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| Academic Minor • Department of Psychology |
Child and Family Studies
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Internship Opportunities:
CFS:488
Advanced internships may be available through:
Stony Brook Child Care Center, Inc.
University Hospital Pediatrics
Education & Assistance Corporation and Suffolk County Family Treatment Court
Response of Suffolk County, Inc
Long Island Museum of Art, History and Carriages
Middle Country Public Library
Museum of Long Island Natural Sciences
Cody Center of Autism and Developmental Disabilities
Developmental Disabilities Institute
Computer Associates Montessori Child Development Center
Stony Brook Career Center
Internship Opportunity Announcements:
The following opportunities can qualify as appropriate CFS 488 internships with a CFS faculty sponsor. Click on any of the titles below to view more details.
•Peer Career Advisor Internship 2007-08 at the Stony Brook University Career Center. Deadline March 30, 2007.
•Response of Suffolk County - Volunteer Crisis Counselor. Training begins in May. Those interested in attending the spring training can visit www.responsehotline.org for more information about us, or call Meryl Cassidy, at 631-751-7620.
Child Life Internships:
Please select the Child Life tab on the above menu bar for information on Child Life internships for those working towards Child Life Certification. Download and print Child Life Internship Application and Letter (WORD)
CFS:488
Advanced internships may be available through:
Stony Brook Child Care Center, Inc.
University Hospital Pediatrics
Education & Assistance Corporation and Suffolk County Family Treatment Court
Response of Suffolk County, Inc
Long Island Museum of Art, History and Carriages
Middle Country Public Library
Museum of Long Island Natural Sciences
Cody Center of Autism and Developmental Disabilities
Developmental Disabilities Institute
Computer Associates Montessori Child Development Center
Stony Brook Career Center
Internship Opportunity Announcements:
The following opportunities can qualify as appropriate CFS 488 internships with a CFS faculty sponsor. Click on any of the titles below to view more details.
•Peer Career Advisor Internship 2007-08 at the Stony Brook University Career Center. Deadline March 30, 2007.
•Response of Suffolk County - Volunteer Crisis Counselor. Training begins in May. Those interested in attending the spring training can visit www.responsehotline.org for more information about us, or call Meryl Cassidy, at 631-751-7620.
Child Life Internships:
Please select the Child Life tab on the above menu bar for information on Child Life internships for those working towards Child Life Certification. Download and print Child Life Internship Application and Letter (WORD)
The Child and Family Studies minor (CFS) focuses on the child's development and its role in the family and in the wider society. Theoretical and practical issues will be explored from an interdisciplinary perspective. Students will complement course work and observations with directed work in campus child care centers and other approved facilities. The CFS minor also supports the option of preparation for certification as a Child Life specialist.
Welcome to
Child and Family Studies
Child and Family Studies
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The Child and Family Studies Program: [Printer friendly version]
Completion of the minor requires 24 credits:
In order to fulfill the Child and Family Studies minor, students will complete at least 24 credits of designated CFS courses, including three upper-division courses, one of them at the 400 level.
A. Required Courses
CFS 210 Introduction to Human Growth and Development in the Family Context (PSY 220 may be substituted)
CFS 322 The Infant and Young Child
CFS 381 Seminar in Child Development
CFS 283 Practicum in Child Development
B. Four additional courses chosen from the following:
At least three courses must be upper division, and at least one of these must be a CFS course at the 400 level.
CFS 287 Supervised Research
CFS 308 Violence in the Family
CFS 320 The Special Child
CFS 321 Early Childhood Environments
PSY 327 Human Growth and Development in the Educational Context
CFS 339 Children’s Play
CFS 340 Children in Hospitals and Healthcare Settings
CFS 345 Parental Roles in a Pluralistic Society
SSE 350 Foundations of Education
CFS 405 Seminar in Children, Law & Social Policy
CFS 417 Senior Seminar in Child & Family Studies
CFS 447 Directed Readings
CFS 487 Independent Project
CFS 488 Internship
CFS 489 Child Life Internship
One of the following courses may be substituted for a CFS or SSE course in requirement B:
AFS 370 African-American Family
PSY 325 Children’s Cognitive Development
PSY 326 Children’s Social & Emotional Dev.
