Child Life Practicum

An Introduction to Child Life

Universities often refer to field experiences as "internships" but in the health care setting, field experiences less than 500 hours are referred to as "practicums."

We are very proud of our student training program and offer Child Life Practicum and Child Life Internship (greater than 600 hours and is required for Child Life certification). These programs have high quality and standard expectations. Consequently, our programs are competitive and require us to carefully consider availability and placements each semester.

Requirements for the Child Life Practicum are as follows:

• Spring/Fall - 150 hours and 13 weeks long
• Summer - 150 hours and 10 weeks long

Applications for Child Life Practicum must be post-marked by:

Fall Session
Application Deadline: May 19th
Initial Offer Date: Fourth Tuesday of June
Initial Acceptance Date: Fourth Wednesday of June

Spring Session
Application Deadline: September 19th
Initial Offer Date: Fourth Tuesday of October
Initial Acceptance Date: Fourth Wednesday of October

Summer Session
Application Deadline: January 19th
Initial Offer Date: Fourth Tuesday of February
Initial Acceptance Date: Fourth Wednesday of February

Please submit applications to the following: 
Laura Bedbenner, CCLS III, CTRS
Child Life Practicum Coordinator    
c/o Child Life Department
Children's Hospital of San Antonio
333 N. Santa Rosa Street
San Antonio, Texas 78207-3108

Or fax application to: 210.704.2454
  
Unfortunately, application does not guarantee placement at Children's Hospital of San Antonio. All students are recommended to apply to multiple Child Life placements to assure a training opportunity that meets university requirements and deadlines as well. All applicants arerequired to have a minimum of 50 hours of volunteer experience with either a child life department or with children with special needs. Proof of these hours will be required. In addition to volunteer hours, each applicant is required to submit a resume. Applicants must have a minimum of 3.0 GPA in major courses in order to be considered; please include a transcript in your application. Official transcripts are not necessary; applicants may submit a copied transcript from corresponding university. After applications have been processed, on-site interviews will be arranged for all student training positions. Please note that incomplete applications will not be considered. Within three weeks application deadlines, applicants will be contacted regarding availability of student positions during the semester in which they are requesting. Once accepted into the program, students must provide verification of two TB tests within two weeks of each other within six months of the practicum start date and verification of MMR vaccinations (measles, mumps, and rubella) before student training begins.

Child Life Practicum Application Checklist

• Completed application
• Letter of intent (as indicated in the application)
• Two reference letters
• Resume
• Verification of volunteer experience (minimum of 50 hours with either a Child Life department or with children with special needs)
• Unofficial transcript (minimum 3.0 in major coursework)

Frequently Asked Questions

Please first reference the Child Life Council, Inc. website 

The Child Life Council, Inc. recommends and determines both education, training and professional development, as well as the clinical standards for the Child Life profession. Before pursuing training in Child Life, all students are recommended to become intimately familiar with the information presented on this site as it offers multiple resources and supports for the development of a Child Life professional. Many of your questions can be first answered at this site.

Who is eligible for Child Life training opportunities at Children’s Hospital of San Antonio?
Individuals who meet the following criteria are eligible for consideration in Child Life training programs at Children’s Hospital of San Antonio:
• Currently enrolled at the Junior or Senior level in a college or university program that is child development related
• Have a degree in Child Development or a related field
• Have a degree and are working in Child Development or a related field
• Have a minimum of 50 hours of volunteer experience with either a Child Life Department or with children with special needs
• Applicants must have a minimum of a 3.0 GPA in major courses

What Child Life training opportunities are available?
We offer a Child Life Practicum (CLP) which is an introduction to the Child Life profession and children in healthcare setting. Our Child Life Internship program is currently on hold. We anticipate resuming the internship in 2014.

When are the training opportunities offered and conducted?
CLP’s are offered spring, summer and fall semesters.  During the spring and fall semesters, the practicum program will be 13 weeks long and during the summer, it will be 10 weeks long. Applications for Child Life Practicum must be post-marked by the deadline date. 

PRACTICUM APPLICATION DEADLINE:
Fall Session
Application Deadline: May 19th
Initial Offer Date: Fourth Tuesday of June
Initial Acceptance Date: Fourth Wednesday of June

Spring Session
Application Deadline: September 19th
Initial Offer Date: Fourth Tuesday of October
Initial Acceptance Date: Fourth Wednesday of October

Summer Session
Application Deadline: January 19th
Initial Offer Date: Fourth Tuesday of February
Initial Acceptance Date: Fourth Wednesday of February

How do I apply?
Electronic applications are preferred. Please send to laura.bredbenner@christushealth.org.

Mail:
Child Life Practicum Coordinator
c/o Child Life Department
333 North Santa Rosa Street
San Antonio, Texas 78207

Fax:
Attention Child Life Practicum Coordinator
210.704.2454

What does the selection process entail?
A department team that includes the manager and selected Child Life Specialists determines all CLP and CLI applicants’ selection.  After applications have been processed, on-site interviews will be conducted for all student training positions.  The student training class size is pre-determined and is dependent upon the availability of qualified and Certified Child Life Specialists.  In addition, CLP and CLI class size is predetermined according to department and corporate goals planned during that period.  All final determinations are the responsibility of the department manager.  Practicum Students are assigned by a coordinator to a designated patient care unit. 

How many hours will I need to commit?
Minimum and maximum hours vary between universities. CLP usually requires 150 hours

During the spring and fall semesters, the practicum program will be 13 weeks long and during the summer, it will be 10 weeks long.

How many students will be present during my training?
Student census varies each semester.  CLP students may vary from 1 to 3 during the summer and 1 to 2 during the fall and spring semesters.

How can I best prepare for these training opportunities?
It is highly recommended, but not required, for CLP students to have completed introductory coursework in Child Life; by doing so, you will be a more competitive candidate.  All applicants are required to have a minimum of 50 hours of volunteer experience with either a child life department or with children with special needs.  Proof of these hours will be required.  Students desiring consideration for the CLP are considered the best-prepared and most competitive applicants when they have completed an introductory Child Life course and children’s hospital volunteer experience.

Are the Child Life training opportunities paid or stipend?
No. They are preparatory opportunities for entry into the Child Life profession. 

What may my costs be?
Individual colleges and universities determine costs and expenses for CLP students, as they are associated with the student’s curriculum.  It is important for students to be aware of costs for uniforms and parking.  Students are required to wear a uniform, which consists of black slacks or black scrub pants and a designated Children’s Hospital of San Antonio polo shirt. The shirts are $18/each.  Due to multiple construction ventures, parking availability may vary from semester to semester.  Transportation, room and board expenses are the student’s responsibilities.  If students are not affiliated with a university, then they will also be responsible for purchasing professional liability insurance.

What will be expected of me and what will I do during my training opportunity?
CLP is an entry observation opportunity for students to become familiar with the Child Life profession.  CLP students will observe Child Life Specialist’s and health care teams in daily routines and interventions. Daily playroom and bedside activities will the focus of patient and student interactions.   Students follow a guided observation checklist that coordinates their observation opportunities with different Child Life staff (medical play, surgical prep, treatment support, etc.).   CLP students will also complete weekly journal entries and complete article reviews.