University of the Fraser Valley
Child Life and Community Health
Overview
The Child Life and Community Health Postgraduate Certificate from the University of the Fraser Valley (UFV) prepares you to support children, youth, and families in hospitals and community health settings. You’ll build practice-ready skills in therapeutic play, child development, and family-centered care, including a supervised internship. The programme is designed to help you meet key professional requirements of the Association of Child Life Professionals (ACLP) so you can become eligible to write the Child Life Certification Exam and pursue the Certified Child Life Specialist (CCLS) designation.
About this programme
Overview
The Child Life and Community Health Postgraduate Certificate at the University of the Fraser Valley (UFV) equips you with the essential skills to support children, youth, and families within hospital and community health environments. This program emphasizes practical training in therapeutic play, child development, and family-centered care, culminating in a supervised internship experience.
Designed to meet the professional standards of the Association of Child Life Professionals (ACLP), this program prepares you to take the Child Life Certification Exam, paving the way towards achieving the Certified Child Life Specialist (CCLS) designation.
- Award: Postgraduate Certificate
- Provider: University of the Fraser Valley (UFV)
- Focus: Child life practice in hospital and community health settings
- Internship: 600-hour supervised internship (field placement)
- Professional alignment: Supports eligibility for the ACLP Child Life Certification Exam and CCLS designation
- Language of instruction: English
What you'll study
The curriculum combines theoretical knowledge with hands-on experience, fostering the development of crucial child life competencies.
- Child Life and Community Health
- Transitions: Working with Grief and Loss
- Play, Expressive, and Nature-Based Practices
- Child Life Internship (600 hours)
Curriculum note: The internship focuses on developing clinical skills in alignment with the Association of Child Life Professionals (ACLP).
For the latest information on course structure, prerequisites, and elective options, please visit the UFV program curriculum page.
Entry requirements
There are no specific GRE, GMAT, or GPA requirements publicly listed for this program. For detailed entry criteria, it is recommended to check directly with UFV.
Career prospects
Graduates of the Child Life and Community Health Postgraduate Certificate can pursue various roles in healthcare settings, including child life specialists, family support coordinators, and community health advocates. This program lays a strong foundation for those looking to make a meaningful impact in the lives of children and families facing health challenges.
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