PSY 329 Special Topics in Dev. Psychology
PSY 338 Behavior Deviation in Children
SOC 304 Sociology of the Family
SOC/WST 340 Sociology of Human Reproduction
SOC 384 Sociology of the Life Course
SOC 387 Sociology of Education
PSY 347/WST Psych. of Women
Additional notes on the minor:
•No more than one course may be taken under the Pass/No Credit option.
•No more than six credits of independent work may be used toward fulfillment of the minor requirements.
•Students planning to volunteer in the child care center should make arrangements for an interview at the center prior to registering. Practicum hours should be arranged with the child care center directly. Proof of having had a recent medical examination must be presented before beginning practicum.
•Transfer students should be sure to have any courses from previous schools evaluated by Dr. Kuchner for possible credit towards the minor.
Completion of the minor requires 24 credits:
In order to fulfill the Child and Family Studies minor, students will complete at least 24 credits of designated CFS courses, including three upper-division courses, one of them at the 400 level.
A. Required Courses
CFS 210 Introduction to Human Growth and Development in the Family Context (PSY 220 may be substituted)
CFS 322 The Infant and Young Child
CFS 381 Seminar in Child Development
CFS 283 Practicum in Child Development
B. Four additional courses chosen from the following:
At least three courses must be upper division, and at least one of these must be a CFS course at the 400 level.
CFS 287 Supervised Research
CFS 308 Violence in the Family
CFS 320 The Special Child
CFS 321 Early Childhood Environments
PSY 327 Human Growth and Development in the Educational Context
CFS 339 Children’s Play
CFS 340 Children in Hospitals and Healthcare Settings
CFS 345 Parental Roles in a Pluralistic Society
SSE 350 Foundations of Education
CFS 405 Seminar in Children, Law & Social Policy
CFS 417 Senior Seminar in Child & Family Studies
CFS 447 Directed Readings
CFS 487 Independent Project
CFS 488 Internship
CFS 489 Child Life Internship
One of the following courses may be substituted for a CFS or SSE course in requirement B:
AFS 370 African-American Family
PSY 325 Children’s Cognitive Development
PSY 326 Children’s Social & Emotional Dev.
PSY 329 Special Topics in Dev. Psychology
PSY 338 Behavior Deviation in Children
SOC 304 Sociology of the Family
SOC/WST 340 Sociology of Human Reproduction
SOC 384 Sociology of the Life Course
SOC 387 Sociology of Education
PSY 347/WST Psych. of Women
Additional notes on the minor:
•No more than one course may be taken under the Pass/No Credit option.
•No more than six credits of independent work may be used toward fulfillment of the minor requirements.
•Students planning to volunteer in the child care center should make arrangements for an interview at the center prior to registering. Practicum hours should be arranged with the child care center directly. Proof of having had a recent medical examination must be presented before beginning practicum.
•Transfer students should be sure to have any courses from previous schools evaluated by Dr. Kuchner for possible credit towards the minor.
CONTACT INFORMATION: [Printer friendly version]
Child and Family Studies
Director: Joan F. Kuchner, PhD
Psychology B 144Phone: (631) 632-7695
E-mail: Joan.Kuchner@stonybrook.edu
Child Life Program
Coordinator of Child Life Services: Paulette Walter
Phone: (631) 444-3840
E-mail: Paulette.Walter@stonybrook.edu
Stony Brook Child Care Services, Inc.
Executive Director’s Office
Phone: (631) 632-6930
Child and Family Studies
Director: Joan F. Kuchner, PhD
Psychology B 144Phone: (631) 632-7695
E-mail: Joan.Kuchner@stonybrook.edu
Child Life Program
Coordinator of Child Life Services: Paulette Walter
Phone: (631) 444-3840
E-mail: Paulette.Walter@stonybrook.edu
Stony Brook Child Care Services, Inc.
