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HDFS401 Child Life Theory and Practice (3 semester hours)
This course will support students in the application of knowledge of child development to educate, prepare, and support children and their families through the processes of hospitalization and changes in family dynamics related to illness. Child Life Theory and Practice is taught by a Certified Child Life Specialist and will meet one of the requirements of the Association for Child Life Professionals to become a Certified Child Life Specialist. Enrollment in this course is specifically designed for students pursuing the Child Life Specialist Certification. (Prerequisite: CHFD307 or any Child Development course)
View the course schedule AMU or APU to find out details about each course including prerequisites, course objectives, course materials, a snapshot of the syllabi, and session dates.
HDFS402 Benefits of Therapeutic Play (3 semester hours)
This course provides an overview of the principles and benefits of therapeutic play, including its history, theories, techniques, applications and skills. The course focuses on basic therapy skill development within the context of ethical and cultural diversity-sensitive practice. Attention is also given to understanding the role of therapeutic play in the context of the participant’s clinical (medical treatment) and non-clinical system (family, school, and community). Participants learn strategies for engaging children in art, music, and other alternative therapeutic play to educate them on an adult’s diagnosis or on their own diagnosis. Students will be introduced to a variety of online resources available for further support. This course is specifically designed for students seeking to meet the ACLP academic requirements for Child Life Specialist certification (Prerequisite: HDSFS401)
View the course schedule AMU or APU to find out details about each course including prerequisites, course objectives, course materials, a snapshot of the syllabi, and session dates.
HDFS403 Death, Dying, and Grief (3 semester hours)
This course introduces students to the concepts surrounding the nature of suffering and issues of death, dying, and grief. Students will examine these concepts from a theoretical perspective with attention to ethical and moral issues from a cross-cultural diversity perspective and the impact of death, dying and bereavement on a family and community. Students will also explore the different stages of grief and apply them to case studies or their own patient experiences. They will also learn about tools for legacy building and memento creation, identify and utilize resources that promote positive coping skills, discover strategies related to providing children bad news or notifying them about death or impending death. This course focuses on death, dying, and grief in pediatric care. It is specifically designed for students seeking to meet the ACLP academic requirements for Child Life Specialist certification. (Prerequisite: CHFD307 or any Child Development course)
View the course schedule AMU or APU to find out details about each course including prerequisites, course objectives, course materials, a snapshot of the syllabi, and session dates.
HDFS496 Practicum Experience (3 semester hours)
This course is an elective option for the Child Life Certificate and the BA in Human Development and Family Studies degree/Child Life option. The course is accepted by the Association of Child Life Professionals (ACLP®) towards the elective requirement for certification eligibility. It is not accepted towards any of the 7 specific courses. It is the student’s responsibility to secure their own practicum. APUS is open to establishing affiliation agreements with hospitals for the purpose of supporting a practicum placement. Note: Student will need to meet all of the requirements set forth by the clinical placement which may include a medical physical, immunizations, criminal background check and drug screens prior to being enrolled in the course. (Prerequisite: HDFS401) ACLP® is a registered trademark of the Academy of Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry, Inc.
View the course schedule AMU or APU to find out details about each course including prerequisites, course objectives, course materials, a snapshot of the syllabi, and session dates.
HDFS497 Internship Experience (3 semester hours)
Internship Experience is designed to support students who are completing an internship for Child Life Specialist. This experience will expose students to increasing relevant work practices in their area of study. Students will complete their Internship Experience while participating in online discussions weekly throughout the course. Students will be expected to complete a work journal, keep accurate time records, and evaluate their internship experience. The course will integrate the competencies as outlined by the profession throughout the course and encourage application of skills learned. Note: Students are required to secure their own internship experience. The University does not assist in placement. Student will need to meet all of the requirements set forth by the clinical placement which may include a medical physical, immunizations, criminal background check and drug screens prior to being enrolled in the course.
View the course schedule AMU or APU to find out details about each course including prerequisites, course objectives, course materials, a snapshot of the syllabi, and session dates.