Now accepting internship applications for Fall 2025!
Are you a college student seeking an internship that will give you experience in early education, poverty alleviation, and/or social services? Interning at a homeless shelter and working directly with children offers a unique, meaningful, and often eye-opening experience. Interns at Horizons make a real-world impact, experience personal growth, and develop their own skills both personally and professionally during their time with us. Explore our internship opportunities below and please be in touch with any questions!
Social issue(s): Homelessness, Early Education, Hunger, Housing, Access to Play, Childcare, Poverty, Trauma, Substance Use Disorder, Domestic Violence
Location: Playspace Program – MA
Minimum Education Level: Undergraduate
Hours: Part-time, 6-8 hours
We are looking to recruit passionate and motivated students to provide onsite support to children and volunteers in our Playspaces, located in various shelters across MA. They will join our Playspace Activity Leaders (PALs) twice a week for 3-hour Playspace shifts. Please note that this is an unpaid community service-learning opportunity for students with no supervisory requirements.
While this internship is unpaid, our team will work with academic partners to ensure interns receive course credit for their time.
Main Tasks & Responsibilities:
● Engage children ages 0-6 in meaningful, developmentally appropriate play experiences to help mitigate the stress and trauma associated with childhood homelessness.
● Maintain a clean, safe, trauma-informed environment for children.
● Work with other PALs during the shift to meet the needs of the children as a team.
● Communicate with Horizons staff members in regards to specific needs of your assigned program(s).
Qualifications & Skills:
● Must be currently enrolled in an undergraduate program at an accredited university or college.
● Experience with children ages 0-6 preferred.
● Comfort in a group setting with people of all ages.
● Flexibility and respect for people from diverse backgrounds and cultures.
Other Requirements:
In order to be considered for the position, students MUST:
● Have access to reliable transportation;
● Pass a CORI and SORI background check;
● Attend a 1.5 hour, virtual Playspace Activity Leader training;
● Have evening availability twice a week Monday-Thursday with some daytime options; and
● Provide at least 2 references.
Horizons for Homeless Children is a local non-profit dedicated to improving the lives of young homeless children in Massachusetts and helping their families succeed by providing high-quality early education, opportunities for play, and comprehensive family support services. To support our mission, we also advocate on behalf of young children, train educators and human services providers, and provide research on the impact of early education on homeless children.
The Playspace Program is based on the belief that play is essential for child development. Our Playspace Program ensures that children living in over 60 homeless shelters in Massachusetts have the opportunity for developmentally appropriate play. We build age-appropriate, childfriendly, and educational Playspaces in shelters and stock them with books, developmental toys, and art supplies. Playspaces are staffed by more than 700 trained volunteers across the state, called Playspace Activity Leaders (PALs), who commit to two hour weekly shifts for at least six months. While children are in Playspace, parents can participate in activities such as parenting groups, budgeting classes or job searches, or enjoy some self-care time.
Horizons for Homeless Children is an AA/EEO employer.
The United States Department of Labor (DOL) serves as the enforcement agency for the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and provides guidelines on appropriately classifying individuals as unpaid interns. The Wage and Hour Division (WHD) released Fact Sheet #71 to guide employers on use of internships.
The following points clarify expectations regarding your role as an unpaid intern:
● No compensation will be issued in any form for services performed during your internship.
● Horizons does not make any promise of future employment or compensation in exchange for your services.
● Interns are not eligible to participate in any Horizons’ benefit programs including, but not limited to health, disability or life insurance programs.
● Interns are not eligible for workers’ compensation in the event of injury.
● If you are injured while serving as a Horizons intern, it is your responsibility to pay for emergency room care, doctors’ services, hospitalization, and any other medical or nonmedical services.
● Horizons will not compensate you for any injuries, for time lost from school or work, or for any other reason, and you agree that you will not seek any compensation from Horizons or any of its employees.
● You must have health insurance coverage to complete this internship.
