Child Life Pre-Internship Experiences

Child life practicum (San Francisco)

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 Child Life Practicum Program is committed to providing meaningful education and training for prospective child life professionals. This 10-week, 120-hour program is organized to give students insight and exposure to the child life profession and help them understand the unique needs of hospitalized children and their families. Beyond strengthening confidence for working in the hospital environment and building therapeutic play skills, students have the unique opportunity to observe certified child life specialists during a multitude of clinical interventions. Students are required to turn in weekly journals and assignments and complete a project.

Requirements:

• Enrollment in or completion of a child life theory or introductory class
• Intention to pursue 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
• Make weekly journal entries and conduct 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 provides an opportunity for students to help patients and families cope with hospitalization through use of a wide variety of play materials that encourage self-expression and positive interactions. Play practicum students will provide bedside play and private sessions in the various child life programming spaces as well as assist in special events. This 10-week, 120-hour program requires students 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 on such topics as an introduction to the child life field and 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 or a case study focused on therapeutic play interventions
• Help plan and implement age-appropriate activities
• Facilitate group play sessions in the main playroom and teen lounge

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 with infants, children and families (volunteer or paid experience)
• Actively enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate degree program. We are unable to accept unaffiliated students at this time.

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:

• Fall 2023: Sept. 1
• Spring 2024: Nov. 1
• Summer 2024: April 1