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Practicum

Application (PDF)

With the oldest Child Life program in Texas and one of the largest in the country, Children's is dedicated to helping its hospitalized patients develop normally despite health problems. Members of our Child Life staff hold advanced-degree training in the growth and development of children. They provide age-appropriate information to help children cope with the hospital and prepare them emotionally for invasive procedures and surgery. Techniques include diagnosis-specific education, music therapy and play therapy.

The Child Life department is committed to providing quality education and training for future child life professionals. Practicums are organized to provide students the opportunity to gain insight and exposure to the child life profession. They also help students understand the unique needs of hospitalized children and families. Our Child Life practicum at Children's Medical Dallas is a 100-hour practicum. The practicum is seven weeks long, unpaid. Students are expected to work approximately 16 hours a week, either Mon./Wed. or Tues./Thurs. Throughout the practicum students are given opportunities to observe other child life specialists, strengthen therapeutic group play supervision skills, develop assessment and intervention skills with individual patients, and enhance their understanding of the medical environment. The student's clinical supervisor, practicum committee, as well as other Child Life specialists will be available to provide instruction and guidance throughout this experience.

For Practicum Starting:	Application Deadline:	Interviews During:	Applicant Notifications By:	Applicant Acceptance By:
January	October 3	October	October 22	October 28
June	March 3	March	March 22	March 28
September	June 3	June	June 22	June 28

Please review the application (PDF) carefully for specific submission requirements.