Social issue(s): Homelessness, Early Education, Hunger, Housing, Access to Play, Childcare, Poverty, Trauma, Substance Use Disorder, Domestic Violence, Immigration
Location: Playspace Program – MA
Reports to: Playspace Program Specialist
Job Level: Part-time, 10-16 hours
Summary of Position:
The Playspace Program Intern 1 is responsible for providing ongoing opportunities for developmentally appropriate play experiences for children and families experiencing homelessness. The Program Intern 1 supports volunteers during regular Playspace shifts and/or provides open play sessions for children and families. They ensure that accurate and up-to-date attendance records are maintained on our database. The Playspace Program Intern 1 completes the maintenance and restocking of Playspaces to ensure they are developmentally appropriate and trauma-informed. The Playspace Program Intern 1 supports volunteers by sharing knowledge of how to work with young children who have experienced the trauma of being homeless. Candidates will be assigned to a Playspace shelter-location based on general Playspace needs with consideration to their home/school address.
While this internship is unpaid, our team will work with academic partners to ensure interns receive course credit for their time.
Responsibilities and Duties:
Playspace Management
● Support and facilitation of scheduled Playspace shifts.
● Develop play-based interventions to support the needs of children living in shelter based on observations and academic coursework.
● Maintenance and restocking of Playspace materials.
Communication/Data Entry/Administration
● Maintain professional correspondence with supervisors, volunteers, and community members.
● Communicate with parents to help them understand and access Playspace activities.
● Attend weekly 30-minute check-ins with a Playspace Program Specialist.
● Record unique child attendance at Playspace shifts in Quickbase.
● Communicate with Horizons’ staff members in regard to specific needs of your assigned program(s).
● Other administrative duties as assigned.
Qualifications:
Education & Experience
● Meets the credential requirements of an undergraduate student.
● Currently pursuing an associate or bachelor’s degree in child development, child life, early intervention, or related fields.
● Experience working with children ages 0-6 preferred.
● Experience working with homeless youth/families or other vulnerable populations (preferred); and
● Flexibility and respect for people from diverse backgrounds and cultures.
● Ability to complete or has already completed the PAL Application process, including attending a 1.5-hour virtual orientation and CORI/SORI background check.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
● Adaptability in a fast-paced and dynamic environment.
● Excellent verbal and written communication.
● High-level organization.
● Ability and willingness to handle all sensitive information confidentially.
● Ability to work flexible hours which will include 2 weekday evenings.
● Basic computer skills and knowledge to effectively use MS Office applications and Google Drive Web Applications.
● Commitment to Horizons mission and ability to embody our core values (Collaborative, Inclusive, Innovative, and Passionate).
● Ability to lift 50 lbs.
Horizons for Homeless Children is a local non-profit dedicated to improving the lives of young homeless children in Massachusetts and helping their families succeed by providing high-quality early education, opportunities for play, and comprehensive family support services. To support our mission, we also advocate on behalf of young children, train educators and human services providers, and provide research on the impact of early education on homeless children.
The Playspace Program is based on the belief that play is essential for child development. Our Playspace Program ensures that children living in over 60 homeless shelters in Massachusetts have the opportunity for developmentally appropriate play. We build age-appropriate, childfriendly, and educational Playspaces in shelters and stock them with books, developmental toys, and art supplies. Playspaces are staffed by more than 700 trained volunteers across the state, called Playspace Activity Leaders (PALs), who commit to two hour weekly shifts for at least six months. While children are in Playspace, parents can participate in activities such as parenting groups, budgeting classes or job searches, or enjoy some self-care time.
Horizons for Homeless Children is an AA/EEO employer.
The United States Department of Labor (DOL) serves as the enforcement agency for the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and provides guidelines on appropriately classifying individuals as unpaid interns. The Wage and Hour Division (WHD) released Fact Sheet #71 to guide employers on use of internships.
The following points clarify expectations regarding your role as an unpaid intern:
● No compensation will be issued in any form for services performed during your internship.
● Horizons does not make any promise of future employment or compensation in exchange for your services.
● Interns are not eligible to participate in any Horizons’ benefit programs including, but not limited to health, disability or life insurance programs.
● Interns are not eligible for workers’ compensation in the event of injury.
● If you are injured while serving as a Horizons intern, it is your responsibility to pay for emergency room care, doctors’ services, hospitalization, and any other medical or nonmedical services.
● Horizons will not compensate you for any injuries, for time lost from school or work, or for any other reason, and you agree that you will not seek any compensation from Horizons or any of its employees.
● You must have health insurance coverage to complete this internship.
