S.) – non-thesis”). Also, it is important when listing your major to put “Human Development and Family Science (or HDFS) – Child Life Emphasis.” If these two lines are not included on your paperwork, it can become bothersome when it comes time to apply for graduation.

Practicum

Students will gain knowledge in the field of Child Life through completing practicum experiences at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. Each student will register for practicum during two or three semesters of their coursework. Practicum experiences will include traveling to Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta once weekly to shadow Child Life Specialists at both the Egleston and Scottish Rite campuses. When possible, students will carpool to Atlanta. During each semester of practicum, students will gain approximately 100 hours of experience in a particular area of the hospital. Experience will be gained in several different units, so students will be exposed to a variety of Child Life interventions. Students will also complete assignments to be turned in to their supervisor. Students will have the opportunity to practice assessing patient needs, evaluating coping, and developing interventions to support children and families in the hospital setting. The goal of practicum is to help students gain appropriate experiences to prepare them to obtain and complete a Child Life internship.

Internships

A Child Life internship is a required part of the program. An internship allows students to work with Certified Child Life Specialists in healthcare settings and participate in preparation, developmental assessments, support groups, procedural support, normalization activities, bereavement activities, and documentation. Students also work directly with patients and learn how theory is applied to their work. The internship experience provides students with hands-on clinical training as well as the ability to develop professionalism and knowledge of Child Life practice. UGA does not provide the internship to Child Life students, and it is not limited to any particular hospital or program. Students will apply and interview with various hospitals in order to receive an internship position.

When to Intern

Students will be eligible to participate in a Child Life internship upon completion of their program of study requirements. Most students become interns during the summer of their second year or the following fall. Keep in mind that students will still be enrolled and register for internship hours at the University of Georgia during this time.

Application Process

Before entering a Child Life internship program, students will need to find and apply to programs, interview with staff, and be extended a formal offer into the program. Students research various Child Life internship programs in order to determine which programs and hospitals best suit their needs and interests. Letters are written by the student to the program coordinator to request further information. Students secure the standard Child Life internship application, along with any supplemental application materials hospitals require. Once the completed application has been received, hospital staff will determine if they want to contact eligible students for an interview. After the interview process is completed, hospital staff will extend offers to selected applicants. Students will accept or delcine each hospital that has offered them an internship position.

After this process has been completed and the student has accepted an internship offer from a hospital program, the student will begin the process of completing the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). A Memorandum of Understanding is a legal agreement between the University of Georgia and the hospital where the internship will take place concerning the student’s role and educational goals throughout the internship. This legal document must be completed and signed prior to starting an internship. The process can be time consuming and arduous and it is suggested that this process be started as soon as the student has accepted an internship placement. The MOU must be completed prior to starting an internship within a hospital.

Previous Internships

Some students may have completed a Child Life internship prior to their studies at the University of Georgia. Although a previous internship is not required to be admitted into the program, it is seen as beneficial. All students, however, are required to complete a Child Life internship during their graduate studies in Human Development and Family Science at the University of Georgia, even if they have previously completed a Child Life internship.

Assistantships

Assistantship positions in the Department of Human Development and Family Science are available, but are limited in number. Prospective students should apply for assistantship positions at the same time they apply to the graduate program. Applications will be reviewed by the Admissions and Graduate Program Committees and students will be notified if they have been awarded an assistantship position. Students who obtain an assistantship position receive a monthly stipend and will have their tuition waived; however, students will still be responsible for paying student fees each semester. See Masters Program Handbook for further information on assistantships.

Volunteer Work

Volunteer work is an excellent way to gain experience and to learn more about Child Life or Human Development and Family Science. Students in the Child Life program are encouraged to participate in volunteer work throughout their graduate studies. There are many local opportunities for volunteer work that allow students to apply their knowledge and develop applied skills in Human Development and Family Science. Possible volunteer options include: Child Life programs in pediatric and outreach programs at Athens area hospitals, Atlanta area hospitals, childcare programs at the McPhaul Center, and summer camps for children with chronic illnesses, such as Camp Twin Lakes in Rutledge, Georgia, Camp Will-A-Way in Winder, GA, and Extra Special People in Athens, GA.

Professional Development

There is a wide range of opportunities available to promote professional development while studying at the University of Georgia; however, these are often initiated by the student based upon her/his interests. Students are strongly encouraged to seek out and participate in various activities and organizations, as a means of professional development. The following are examples of professional development opportunities that students have previously participated in during their graduate studies.

Membership in the Child Life Council (CLC) and Other Organizations

It is strongly suggested that students in the Master of Science in Human Development and Family Science with an Emphasis in Child Life program join the Child Life Council, which is the professional organization in the field of Child Life. Students should join this organization as soon as they begin their studies, and are expected to continue membership throughout the duration of their coursework. Students pay an annual membership fee to join the CLC. Members receive a monthly newsletter concerning Child Life topics, have access to important literature online, and are eligible for reduced conference rates. Members are also able to read and participate in the Child Life internet listserv, which allows students to gain valuable information on issues and topics in Child Life, communicate with professionals in the field, and view current job openings.

Aside from the Child Life Council, there are also other Human Development and Family Science related organizations which students may join. These include, but are not limited to, the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), the National Council on Family Relations (NCFR), or the American Association of Family and Consumer Sciences (AAFCS).

Conferences

There are many conferences on Human Development and Family Science and Child Life held both locally and nationally for students to attend. Previous students have attended conferences hosted by the Child Life Council (CLC), Georgia Association for Young Children (GAYC), the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), the Early Childhood Institute (ECI), and the National Council on Family Relations (NCFR). Conference and seminar attendance is not mandatory; however, these events are important to a graduate student’s professional development.