Executive Director’s Office
Phone: (631) 632-6930
Announcements
The Psychology Department and the Stony Brook Chapter of Psi Chi National Honor Society in Psychology invite you to a panel discussion
Hate Crimes: Seeking Solutions for Communities
Panel Presentation and Participant Discussion
Date: Wednesday November 14, 2007
Location: Student Activity Center - ball room B
Time: 12:45 - 2:30 p.m.
For additional information or disability accommodation please contact
Dr. Joan Kucher: Joan.Kuchner@sunysb.edu
VIEW FLYER
Hate Crimes: Seeking Solutions for Communities
Panel Presentation and Participant Discussion
Date: Wednesday November 14, 2007
Location: Student Activity Center - ball room B
Time: 12:45 - 2:30 p.m.
For additional information or disability accommodation please contact
Dr. Joan Kucher: Joan.Kuchner@sunysb.edu
VIEW FLYER
What kind of careers will a CFS minor compliment?
Here are some examples:
Education & Human Services
Psychology
Social Work
Counseling
Early Childhood Education
Elementary Education
Childcare Administration
Library Science
Museum Education
Parent Education
Special Education
Health Care
Medicine
Child Life
Dentistry
Nursing
Occupational Therapy
Physical Therapy
Speech Therapy
Art Therapy
Here are some examples:
Education & Human Services
Psychology
Social Work
Counseling
Early Childhood Education
Elementary Education
Childcare Administration
Library Science
Museum Education
Parent Education
Special Education
Health Care
Medicine
Child Life
Dentistry
Nursing
Occupational Therapy
Physical Therapy
Speech Therapy
Art Therapy
Child & Family Policy
Public Health
City Planning
Government
Juvenile Justice
Law
…and more!!
Public Health
City Planning
Government
Juvenile Justice
Law
…and more!!
|
Links of Interest:
•Stony Brook University Child Care Center
Organizations:
•Child Life Council
•Child Life at Stony Brook University Hospital
•Psi Chi Honor Soceity - Stony Brook University Chapter
•Psi Chi Honor Society - National Organization
•Stony Brook University: Minorities in Psychology
Research
•Committees on Research Involving Human Subjects (CORIHS)
•Human Subjects Training (CITI Course)
•Stony Brook University Library
•Undergraduate Research Opportunities in Psychology
•URECA: Undergraduate Research and Creative Activities
•Stony Brook University Child Care Center
Organizations:
•Child Life Council
•Child Life at Stony Brook University Hospital
•Psi Chi Honor Soceity - Stony Brook University Chapter
•Psi Chi Honor Society - National Organization
•Stony Brook University: Minorities in Psychology
Research
•Committees on Research Involving Human Subjects (CORIHS)
•Human Subjects Training (CITI Course)
•Stony Brook University Library
•Undergraduate Research Opportunities in Psychology
•URECA: Undergraduate Research and Creative Activities
Course Descriptions [Printer friendly version]
CFS 210 Introduction to Human Growth and Development: The Family Context
(PSY 220 may be substituted)
Theories and research pertaining to stages in the life cycle from infancy to old age. Traditional theories of Freud, Erikson, and Piaget as well as contemporary interaction and ecological models are explored. Each stage is considered from the perspective of developmental tasks and its familial and social implications. Ethnicity, social class, and sex roles are examined with special attention to their effects on the family. May not be taken for credit after PSY 220; 3 credits
CFS 283 Practicum in Child Development
Students work nine hours a week in a full-day child-care center to gain practical experience in teaching, making materials, and observing preschool children. Students maintain daily journals, as well as plan and implement educational activities with the children that provide some of the basis for discussion and evaluation in CFS 381. This course requires students to use the knowledge gained in CFS 381 in a closely supervised situation. Mandatory prerequisites: CFS 210 or PSY 220; permission of instructor. Mandatory corequisite: CFS 381; 3 credits, S/U grading
CFS 287 Supervised Research
Participation in laboratory and field research in Child and Family Studies under the direct supervision of a faculty member in the CFS Program. May be repeated up to a limit of six credits. Mandatory Prerequisite: Permission of instructor; 0-3 credits, S/U grading
CFS 308 Violence in the Family
Theories and research about physical and sexual abuse of women and children. Among the topics to be discussed are rape, incest, and spouse abuse. The approach includes sociological, psychological, and feminist perspectives. Solutions involving the medical and legal systems and the establishment of shelters are also explored. Mandatory Prerequisite: U3 or U4 standing; Advisory Prerequisites: Nine credits in the social and behavioral sciences; 3 credits
CFS 320 The Special Child
