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Child Development Internship Jobs in Chicago, IL

Little Friends Inc

Unpaid Internship - Respite

Warrenville, IL · On-site

$15.50 - $20.75/hr

Interns will become valued members of our team and will take on projects to support and enhance the ... Completed coursework in psychology or related field (special education, child development, pre-OT ...

Little Friends

Unpaid Internship - Respite

Warrenville, IL · On-site

$15.50 - $20.75/hr

Interns will become valued members of our team and will take on projects to support and enhance the ... Completed coursework in psychology or related field (special education, child development, pre-OT ...

Jewish Child and Family Services

Intern

Chicago, IL

$14.25 - $19/hr

Our internship programs enable qualified students the opportunity to work and learn in an ... Virginia Frank Child Development Center * Response for Teens * Psychological Services * Career ...

Jewish Child and Family Services

Intern

Chicago, IL

$14.25 - $19/hr

Our internship programs enable qualified students the opportunity to work and learn in an ... Virginia Frank Child Development Center * Response for Teens * Psychological Services * Career ...

JCFS Chicago

Intern

Chicago, IL · On-site

$14.25 - $19/hr

Our internship programs enable qualified students the opportunity to work and learn in an ... Virginia Frank Child Development Center * Response for Teens * Psychological Services * Career ...

Children's Advocate LLC

Child Care Assistant

Frankfort, IL · On-site

$17.93 - $19/hr

Training & development Benefits: * Employee discounts * Training & development Overview: We are ... College Degree Preferred or in progress Job Types: Part-time, Contract, Internship Pay: $17.93 ...

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Child Development Internship information

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How much do child development internship jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for child development internship in Chicago, IL is $20.20, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.83 and $23.03 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a child development internship?

A Child Development Internship is a supervised work experience designed for students or recent graduates interested in learning about early childhood education and development. Interns typically assist teachers and caregivers in classrooms, childcare centers, or community programs while gaining hands-on experience with children. The internship provides an opportunity to apply theoretical knowledge, observe child behavior, and develop practical skills in supporting children's growth and learning. It is valuable for those considering a career in teaching, child psychology, or related fields.

What is the difference between Child Development Internship vs Child Care Assistant?

AspectChild Development InternshipChild Care Assistant
Required CredentialsUsually pursuing or completed relevant coursework or degreeHigh school diploma or equivalent; some experience preferred
Work EnvironmentEducational settings, research projects, or non-profit organizationsDaycare centers, preschools, or childcare facilities
Employer & Industry UsageEducational institutions, research organizations, non-profitsPrivate and public childcare providers
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding internship opportunities in child developmentLooking for entry-level childcare roles

Child Development Internships focus on gaining educational experience, often involving research or observation, while Child Care Assistants provide direct care and supervision to children. Both roles are essential in child-related fields but serve different purposes in career development and daily responsibilities.

What types of hands-on experiences can I expect during a child development internship?

During a Child Development Internship, you can expect to engage in a variety of hands-on activities, such as assisting with classroom management, observing child behavior, supporting lesson planning, and facilitating play-based learning. Interns often work closely with experienced educators, gaining practical experience in child assessment and communication with both children and families. This collaborative environment provides valuable exposure to real-world challenges and best practices, helping you build essential skills for a future career in child development.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a child development intern, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Child Development Intern, you need foundational knowledge of child growth, learning theories, and basic coursework in early childhood education or psychology. Familiarity with observation tools, developmental screening checklists, and basic computer applications is commonly required. Strong communication, patience, and adaptability are crucial soft skills for working effectively with children and supporting educators. These skills and qualities ensure the intern can create positive learning environments, support healthy development, and contribute meaningfully to childcare teams.
What are the most commonly searched types of Child Development jobs in Chicago, IL? The most popular types of Child Development jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What are popular job titles related to Child Development Internship jobs in Chicago, IL? For Child Development Internship jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Child Development Internship jobs in Chicago, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Child Development Internship jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Child Development Internship jobs? Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Child Development Internship job openings:
Child Development Internship jobs near you
Infographic showing various Child Development Internship job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% Internship, 59% Full Time, and 38% Part Time. Highlights an 97% In-person, and 3% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $42,015 per year, or $20.2 per hour.

