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