Social, political, philosophical, and educational issues related to the habitation and integration of children. The course focuses on the interaction between children who have developmental, sensory, communication, behavioral, orthopedic, or other health disorders, as well as those who are gifted, and on community response to their exceptional needs. Mandatory Prerequisite: CFS 210 or PSY 220; 3 credits
CFS 321 Early Childhood Environments
A study of physical and social environments for young children from birth to eight years old. Public, commercial, and private settings are considered, including homes, hospitals, museums, libraries, and both indoor and outdoor play spaces. Alternative, traditional, and innovative child-care, preschool, and school settings are examined. Advisory Prerequisite: CFS 210 or PSY 220; 3 credits
CFS 322 The Infant and Young Child
Growth and development during the earliest stages of life. Socioeconomic class, ethnicity, and individual differences of infants and young children are explored. Topics include cognitive, socioemotional, and language development; the at-risk infant; and caregivers' role in health care, safety and nutrition. Students make periodic systematic observations of infants and young children in a variety of settings. Advisory Prerequisite: CFS 210 or PSY 220; 3 credits
CFS 339 Children's Play
An investigation of the significance of play in human development, familiarizing the student with the psychological and sociological theories of play and considering the application of these theories in educational and clinical settings. The course is especially useful to students who are contemplating professional work with children. Mandatory Prerequisite: CFS 210 or 322, or PSY 220; 3 credits
CFS 340 Children in Hospitals and Healthcare Settings
An examination of the social and emotional needs of children, adolescents, and their families when confronted with illness, medical crisis, and hospitalization. The course focuses on the creation of developmentally appropriate, culturally sensitive, and family centered health care environments. Topics include preparation for hospitalization and medical intervention, the dynamics of family stress, multicultural perspectives on illness and health care, and children's reactions to parental and sibling illness. Prerequisite: CFS 210 or PSY 220. Advisory Prerequisite: One of the following: CFS 320, 321, 322, or 327; 3 credits
CFS 345 Parental Roles in a Pluralistic Society
An examination of parental roles in family life from a multicultural
perspective. Theoretical models of parent education are evaluated, and alternative approaches to service delivery are explored within the context of America's pluralistic society. Specific issues such as ethnic socialization by parents and multiculturalism in child care and school settings are analyzed. Mandatory Prerequisite: U3 or U4 standing. Advisory Prerequisite: CFS 210 or CFS 220 or SOC 304; 3 credits
CFS 381 Seminar in Child Development
Seminar in early childhood development and education focusing on emergent literacy, science and math discovery, multisensory experiences to enhance motor development, and exploration of the arts. Students analyze strategies for problem solving and for creating environments that foster positive social interactions. Active listening, limit setting, conflict negotiations, and inquiry approaches to learning are explored from a multicultural perspective. Students develop learning experiences for children they are working with in the co-requisite practicum, CFS 283. Mandatory Prerequisites: CFS 210 or PSY 220; permission of instructor. Mandatory Corequisite: CFS 283; 3 credits
CFS 405 Seminar in Children, Law and Social Policy
A seminar that examines the social and political factors that determine the legislation affecting children and the evaluation of program effectiveness with an emphasis on developing skills needed to be an effective advocate for children and families. While the history of programs, beginning with the New Deal, is explored, the major focus is on current legislation. The following issues are analyzed: child health, nutrition, education, adoption and foster care, Head Start, child care. Mandatory Prerequisites: U3 or U4; 3 credits
CFS 417 Senior Seminar in Child and Family Studies
A seminar for advanced students in Child and Family Studies. A selected topic, chosen from among the following, is explored in depth: children and families at risk, motherhood, parent education, families with disabled members, family and individual development in the later years, families and the media and cross-cultural perspectives on child care and the parent-child relationship. Mandatory Prerequisites: U3 or U4 standing; 3 credits
CFS 447 Directed Readings
Individually supervised reading in selected topics of Child and Family Studies. May be repeated, but total credit may not exceed more than six credits. Mandatory Prerequisite: permission of instructor; 1-3 credits
CFS 487 Independent Project
