Internship Applications:
Internship Application 2008-09 MSWord
FAQ's about the Internship Program in CADV
What are the internship requirements?
All students within the Child and Adolescent Development major now have the option to complete an internship prior to graduation.
The internship consists of two courses (394B/494B) taken over two consecutive semesters. During the internship, students complete 150 hours of service in a community based setting serving children and adolescents and attend a two-hour seminar course on campus every other week. This results in a commitment of approximately 75 hours during the fall and spring semester, or approximately 5 hours per week*.
In addition to the service requirements, students will have assignments related to the seminar course designed to support student learning, self-reflection, and application of theory, research, and course concepts to a real-world setting. In between class meeting, students are expected to regularly communicate with the instructor electronically through email or WebCT. Students receive a grade of credit/no credit for the internship and seminar.
*Note: 75 hours per semester is a minimum requirement and some of the more specialized internship options may require an additional commitment (e.g. more than 5 hours per week, beginning the internship in the summer prior to the fall semester, working over CSUN breaks, or remaining at the site during the summer after the spring semester concludes). It is the responsibility of the student to know and understand the internship site's requirements prior to accepting an internship position.
What are the prerequisites for the internship?
To be eligible for the internship, students must successfully complete all prerequisites prior to the beginning of the fall semester in which the student plans to start the internship. The current prerequisites for the the internship are CADV 250 and CADV 350 or CADV 352.
What type of internship options are available?
The Department of Child and Adolescent Development have formed partnerships with over 15 community based programs serving infants through adolescents and families throughout the greater San Fernando Valley. Internship site options include medical environments, elementary and middle school educational settings, infant/toddler care, preschool programs, therapeutic or clinical programs, special education, and more.
How are internship sites selected?
In order to ensure that students have a quality and positive internship experience, the department has carefully developed partnerships with a variety of community based programs in a range of settings and with a diverse population of children and adolescents. Students may select from this list of pre-approved internship site options based on career interests and objectives.
Students may apply to a maximum of two sites. The internship site will interview applicants and make the final determination of which students will be offered an internship at their site. Usually students are accepted at either their first or second choice. However many of the internship sites are highly desirable and competitive and a student may not receive an offer from either of their first two choices. In the rare event that this occurs, the internship coordinator will make every attempt to find a suitable placement for the student.
Where can I get more information about the internship?
Pre-Internship Orientation:
This is an opportunity for students to meet with current interns and learn more about the internship experiences and the internship sites. Time and location for spring '08 to be announced. Contact the Internship Coordinator for information.
Internship Fair:
This annual "drop-in" event gives students a chance to meet with site representatives, ask questions and get information. Time and location for spring '08 to be announced. Contact the Internship Coordinator for information.
Internship Sites Webpage:
The department has provided a list of pre-approved internship sites which can be found at the internship site webpage. Students are encouraged to review each site prior to the internship fair to identify those which are most closely related to the student's career interests and objectives.
When and how do I apply for the internship?
Internship applications are available in the Child and Adolescent Development office (SQ281). Or online, here:
Internship Application 2008-09 MSWord
STUDENTS MAY APPLY TO A MAXIMUM OF TWO INTERNSHIP SITES.
The application packet must contain:
- Three copies of the completed application (One copy will be maintained in the department office and a copy will be sent to each of your two internship site selections).
- One unofficial copy of CSUN transcripts or a copy of your Degree Progress Report (DPR)
- Two copies of your personal statement. Attach one each to two of your completed applications. (The department will send these to each of your two internship site selections).
*Note: Your unofficial CSUN transcript or Degree Progress Report will be used to verify completion of prerequisite coursework only. Once completion of prerequisites has been confirmed, the department will destroy this copy.
What happens after I turn in my application?
The Internship Coordinator will forward the completed applications to the two internship sites selected by the student. The internship site will then review each application and schedule either individual or group interviews. Once all students are interviewed and selected, the internship site will notify the department of Child and Adolescent Development. This is usually in mid-June.
The department of Child and Adolescent Development will notify students of their choices and provide further instructions. Students are NOT to contact the internship site directly until directed to do so by the CADV department.
I have an internship site, now what?
Each internship site may have individual requirements that will be explained to you during your interview and/or initial orientation. ALL students, regardless of placement, will be required to obtain a TB clearance. This can be done through the University Health Center. Many sites also require finger printing and background checks. Some sites may have additional requirements, such as purchasing student liability insurance, parking permits, or name tags at the student's expense. It is the student's responsibility to know and comply with the internship site requirements.
Additionally, some internship sites require extensive orientation and pre-internship preparation. This is particularly true for sites that work with vulnerable populations in medical, clinical, or therapeutic settings. Furthermore, some internship sites require students to read relevant material over the summer to familiarize them with the program's terminology, educational methods, or treatment approaches used at the site. Students are encouraged to take the initiative and ask their site supervisor for suggestions on preparing for the internship.
When will my internship begin and end?
Students usually begin the internship at the start of the fall semester. However, many internship sites do not follow the CSUN academic calendar. Therefore, students may be requested to begin their internship prior to the start of the fall semester and may be requested to remain at the internship site after the conclusion of the fall and spring semester. It is the responsibility of the internship site to explicitly communicate the schedule to the student.
Internship Coordinator
Vonterance Bell, PhD
Office: Sequoia Hall 280A
Phone: 818 677-7727
Email: vbell@csun.edu