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: Second Tuesday in June
Winter/Spring: Second Tuesday in October
Summer: Second Tuesday in February

Students will give written notification to Children's Hospital's Child Life Department by:

Fall: Following Wednesday
Winter/Spring: Following Wednesday
Summer: Following Wednesday

Practicums

Practicums are offered to currently enrolled minimum bachelor’s-level (junior status) 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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Last Update
April 13, 2012

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