Interdisciplinary independent projects in Child and Family Studies designed to enable students to combine academic fieldwork on a practical or community problem. May be repeated. Mandatory Prerequisites: 18 credits in the social and behavioral sciences; permission of instructor; 0-6 credits
CFS 488 Internship
Participation in local, state, or national public or private agencies and organizations. Students are required to submit written progress reports and a final report on their experiences to the faculty sponsor. May be repeated up to a limit of 12 credits. Mandatory Prerequisites: 15 credits in the social and behavioral sciences; permission of instructor and program; 1-6 credits, S/U grading
CFS 489 Child Life Internship
Prospective Child Life professionals receive supervised experience in action-based research within the pediatric hospital setting, applying their academic, intellectual, and technical skills toward assessing the needs of children and families for Child Life services and planning and implementing individualized, age-appropriate educational, play, recreational, and support activities. May be repeated up to a limit of 12 credits. Prerequisites: Completion of the CFS minor; permission of instructor. 0-6 credits, S/U
CFS 210 Introduction to Human Growth and Development: The Family Context
(PSY 220 may be substituted)
Theories and research pertaining to stages in the life cycle from infancy to old age. Traditional theories of Freud, Erikson, and Piaget as well as contemporary interaction and ecological models are explored. Each stage is considered from the perspective of developmental tasks and its familial and social implications. Ethnicity, social class, and sex roles are examined with special attention to their effects on the family. May not be taken for credit after PSY 220; 3 credits
CFS 283 Practicum in Child Development
Students work nine hours a week in a full-day child-care center to gain practical experience in teaching, making materials, and observing preschool children. Students maintain daily journals, as well as plan and implement educational activities with the children that provide some of the basis for discussion and evaluation in CFS 381. This course requires students to use the knowledge gained in CFS 381 in a closely supervised situation. Mandatory prerequisites: CFS 210 or PSY 220; permission of instructor. Mandatory corequisite: CFS 381; 3 credits, S/U grading
CFS 287 Supervised Research
Participation in laboratory and field research in Child and Family Studies under the direct supervision of a faculty member in the CFS Program. May be repeated up to a limit of six credits. Mandatory Prerequisite: Permission of instructor; 0-3 credits, S/U grading
CFS 308 Violence in the Family
Theories and research about physical and sexual abuse of women and children. Among the topics to be discussed are rape, incest, and spouse abuse. The approach includes sociological, psychological, and feminist perspectives. Solutions involving the medical and legal systems and the establishment of shelters are also explored. Mandatory Prerequisite: U3 or U4 standing; Advisory Prerequisites: Nine credits in the social and behavioral sciences; 3 credits
CFS 320 The Special Child
Social, political, philosophical, and educational issues related to the habitation and integration of children. The course focuses on the interaction between children who have developmental, sensory, communication, behavioral, orthopedic, or other health disorders, as well as those who are gifted, and on community response to their exceptional needs. Mandatory Prerequisite: CFS 210 or PSY 220; 3 credits
CFS 321 Early Childhood Environments
A study of physical and social environments for young children from birth to eight years old. Public, commercial, and private settings are considered, including homes, hospitals, museums, libraries, and both indoor and outdoor play spaces. Alternative, traditional, and innovative child-care, preschool, and school settings are examined. Advisory Prerequisite: CFS 210 or PSY 220; 3 credits
CFS 322 The Infant and Young Child
Growth and development during the earliest stages of life. Socioeconomic class, ethnicity, and individual differences of infants and young children are explored. Topics include cognitive, socioemotional, and language development; the at-risk infant; and caregivers' role in health care, safety and nutrition. Students make periodic systematic observations of infants and young children in a variety of settings. Advisory Prerequisite: CFS 210 or PSY 220; 3 credits
CFS 339 Children's Play
An investigation of the significance of play in human development, familiarizing the student with the psychological and sociological theories of play and considering the application of these theories in educational and clinical settings. The course is especially useful to students who are contemplating professional work with children. Mandatory Prerequisite: CFS 210 or 322, or PSY 220; 3 credits
CFS 340 Children in Hospitals and Healthcare Settings
