WCE Introduces Interdisciplinary Child Life Course
Photo: Office of University Relations/UNCW
The Watson College of Education has introduced a new Child Life course for students interested in helping children thrive through challenging experiences. Offered through WCE’s Early Childhood program, the course is open to students enrolled in nursing, social services, psychology and other childhood development–related majors, as well as Watson students.
Jes Cardenas, assistant professor and coordinator of WCE’s undergraduate Early Childhood program, said the course reflects the evolving nature of the field.
“The field of early childhood is dynamic, and so are its educators,” Cardenas said. “Teaching is not limited to the classroom, and a core tenet of Child Life is supporting and educating children through challenges such as hospitalization, terminal diagnosis, bereavement or grief in developmentally appropriate ways. This course brings a new lens to our program and fills a critical gap for students across campus interested in pursuing Child Life certification.”
Child Life is a professional field focused on supporting children and families during stressful health care experiences. Certified Child Life Specialists (CCLS) use play, education and coping strategies to reduce anxiety, normalize medical environments and help children understand procedures and manage emotions such as fear or sadness.
“We have had former students go on to become Child Life Specialists and we host CCLSs as guest speakers in our early childhood classes every year, the interest has always been strong,” Cardenas said. “To qualify for the Certified Child Life Specialist exam, students must complete an undergraduate-level Child Life course taught by a CCLS. These courses can be difficult to find outside of a small number of Child Life programs, so it’s especially meaningful that we can offer this opportunity through our Early Childhood program to students across campus.”
The Child Life course — EDN 495 — will be offered online asynchronously beginning in fall 2026.
Savannah Self, coordinator of peer education in UNCW's Office of Student Wellbeing, community instructor in WCE’s Early Childhood program and a WCE doctoral student, will teach the inaugural course. Self joined UNCW in 2024. She has extensive experience working with children and families in community and hospital settings and has been a Certified Child Life Specialist since 2017.
Students interested in learning more about the new Child Life course may contact Jes Cardenas at cardenasj@uncw.edu. To enroll, students should work with their advisor to register for EDN-495 in fall 2026.
About Watson’s Early Childhood Programs
WCE offers a bachelor’s degree for students pursuing careers in early childhood education. Program pathways include preparation for public school teaching in North Carolina kindergarten and NC Pre-K, as well as a child development track for students interested in community-based work with children and families. Career options include child life specialist, family life educator, children’s program director and roles in early intervention or mental health.
WCE’s master’s program in leadership, policy and advocacy prepares early childhood professionals for leadership roles across organizations and systems focused on improving outcomes for children and families. A graduate certificate is also available for professionals seeking to teach early childhood education in North Carolina community colleges.
For more information, visit the program websites:
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