ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Child Development Internship Jobs in Columbia, SC

Pediatric Therapy Associates

Physical Therapist

Lexington, SC · On-site

$1.4K - $1.8K/wk

... child's care team * Participate in team meetings, continuing education, professional development ... Clinical rotation or internship experience in pediatrics * Experience treating children with ...

All JobsChild Development JobsChild Development Internship JobsChild Development Internship Jobs in Columbia, SC

Child Development Internship information

See Columbia, SC salary details

$8

$18

$27

How much do child development internship jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average hourly pay for child development internship in Columbia, SC is $18.14, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.14 and $20.67 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 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 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 are the most commonly searched types of Child Development jobs in Columbia, SC?

The most popular types of Child Development jobs in Columbia, SC are:

What are popular job titles related to Child Development Internship jobs in Columbia, SC?

For Child Development Internship jobs in Columbia, SC, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Child Development Internship jobs in Columbia, SC look for?

The top searched job categories for Child Development Internship jobs in Columbia, SC are:

What cities near Columbia, SC are hiring for Child Development Internship jobs?

Cities near Columbia, SC with the most Child Development Internship job openings:

Child Development Internship jobs near you

Child Life Specialist, Children's Hospital, FT, Variable

Prisma Health

Columbia, SC

Full-time

Re-posted 7 days ago

Prisma Health rating

7.1

Company rating: 7.1 out of 10

Based on 350 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

382nd of 891 rated healthcare providers

Job description

Inspire health. Serve with compassion. Be the difference.

Job Summary

Provides optimal development & psychosocially appropriate care for pediatric patients & families. Assesses children's development & coping needs, and implements developmentally appropriate therapeutic interventions such as play, medical play, psychological preparation, & rehearsed coping to minimize distress associated with the healthcare environment & to foster resiliency. Collaborates as a member of an interdisciplinary healthcare team to develop and administer an individualized plan of care.

Essential Functions

  • All team members are expected to be knowledgeable and compliant with Prisma Health's purpose: Inspire health.Serve with compassion.Be the difference.

Clinical:

  • Delivers Child Life Services, including therapeutic play, education, procedural preparation, and coping support tailored to each patient's developmental and emotional needs.

  • Assesses, plans, implements, and evaluates individualized care plans to promote optimal growth, development, and psychosocial well-being.

  • Uses developmentally appropriate, medically accurate information to prepare children and families for diagnostic and treatment procedures, providing psychological preparation to reduce fear, pain, and anxiety.

  • Facilitates medical play to help children explore, express feelings, and gain mastery over their hospital experience.

  • Collaborates with patients, families, and the interdisciplinary team to create and integrate family-centered goals of care.

  • Offers education to patients and families regarding diagnoses, treatments, and the impact of hospitalization to minimize trauma and developmental disruption.

  • Provides culturally sensitive emotional support to patients and families, respecting individual values and beliefs.

  • Maintains accurate, timely patient care documentation in compliance with hospital policies.

  • Participates in care conferences and interdisciplinary team meetings, contributing to treatment planning and discussion.

  • Trains, guides, and provides feedback to volunteers and students involved in child life services.

Professional:

  • Demonstrates clinical competency in direct patient care and successfully meets 100% of the core Child Life competencies established by the Association of Child Life Professionals (ACLP).

  • Actively pursues ongoing professional growth through mentorship, continuing education, and/or other learning opportunities.

  • Participates in in-service trainings and continuing education programs, and shares key updates or new knowledge with the department through staff in- services or presentations.

Operational:

  • Acts as a financial steward by implementing cost-effective programming, adhering to budget guidelines, and supporting fundraising efforts through donor engagement.

  • Contributes to departmental operations and professional growth by participating in projects, initiatives, and committees.

  • Collaborates with team members to achieve departmental goals and performance targets.

  • Performs other duties as assigned.

Supervisory/Management Responsibilities

  • This is a non-management job that will report to a supervisor, manager, director or executive.

Minimum Requirements

  • Education - Bachelor's degree in Child Life, Child Development, or related field of study.

  • Experience - Completion (or nearing completion) of Child Life internship under the direct supervision of a Certified Child Life Specialist following ACLP standards


In Lieu Of

  • NA


Required Certifications, Registrations, Licenses

  • Child Life Certification (Must obtain within one year of employment)

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

  • Strong knowledge of infant, child and adolescent growth and development

  • Demonstrated experience working with infants, children and adolescents in healthcare or related settings

  • Excellent organizational skills with the ability to prioritize tasks and meets deadlines

  • Proven ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a positive, team-oriented environment.

  • Goal-oriented with the capacity to set priorities and achieve results while maintaining high professional standards

Work Shift

Variable (United States of America)

Location

Richland

Facility

1510 Richland Hospital

Department

15106521 Childrens Hospital Child Life

Share your talent with us! Our vision is simple: to transform healthcare for the benefits of the communities we serve. The transformation of healthcare requires talented individuals in every role here at Prisma Health.

What Prisma Health employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Apply