Child Life Practicum

Child life practicum (San Francisco)

The San Francisco child life practicum program is open to college students enrolled in child development courses. This 12-week program gives students the opportunity to interact with children in our playroom and learn about the impact of hospitalization on child development.

Practicum requirements

To be considered, students must:

• Be enrolled in a child development program or concentration
• Complete a practicum application

If chosen, the participant must:

• Obtain health clearance with proof of immunizations and an up-to-date TB test
• Provide a photo ID

During the practicum, applicants must be willing to:

• Work a minimum of two days a week
• Create written goals for the practicum
• Complete readings and participate in discussions with the supervisor on topics such as an introduction to the child life field and the value of play for hospitalized children
• Meet weekly with a supervisor
• Conduct weekly journal entries and developmental assessments
• Prepare a programming-focused project such as developing a playroom schedule for a month
• Observe a child life specialist preparing for a procedure intervention
• Help plan and implement age-appropriate playroom activities

Practicum application process

To apply, please gather and submit the following documents:

• A completed practicum application 
• Your resume
• A letter of interest
• One letter of recommendation
• Transcript or list of completed coursework (including all applicable undergraduate and graduate courses)

Once the application due date has passed, we'll contact you after reviewing your application. Candidates who meet the criteria will interview with the playroom coordinator and the internship and practicum coordinators. A decision will be made following the interview.

Child life practicum (Oakland)

Oakland's 10-week, 100-hour practicum gives students the opportunity to observe the role of a child life specialist in two clinical settings as well as to assist with creating and implementing developmentally-informed activities in a playroom setting. The practicum student is also responsible for completing weekly readings and written assignments that encourage the application of inclusive child development theories to their work with children and families.

Practicum requirements

To be considered, applicants must have:

• Completed their core curriculum, including a child development course with a passing grade (for undergraduates)
• A minimum of 50 hours experience volunteering with infants, children and families

Practicum application process

Please prepare the following documents and submit them in one email to the address below. Your references may email their documents separately if they prefer.

• Resume and cover letter
• Practicum application
• Two practicum reference forms, with one form completed by a person who has observed your work with children and families
• Transcripts (unofficial transcripts are acceptable)

Application due dates are as follows:

• Summer 2021 practicum: Feb. 22, 2021
• Fall 2021 practicum: June 1, 2021
• Spring 2022 practicum: Oct. 15, 2021