Child Life and Community Health Graduate Certificate

About this programme

This program runs every two years, and the next intake will be for Fall 2028. Applications will be open from October 1, 2027 to January 31, 2028. The Child Life and Community Health program prepares you to meet the professional requirements of the Association of Child Life Professionals (ACLP) to become eligible to write the Child Life Certification Exam and earn the designation of Certified Child Life Specialist (CCLS). While this unique 15-credit graduate certificate prepares you for a career in a hospital or community health care setting, it is also an excellent choice for working in a variety of settings supporting children, youth, and families in challenging life situations. The small cohort format provides a supportive learning environment in which you are able to explore the theories specific to child life, therapeutic play, child development, transitions, and acquire the skills and knowledge required to work with grief and loss. As part of the program, you gain work experience in the form of a 600-hour internship where you demonstrate competency in specific clinical skills as defined by the Association of Child Life Professionals. Note: You are responsible for your own transportation and any travel costs associated with the internship. Internship sites are limited locally and you may travel out-of-province or abroad to find an available site. Completion of an internship and verification by an eligible Certified Child Life Specialist Supervisor are required to apply to write the certification exam.