Child Life Services Shadow Program

We are not accepting applications for the Child Life Services Shadow Program at this time. Please check this page for updates. 

Children’s National offers a Child Life Services Shadow Program for individuals 18 years and older that are interested in pursuing the field of child life. At Children’s National, our Child Life Specialists help create a positive experience for families during their child’s outpatient visit or hospital stay. Our Child Life Specialists are specially trained and certified to help children, adolescents, and families understand and cope with illness, treatment, and hospitalization.

The shadow program is a one time, strictly observational opportunity that will allow individuals to experience first-hand the work of a Certified Child Life Specialist. Shadowing is offered as a half-day opportunity from the end of the hospital’s declared flu season (typically sometime in April) through the end of November. Shadows will first take part in an orientation including information about Children’s National and the child life profession, and will then have the chance to observe child life specialists in both inpatient and outpatient settings. We recommend that applicants review the Association of Child Life Professionals website to learn more prior to shadowing.

Shadows are offered to 6 applicants per month on a first come, first served basis. We are only able to offer shadow opportunities on Mondays, Tuesdays, or Fridays. 

We will not accept applications from candidates who are not exploring or considering a career as a child life professional.