An examination of the social and emotional needs of children, adolescents, and their families when confronted with illness, medical crisis, and hospitalization. The course focuses on the creation of developmentally appropriate, culturally sensitive, and family centered health care environments. Topics include preparation for hospitalization and medical intervention, the dynamics of family stress, multicultural perspectives on illness and health care, and children's reactions to parental and sibling illness. Prerequisite: CFS 210 or PSY 220. Advisory Prerequisite: One of the following: CFS 320, 321, 322, or 327; 3 credits
CFS 345 Parental Roles in a Pluralistic Society
An examination of parental roles in family life from a multicultural
perspective. Theoretical models of parent education are evaluated, and alternative approaches to service delivery are explored within the context of America's pluralistic society. Specific issues such as ethnic socialization by parents and multiculturalism in child care and school settings are analyzed. Mandatory Prerequisite: U3 or U4 standing. Advisory Prerequisite: CFS 210 or CFS 220 or SOC 304; 3 credits
CFS 381 Seminar in Child Development
Seminar in early childhood development and education focusing on emergent literacy, science and math discovery, multisensory experiences to enhance motor development, and exploration of the arts. Students analyze strategies for problem solving and for creating environments that foster positive social interactions. Active listening, limit setting, conflict negotiations, and inquiry approaches to learning are explored from a multicultural perspective. Students develop learning experiences for children they are working with in the co-requisite practicum, CFS 283. Mandatory Prerequisites: CFS 210 or PSY 220; permission of instructor. Mandatory Corequisite: CFS 283; 3 credits
CFS 405 Seminar in Children, Law and Social Policy
A seminar that examines the social and political factors that determine the legislation affecting children and the evaluation of program effectiveness with an emphasis on developing skills needed to be an effective advocate for children and families. While the history of programs, beginning with the New Deal, is explored, the major focus is on current legislation. The following issues are analyzed: child health, nutrition, education, adoption and foster care, Head Start, child care. Mandatory Prerequisites: U3 or U4; 3 credits
CFS 417 Senior Seminar in Child and Family Studies
A seminar for advanced students in Child and Family Studies. A selected topic, chosen from among the following, is explored in depth: children and families at risk, motherhood, parent education, families with disabled members, family and individual development in the later years, families and the media and cross-cultural perspectives on child care and the parent-child relationship. Mandatory Prerequisites: U3 or U4 standing; 3 credits
CFS 447 Directed Readings
Individually supervised reading in selected topics of Child and Family Studies. May be repeated, but total credit may not exceed more than six credits. Mandatory Prerequisite: permission of instructor; 1-3 credits
CFS 487 Independent Project
Interdisciplinary independent projects in Child and Family Studies designed to enable students to combine academic fieldwork on a practical or community problem. May be repeated. Mandatory Prerequisites: 18 credits in the social and behavioral sciences; permission of instructor; 0-6 credits
CFS 488 Internship
Participation in local, state, or national public or private agencies and organizations. Students are required to submit written progress reports and a final report on their experiences to the faculty sponsor. May be repeated up to a limit of 12 credits. Mandatory Prerequisites: 15 credits in the social and behavioral sciences; permission of instructor and program; 1-6 credits, S/U grading
CFS 489 Child Life Internship
Prospective Child Life professionals receive supervised experience in action-based research within the pediatric hospital setting, applying their academic, intellectual, and technical skills toward assessing the needs of children and families for Child Life services and planning and implementing individualized, age-appropriate educational, play, recreational, and support activities. May be repeated up to a limit of 12 credits. Prerequisites: Completion of the CFS minor; permission of instructor. 0-6 credits, S/U
Child Life Certification
Download and print Internship Application and Letter (WORD)
Download and print Child Life brochure (PDF)
What is Child Life? Website: Child Life at Stony Brook University Hospital
The Child Life program strives to normalize the healthcare experience for pediatric patients and their families and reduce the stress associated with illness and hospitalization. The program provides therapeutic, educational and recreational activities to meet the unique emotional and developmental needs of hospitalized children.
