San Francisco State University
Department of Child and Adolescent Development
FAQs - Internship Application and Placement Process
The following are among the most frequently asked questions about internships. For detailed information please read the entire website and the Manual (posted on the website).
Q. When is the deadline for submitting applications?
A. There is a 1 week window at the beginning of each semester when the applications are
accepted. The deadlines are posted on the website, outside the CAD office and Dr. Agosta’s
office door.
Q. What is the internship application process.
A. The application process is listed step by step on the CAD Internship website.
Q:What happens if I miss the deadline for applying for internship placement?
A:There is no waiting list. You must complete a new a new application for the next semesterand submit it by the deadline.
Q. Does everyone who applies for the internship get accepted?
A. As long as your application has the required number of CAD units and the appropriate classes for your bulletin year, it will be accepted to the internship.
Q. Why do applications get denied?
A. Your appllication will be denied if you do not have enough CAD units or you list incorrect classes for your bulletin year. In complete applications will be returned to you for corrections.
Q. What is the next step after my application has been approved?
A. You will be informed of a MANDATORY orientation where you will be provided with next steps. Failaure to attend the orientation will result in having to reapply for the following semester. The SA, YWOST, and PAS Orientation date is posted on the website. EC interns will be notified by email of the Orientation date by the coordinator for EC students.
Q:Can I conduct my internship at the same site where I currently work?
A:EC concentrations MUST conduct their internships at Children’s Campus or ASI on campus. If you are SA, YWOST or PAS may be considered for this (you must contact the Coordinator for more info).
Q. If I am an EC major, do I have to have my 150 hours of previous experience completed by the time I submit my application?
A. No, you have until the start of the internship to complete the 150 hours and submit the documentation to the CAD office. This is explained on page 4 of the internship application.
Q. What kind of documentation do I need for the 150 EC hours needed prior to beginning my internship.
A. An explanation of the documentation needed can be found in the document titled “ “ on the internship website. It clearly explains what type of experiencecan be credited and the documentation that is required.
Q. Can my practicum hours count toward the 150 EC hours needed prior to my internship?
A. Students who have completed an early childhood practicum course at acommunity college may
credit a maximum of 90 hours from a community college Practicum course which can be used toward
the 150 required pre-internship hours. A grade in the class must be C or better. Verification by transcript is
sufficient documentation (include with your letter of documentation for balance of hours). Please keep a
copy of all documentation for your own records.
Q:Can I do my internship during any semester?
A:Early Childhood internships are on-campus during Fall and Spring semesters. School Age internships occur during Fall and Spring semesters. Youth Workand Policy, Advocacy, and Systems internships occur during Fall and Spring semesters.
Q:Can I start my internship before the semester begins?
A:No. The University only insures you when you are a registered student. You can begin your internship hours on the first day of SFSU instruction for that semester, if you have turned in all of the required paperwork to the CAD Office, and have received an email from the Internship Coordinator telling you that your internship has been approved.
Q:Can I get paid for my internship?
A:It is rare that an internship is for pay. If this applies to you, you will need to check with the CAD Internship Coordinator.
Q:Can I count my travel time to and from my internship site as part of my 120 hours?
A:No. Your 120 hours are to include work conducted under the direction of a designated agency supervisor.
Q:What is the contract and do I need it?
A:The contract is a legal document that establishes terms and conditions between SFSU and an internship agency. It is required for:
1) all Youth Work and Out of School Time interns,
2) all Policy, Advocacy and Systems interns,
3) all School Age interns in private schools, and in public schools that are not part of the
San Francisco Unified School District and the South San Francisco Unified School District
4) Early Childhood interns at ASI ECEC during Fall & Spring semesters and off-campus during
the summer. It is not required for interns at Children’s Campus (CC).
Q:Who should sign the contract?
A:The intern and an agency representative must sign it. Talk with your agency supervisor about who should sign the contract for the agency. In most schools the principal signs the contract. SFSU requires that an agency representative with fiscal responsibilities sign the contract (the Internship Coordinator will take care of getting the proper SFSU representative’s signature).
Q. Can I be terminated from my internship?
A. Students can be terminated for inappropriate behavior, attitude, attendance and tardiness. Please see Manual for further details on termination. If terminated, it is up to the Internship Coordinator to determine if you will be able to complete your internship the following semester.