Due dates:
- Spring: Dec. 1 (clinical- and play-based)
- Summer: April 1 (play-based only)
- Fall: Aug. 1 (clinical- and play-based)
Child life clinical practicum
Our clinical practicum is designed to provide meaningful education and training for prospective child life professionals. This 10-week, 120-hour program is organized to give students opportunities to gain insight and exposure to the profession and help them understand the unique needs of hospitalized children and their families. Beyond strengthening students' confidence within the hospital environment and building their therapeutic play skills, the program allows them to learn from observing child life specialists during a multitude of clinical interventions. Students are required to turn in weekly journals, assignments and a final project.
Requirements:
- Enrollment in or completion of a child life theory or introductory class
- Pursuing a career as a child life specialist
- Completion of online 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
- Provide an affiliation agreement with the university or private liability insurance (we accept unaffiliated students)
During the practicum, applicants must be willing to:
- Work a minimum of two days a week (six- to eight-hour shifts)
- Create written goals for the practicum
- Complete readings and participate in discussions with a supervisor
- Meet weekly with a supervisor
- Conduct weekly journal entries and developmental assessments
- Prepare a play-based project
- Observe a child life specialist in a clinical setting
- Help plan and implement age-appropriate activities
Child life play practicum
This practicum focuses on techniques that help patients and families cope with hospitalization through play. A wide variety of play materials are used to encourage self-expression and positive interactions. Students will provide bedside play and private sessions in the various child life programming spaces and will assist in special events. This 120-hour program requires the student to complete readings, weekly journals and a project.
Requirements:
- An interest in working with children in the hospital setting
- Completion of one child development course
- Completion of online 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
- Provide an affiliation agreement with the university or private liability insurance (we accept unaffiliated students)
During the practicum, applicants must be willing to:
- Work a minimum of two days per week (four- to six-hour shifts)
- Create written goals for the practicum
- Complete readings and participate in discussions with a supervisor (sample topic: the value of play for hospitalized children)
- Meet weekly with a supervisor
- Make weekly journal entries and have developmental assessments
- Prepare a play-based project
- Help plan and implement age-appropriate activities
Submit your application materials through our portal.