Certified Child Life Specialists trained in child development are equipped to deal with the effects of hospitalization on children. They work closely with the healthcare team to assess and address the individual needs of young patients and their families.
Requirements for Child Life Certification
Requirements for eligibility for the Child Life Certification Examination offered through the Child Life Council include:
1. Bachelor’s degree
2. Minimum of 10 courses in child life, child development, child and family studies, or closely related courses.
3. 480 hours of child life clinical experience: Field-based experience with healthy children prior to the child life internship is recommended.
Students are required to complete and pass the Child Life Certification Examination offered by the Child Life Council to receive certification.
Recommended Curriculum for Child Life Certification within the CFS Minor
A. Required Courses:
CFS 210 Introduction to Human Growth and Development in the Family Context (PSY 220 may be substituted)
CFS 381 Seminar in Child Development
CFS 283 Practicum in Child Development
CFS 339 Children’s Play
CFS 340 Children in Hospitals and Healthcare Settings
B. Five additional courses chosen from the following:
CFS 308 Violence in the Family
CFS 320 The Special Child
CFS 321 Early Childhood Environments
CFS 322 The Infant and Young Child
PSY 327 Human Growth and Development in the Educational Context
CFS 345 Parental Roles in a Pluralistic Society
CFS 405 Seminar in Children, Law & Social Policy
PSY 325 Children’s Cognitive Development
PSY 338 Behavior Deviation in Children
PSY 347/WST 377 Psychology of Women
SOC 304 Sociology of the Family
SOC 348 Sociology of the Life Course
C. Internship:
Download and print Internship Application and Letter (WORD)
CFS 488 Internship: Introduction to Child Life.
Students complete a 120 hour introduction to Child Life shadowing Child Life Specialists and working with children in the pediatric playrooms of the University Hospital.3 credits, S/U grading.
CFS 489 Child Life Internship
Prospective Child Life professionals receive supervised experience in action-based research within the pediatric hospital setting, applying their academic, intellectual, and technical skills toward assessing the needs of children and families for Child life services and planning and implementing individualized, age appropriate educational, play, recreational, and support activities. May be repeated up to a limit of 12 credits.Prerequisites: Completion of the Child and Family Studies minor; permission of instructor. 0-6 credits, S/U grading
Child Life Option within the Child and Family Studies Minor (CFS)
•Students may select courses that will allow them to complete the pre-professional Child Life option within the Child and Family Studies minor.
•No more than one course may be taken under the Pass/No Credit option.
•No more than six credits of independent work may be used toward fulfillment of the minor requirements.
•Students planning to enroll in CFS 381/283 should make arrangements for an interview at the child care center prior to registering. CFS 381/283 hours should be arranged with the child care center directly. Proof of having had a recent medical examination must be presented before beginning practicum.