Child Life Specialist - Registry Oak Lawn Campus

Advocate Aurora Health

Oak Lawn, IL • On-site

$25.30 - $37.95/hr

Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 16 days ago

Advocate Aurora Health rating

7.6

Company rating: 7.6 out of 10

Based on 775 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

189th of 887 rated healthcare providers

Job description

Department:
35133 Advocate Christ Medical Center - Child Life Creative Arts Therapies and Education
Status:
Part time
Benefits Eligible:
No
Hours Per Week:
0
Schedule Details/Additional Information:
Varies with needs.
Pay Range:
$25.30 - $37.95
Major Responsibilities:
  • Allows for normalization within the hospital environment through therapeutic play interactions and various activities. Plan and implement special activities for children and adolescents. Develop supportive relationships with children, adolescents, and families.
  • Provides direct patient and family interactions and support in areas of expertise, including growth and development, sibling support and bereavement. Provide patient and families with available resources. Establish and facilitate support groups.
  • Prepares children and families for treatments and procedures and accompany throughout (when appropriate) in order to enhance coping and minimize medical trauma. This may include but is not limited to medical play, preparation, support, distraction, and post procedural support.
  • Advocate for pain management and comfort measures. Educate staff on developmentally appropriate ways to administer medical treatment in a pediatric friendly way to minimize medical trauma.
  • Promotes and facilitates patient/family and interdisciplinary communication using written and verbal techniques to facilitate effective patient/family care, professional relationships and to identify issues or concerns. Participates in interdisciplinary rounds and individual patient care conferences.
  • Performs skills safely and independently according to the established policies, procedures, standards, and guidelines to accommodate individual patient/family needs and responses.
  • Responsible for personal growth and development. Participates in conferences, classes or other professional training to enhance skillset and maintain certification as a Certified Child Life Specialist.
  • Coordinates, plans, and implements events with patients and families to ensure typical development and enhance coping while receiving medical treatment.
  • Partners with Public Affairs and Marketing and Advocate Charitable Foundation to coordinate and implement special events with donors and community partners in order to develop, nurture and maintain relationships.
  • Maintain all in-kind donations and utilize restricted funding per donor intent. Manages delivery and storage of all in-kind donations, toys, and supplies.

SUPERVISORY/MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITIES
Interview, select, orient, and supervise student interns and volunteers in Child Life, Creative Arts Therapies, and Education Department. Provide orientation to specific units and ongoing training for volunteers and child life interns during assignment to specific unit/area. Provide guidance, direction, and feedback for volunteers and child life student interns. Report to Internship/Volunteer Coordinator(s) for assignments with volunteers and student interns.
MINIMUM EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED
License/Registration/Certification: Certified Child Life Specialist within 6 months year of hire.
Issued by (Governing Body): Association for Child Life Professionals (ACLP)
Level of Education: Bachelor's degree in Child Life/Child Development or a directly related field
Field of Study (if applicable): Child Life/Child Development or a directly related field
Years of Experience: Completion of ACLP approved child life internship and experience with all age groups
Describe Type Experience: Health Care Setting
MINIMUM KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES (KSA)
  • Ability to function in a multidisciplinary environment while providing direct patient/family care.
  • Ability to establish supportive relationships with children and their families and maintain rapport.
  • Experience and comfort working with hospitalized children, patients diagnosed with mental illness, developmental delay, and/or who display challenging behaviors in individual and group contexts. Ability to adapt interventions to meet the needs of patients with special needs.
  • Experience and/or comfort working with patients and families during critical illness and at end of life.
  • Must be able to demonstrate knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to the age of the patients served (typically 0-21 years).
  • Must demonstrate knowledge of the principles of growth and development over the life span and possess the ability to assess data reflective of the patient's status and interpret the appropriate information needed to identify each patient's requirements relative to his/her age-specific and/or developmentally appropriate needs.
  • Understanding, supportive, and empathetic to individual needs of a diverse patient/family population.
  • Strong PC skills and understanding of current technologies utilized in the medical setting.
  • Works safely and efficiently under stressful and difficult situations.
  • Resilient and flexible in an ever changing environment.
  • Strong interpersonal and communication skills (both written and verbal).
  • Assessment skills, organizational skills, and knowledge on how to prioritize patients.
  • Proven leadership skills, ability to prioritize in a fast paced and high demand setting, and strong organizational skills.
  • Strong interpersonal and communication skills as demonstrated through establishing and maintaining positive relationships with patients, parents, donors, and other team members.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS AND WORKING CONDITIONS
  • This position may require travel, therefore, will be exposed to weather and road conditions.
  • Operates all equipment necessary to perform the job.
  • Must be able to sit, stand, walk, squat, bend, and reach above shoulders and twist.
  • Exposed to a normal office environment.
  • Required contact with patients, families, AAH staff members in all departments, intern students, volunteers, representatives from community groups and agencies, professionals from other health care institutions, and professional organizations.
  • Contact with patients with infectious diseases, which requires special protective equipment, training and adherence to prescribed rules and procedures to prevent and spread infection.
  • This position falls into a fast-paced, rapidly and constantly changing environment.
  • May be required to lift up to 25 lbs without assistance or lift over 25 lbs with assistance.

