Brightpoint (formerly known as Children’s Home & Aid) provides students with the opportunity to apply their theoretical learning within a practical setting. We aim to offer deeply meaningful and individualized learning experiences for those entering early childhood education and social service fields. Interns are required to be pursuing college credit towards a degree.

As a leading child and family service organization with more than 20 locations across Illinois, Brightpoint advances the well-being of children by investing in families to disrupt the systemic and multi-generational cycle of racial, social and economic inequality. 

The Crisis Nursery Intern gain experience supporting families in crisis. The Crisis Nursery intern works with agency staff to provide care for children whose parents are faced with crises such as homelessness, domestic violence, joblessness, or substance abuse. Interns may also work with parents to provide support and linkage to additional community services.

This on-site internship requires students to complete hours at the MotherHouse Crisis Nursery site in Rockford. The Crisis Nursery internship is appropriate for students pursuing an internship for college credit towards an undergraduate or graduate degree in Early Childhood Education, Psychology, Child Development, Family Studies, or a related field.

Learning opportunities include:

• Shadow staff in the nursery as they provide nurturing care for children, infants to 6 years old.
• Learn the proper techniques of providing for the basic needs of children, including diapering, feeding, and bathing.
• Assist parents/families to identify ways to reduce stress.
• Become familiar with intake and referral processes, including providing parents/families linkages with community resources.
• Complete required paperwork, including intake forms, case notes, and assessments.
• Engage in outreach and follow-up communication with participants and community partners.
• Receive guidance in making sound and family-centered decisions regarding the best interests and safety of children.
• Learn about the history and services of Brightpoint in an orientation to the agency, including introduction to policies & procedures and safety practices.
• Participate in regular supervision with assigned clinical supervisor.
• Complete the following required and recommended trainings: Mandated Reporter, HIPAA, Sexual Harassment Awareness and Prevention, LGBTQIA , Safety, Trauma 101, ARC 101

Internship Supervisor Qualifications:

• Master's Degree in Human Services Administration

Student Qualifications: 

• Currently pursuing a graduate or undergraduate degree in Early Childhood Education, Psychology, Child Development, Family Studies, or a related field.
• Pursuing an internship for college credit through an academic or other formalized educational program.
• Good written and oral communication skills.
• Strong organizational and time management skills.
• Reliable transportation, valid driver’s license and automobile insurance.

Additional Details:

• Pass a fingerprinting background check including CANTS and LEADS.
• Brightpoint does not provide compensation to interns.

Where you complete your internship matters.

We believe that by building diverse and inclusive teams of passionate advocates for youth and families, we can continue to show up for Illinois families, putting those families at the center of every decision, and strengthening the communities where we all work, play, and live together. (More about who we are here.)

We invite you to become an active member of a team that supports, inspires, and challenges each other, and grow your career in an organization that celebrates emerging leaders and provides development and learning opportunities aligned with your individual goals and aspirations. If you are looking for an opportunity to do meaningful work, including raising your unique and authentic voice to disrupt the systemic inequality impacting children and families, we encourage you to apply today.

Click here to review our agency’s Blueprint for Impact.