•Students planning to enroll in CFS 488 & 489 within the Child Life program should contact the Volunteer office (631-444-2610) at the University Hospital a minimum of 4 weeks prior to enrolling in CFS 488/489 to ensure that your health documentation is completed.
•Students apply for CFS 489 Child Life Internship after completing the required courses (A) and CFS 488.
•Transfer students should be sure to have any courses from previous schools evaluated by Dr. Kuchner for possible credit towards the minor.
Download and print Internship Application and Letter (WORD)
Download and print Child Life brochure (PDF)
What is Child Life? Website: Child Life at Stony Brook University Hospital
The Child Life program strives to normalize the healthcare experience for pediatric patients and their families and reduce the stress associated with illness and hospitalization. The program provides therapeutic, educational and recreational activities to meet the unique emotional and developmental needs of hospitalized children.
Certified Child Life Specialists trained in child development are equipped to deal with the effects of hospitalization on children. They work closely with the healthcare team to assess and address the individual needs of young patients and their families.
Requirements for Child Life Certification
Requirements for eligibility for the Child Life Certification Examination offered through the Child Life Council include:
1. Bachelor’s degree
2. Minimum of 10 courses in child life, child development, child and family studies, or closely related courses.
3. 480 hours of child life clinical experience: Field-based experience with healthy children prior to the child life internship is recommended.
Students are required to complete and pass the Child Life Certification Examination offered by the Child Life Council to receive certification.
Recommended Curriculum for Child Life Certification within the CFS Minor
A. Required Courses:
CFS 210 Introduction to Human Growth and Development in the Family Context (PSY 220 may be substituted)
CFS 381 Seminar in Child Development
CFS 283 Practicum in Child Development
CFS 339 Children’s Play
CFS 340 Children in Hospitals and Healthcare Settings
B. Five additional courses chosen from the following:
CFS 308 Violence in the Family
CFS 320 The Special Child
CFS 321 Early Childhood Environments
CFS 322 The Infant and Young Child
PSY 327 Human Growth and Development in the Educational Context
CFS 345 Parental Roles in a Pluralistic Society
CFS 405 Seminar in Children, Law & Social Policy
PSY 325 Children’s Cognitive Development
PSY 338 Behavior Deviation in Children
PSY 347/WST 377 Psychology of Women
SOC 304 Sociology of the Family
SOC 348 Sociology of the Life Course
C. Internship:
Download and print Internship Application and Letter (WORD)
CFS 488 Internship: Introduction to Child Life.
Students complete a 120 hour introduction to Child Life shadowing Child Life Specialists and working with children in the pediatric playrooms of the University Hospital.3 credits, S/U grading.
CFS 489 Child Life Internship
Prospective Child Life professionals receive supervised experience in action-based research within the pediatric hospital setting, applying their academic, intellectual, and technical skills toward assessing the needs of children and families for Child life services and planning and implementing individualized, age appropriate educational, play, recreational, and support activities. May be repeated up to a limit of 12 credits.Prerequisites: Completion of the Child and Family Studies minor; permission of instructor. 0-6 credits, S/U grading
Child Life Option within the Child and Family Studies Minor (CFS)
•Students may select courses that will allow them to complete the pre-professional Child Life option within the Child and Family Studies minor.
•No more than one course may be taken under the Pass/No Credit option.
•No more than six credits of independent work may be used toward fulfillment of the minor requirements.
•Students planning to enroll in CFS 381/283 should make arrangements for an interview at the child care center prior to registering. CFS 381/283 hours should be arranged with the child care center directly. Proof of having had a recent medical examination must be presented before beginning practicum.
•Students planning to enroll in CFS 488 & 489 within the Child Life program should contact the Volunteer office (631-444-2610) at the University Hospital a minimum of 4 weeks prior to enrolling in CFS 488/489 to ensure that your health documentation is completed.
•Students apply for CFS 489 Child Life Internship after completing the required courses (A) and CFS 488.
•Transfer students should be sure to have any courses from previous schools evaluated by Dr. Kuchner for possible credit towards the minor.