Social issue(s): Homelessness, Early Education, Hunger, Housing, Access to Play, Childcare, Poverty, Trauma, Substance Use Disorder, Domestic Violence, Immigration
Location: Playspace Program – MA
Reports to: Playspace Program Specialist
Job Level: Part-time, 20 – 40 hours
Summary of Position:
The Playspace Program Intern 2 is responsible for providing ongoing opportunities for developmentally appropriate play experiences for children and families experiencing homelessness. They ensure that accurate and up-to-date attendance records are maintained on our database. The Playspace Program Intern 2 maintains the general upkeep of Playspaces to ensure they are clean, developmentally appropriate and trauma-informed. The Playspace Program Intern 2 supports volunteers by sharing knowledge of how to work with young children who have experienced the trauma of being homeless. Candidates will be assigned to a Playspace shelter location based on general Playspace needs with consideration to their home/school address.
While this internship is unpaid, our team will work with academic partners to ensure interns receive course credit for their time.
Responsibilities and Duties:
Playspace Management
● Support and facilitation of scheduled Playspace shifts.
● Develop play-based interventions to support the needs of children living in shelter based on observations and academic coursework.
● Maintenance and restocking of Playspace materials.
Communication/Data Entry
● Maintain professional correspondence with supervisors, volunteers, and community members.
● Communicate with parents to help them understand and access Playspace activities.
● Attend weekly 30-minute check-ins with a Playspace Program Coordinator.
● Record unique child attendance at Playspace shifts in Quickbase.
Qualifications:
Education & Experience
● Currently pursuing an undergraduate or graduate level degree in child development, child life, early intervention, or related fields.
● Experience working with children ages 0-6 required.
● Experience working with homeless youth/families or other vulnerable populations preferred.
● Flexibility and respect for people from diverse backgrounds and cultures.
● Ability to complete or has already completed the PAL Application process, including attending a 1.5-hour virtual orientation and CORI/SORI background check.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
● Adaptability in a fast-paced and dynamic environment.
● Excellent verbal and written communication.
● High-level organization.
● Ability and willingness to handle all sensitive information confidentially.
● Ability to work flexible hours which will include 2 weekday evenings.
● Basic computer skills and knowledge to effectively use MS Office applications and Google Drive Web Applications.
● Commitment to Horizons mission and ability to embody our core values (Collaborative, Inclusive, Innovative, and Passionate).
● Ability to lift 50 lbs.
Horizons for Homeless Children is a local non-profit dedicated to improving the lives of young homeless children in Massachusetts and helping their families succeed by providing high-quality early education, opportunities for play, and comprehensive family support services. To support our mission, we also advocate on behalf of young children, train educators and human services providers, and provide research on the impact of early education on homeless children.
The Playspace Program is based on the belief that play is essential for child development. Our Playspace Program ensures that children living in over 60 homeless shelters in Massachusetts have the opportunity for developmentally appropriate play. We build age-appropriate, childfriendly, and educational Playspaces in shelters and stock them with books, developmental toys, and art supplies. Playspaces are staffed by more than 700 trained volunteers across the state, called Playspace Activity Leaders (PALs), who commit to two hour weekly shifts for at least six months. While children are in Playspace, parents can participate in activities such as parenting groups, budgeting classes or job searches, or enjoy some self-care time.
Horizons for Homeless Children is an AA/EEO employer.
The United States Department of Labor (DOL) serves as the enforcement agency for the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and provides guidelines on appropriately classifying individuals as unpaid interns. The Wage and Hour Division (WHD) released Fact Sheet #71 to guide employers on use of internships.
The following points clarify expectations regarding your role as an unpaid intern:
● No compensation will be issued in any form for services performed during your internship.
● Horizons does not make any promise of future employment or compensation in exchange for your services.
● Interns are not eligible to participate in any Horizons’ benefit programs including, but not limited to health, disability or life insurance programs.
● Interns are not eligible for workers’ compensation in the event of injury.
● If you are injured while serving as a Horizons intern, it is your responsibility to pay for emergency room care, doctors’ services, hospitalization, and any other medical or nonmedical services.
● Horizons will not compensate you for any injuries, for time lost from school or work, or for any other reason, and you agree that you will not seek any compensation from Horizons or any of its employees.
● You must have health insurance coverage to complete this internship.
