Child Life Practicum

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 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.

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:

• Spring 2023 semester: January 2, 2023
• Summer 2023 semester: February 5, 2023
• Fall 2023 semester: May 15, 2023