Undergraduate

Child Life

Explore multiple aspects of child development—from infancy and early childhood to adolescence and early adulthood—while learning to promote well-being during health crises.

Degree

Minor

Location

Durham, NH

Courses

Credit

20 hrs.

Full-time

- -

Part-time

- -

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Human Development & Family Studies

The Child Life minor at UNH offers specialized training in supporting children and families facing medical challenges and traumatic experiences. Here you'll be able to explore multiple aspects of child development—from infancy and early childhood to adolescence and early adulthood—while learning to promote well-being during health crises.

With a focus on interdisciplinary study and practical applications, this program enhances majors in healthcare, human development, education, and social work. Through comprehensive coursework and hands-on learning experiences, you'll develop the essential skills needed for success in various in-demand careers supporting children and families in healthcare settings.

Department of Human Development & Family Studies

Key Links

Tuition Costs

Contact Cards

Kerry Jankins

Associate Professor

Kerry.Jankins@unh.edu

Pettee Hall, Room 218a, Durham, NH 03824

(603) 862-2135

What is child life?

In the child life minor, you’ll learn to promote the well-being of children and adolescents and their families facing acute, chronic or life-threatening illnesses and traumatic injuries. The interdisciplinary curriculum lets you explore developmental perspectives on infancy, early childhood, adolescence and early adulthood. You can combine the minor with a major in areas such as healthcare, human development and family studies, education or social work, preparing you for a variety of in-demand careers.

Why study child life at UNH?

As a major public research university, UNH emphasizes hands-on experience and research opportunities. Students in the child life minor have multiple opportunities to put theory into practice through internships at the Child Study and Development Center. Any currently enrolled UNH student can complete the child life minor. A minor in child life can qualify you for entry-level positions in the field.

Potential careers

Child life assistant
Child life volunteer coordinator
Child and family support specialist
Family intervention case manager
Parent educator

Curriculum & Requirements

Program Description

The department of Human Development and Family Studies offers a minor in Child Life. The minor introduces undergraduate students to the Child Life profession, which works with children, adolescents, and families facing challenges associated with hospitalization, medical procedures, illness, and disability. You will gain insight on how to support children and their families to effectively cope with the stress and anxiety of hospitalization using developmental play and normalized activities in their environment.

For students who wish to go on to become Child Life Specialists, the full list of UNH approved courses by the Association of Child Life Professionals can be found under HDFS Undergraduate Forms. Read more about ACLE certification.

The Child Life minor may also be taken by HDFS students.

Requirements for the Program

Academic policies related to Minors.

Course List
Code	Title	Credits
Required Courses
HDFS 565	Introduction to Child Life ²	4
or SW 565	Introduction to Child Life
HDFS 623	Infant and Child Development ²	4
Select three courses from the following:		12
HDFS 590	Learning Through Play ²
HDFS 624	Adolescent Development
HDFS 635	Teaching and Learning in Early Childhood Settings ²
HDFS 641	Parenting Across the Life Span ²
HDFS 684	Curriculum for Young Children ²
HDFS 697	Special Topics (Child Life Design and Programing)
HDFS 707	Practicum ¹
HDFS 709	Child Development Internship ²
NURS 535	Death and Dying ²
Total Credits		20

¹: Internship under the supervision of a CCLS. Contingent on approval from instructor and securing an internship site.
²: Approved Child Life Certification course. These courses meet the Association of Child Life Professionals requirements to sit for the Exam. Note: Course work is only part of the ACLP requirements. Please visit the ACLP website for complete information.