Our Services
Child Life Practicum Program
Any applications (PDF) or correspondence to the Child Life Department should be addressed to:
Child Life Practicum Coordinator
Child Life Department
Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC
One Children's Hospital Drive
4401 Penn Ave.
Pittsburgh, PA 15224
Calendar
Child life student practicum placements are assigned according to the three-semester calendar cycle. Application forms for each semester must be received in accordance with the Child Life Council’s recommended internship application and offer dates:
Fall: May 5
Winter/Spring: September 5
Summer: January 5
Students will receive notification about interview scheduling and placement possibilities before the following offer deadlines:
Fall: June 22
Winter/Spring: October 22
Summer: February 22
Students will give written notification to Children's Hospital's Child Life Department by:
Fall: June 28
Winter/Spring: October 28
Summer: February 28
Practicums
Practicums are offered to currently enrolled bachelor’s-level (sophomore to senior) students each semester whose interests are in child life, child development, or related fields.
The design of the practicum is based on the standards of practice set forth by the Child Life Council. The practicum seeks to provide students with the opportunity to become more familiar with the basics of a child life program as well as learning to interact with hospitalized children and their families.
Supervision
Students are assigned to placements where they will be supervised by a certified child life specialist. Weekly supervision meetings are mandatory, as is attendance at lectures, seminars, conferences, and meetings relevant to the practicum.
Schedule
Placements are typically based on university hours/credit requirements. Hours will vary. Typical placements will be a total of 16 hours per week over 16 weeks.
Housing, Parking, and Meals
Students are responsible for making their own arrangements for housing, parking, and meals. For your convenience, a refrigerator, oven, and microwave are located in the Child Life office. The hospital complex and surrounding area offer many possibilities for meals.