This job description indicates the general nature and level of work expected of the incumbent. It is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities required of the incumbent. Incumbent may be required to perform other related duties.
Our Commitment to You:
Advocate Health offers a comprehensive suite of Total Rewards: benefits and well-being programs, competitive compensation, generous retirement offerings, programs that invest in your career development and so much more - so you can live fully at and away from work, including:
Compensation
  • Base compensation listed within the listed pay range based on factors such as qualifications, skills, relevant experience, and/or training
  • Premium pay such as shift, on call, and more based on a teammate's job
  • Incentive pay for select positions
  • Opportunity for annual increases based on performance

Benefits and more
  • Paid Time Off programs
  • Health and welfare benefits such as medical, dental, vision, life, and Short- and Long-Term Disability
  • Flexible Spending Accounts for eligible health care and dependent care expenses
  • Family benefits such as adoption assistance and paid parental leave
  • Defined contribution retirement plans with employer match and other financial wellness programs
  • Educational Assistance Program

Note: Eligibility for programs listed above may depend on your FTE or status (e.g., full-time, part-time, per diem, temporary, etc.); please ask a Recruiter for more information during an interview.
About Advocate Health
Advocate Health is the third-largest nonprofit, integrated health system in the United States, created from the combination of Advocate Aurora Health and Atrium Health. Providing care under the names Advocate Health Care in Illinois; Atrium Health in the Carolinas, Georgia and Alabama; and Aurora Health Care in Wisconsin, Advocate Health is a national leader in clinical innovation, health outcomes, consumer experience and value-based care. Headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, Advocate Health services nearly 6 million patients and is engaged in hundreds of clinical trials and research studies, with Wake Forest University School of Medicine serving as the academic core of the enterprise. It is nationally recognized for its expertise in cardiology, neurosciences, oncology, pediatrics and rehabilitation, as well as organ transplants, burn treatments and specialized musculoskeletal programs. Advocate Health employs 155,000 teammates across 69 hospitals and over 1,000 care locations, and offers one of the nation's largest graduate medical education programs with over 2,000 residents and fellows across more than 200 programs. Committed to providing equitable care for all, Advocate Health provides more than $6 billion in annual community benefits.

What Advocate Aurora Health employees say

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About Advocate Health

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Advocate Healthcare, based in Oak Lawn, Illinois, United States, is a leading figure in the health care industry. Accessible via their official website, 'advocatehealth.com', this organization provides a wide variety of medical services and treatment options. Founded in 1995 through a merger of Evangelical Health Systems Corporation and Lutheran General HealthSystem, Advocate Healthcare has grown exponentially over the years. Now, it operates more than 400 sites of care, including 12 hospitals that encompass 11 acute care hospitals, the state’s largest integrated children’s network, five Level I trauma centers, and three Level II trauma centers. Upholding their values of equality, compassion, excellence, partnership and stewardship, Advocate Healthcare's mission is centered on building lifelong relationships with patients by delivering the best health outcomes and highest level of service through an integrated approach to care and wellness.

Industry

Hospitals and health care and social assistance

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Charlotte, NC, US

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