Child Life Practicum

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Practicum opportunities

The child life practicum at Marshfield Children’s provides an opportunity to become familiar with the role of a child life specialist and work in medical settings. 

Your practicum experience will give you a knowledge base to continue pursuing a career as a child life specialist.


Winter practicum 

We have an affiliation established with Edgewood University and will only be accepting Edgewood University students for the winter practicum. 

We offer four practicum positions for a two-week observation experience starting the first full week in January. Students will gain experience observing several certified child life specialists on our team.

Practicum schedules range between 6:45 a.m. and 7 p.m. Monday through Friday for approximately 100 hours.


Fall and spring semesters

We have an affiliation with the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point for the fall and spring semesters. 

We offer two practicum positions. Students will gain experience by observing several certified child life specialists on our team one day a week for the 16-week semester. 

Practicum schedules range between 6:45 a.m. and 7 p.m. Monday through Friday for approximately 130 to 150 hours.

We are not accepting any other practicum applications at this time. 

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Program information

Mission and objectives

Our mission

We use evidence-based practices to minimize stressful healthcare events while optimizing coping and healing for infants, children, adolescents and families. 

Our child life program embraces the value of play as we work to enhance the growth and development of infants, children and adolescents through assessment, intervention, prevention, advocacy and education.

During your time as a practicum student, you’ll help us fulfill our mission by assisting with child life services and expressive therapies.


Practicum objectives

  • To become familiar with hospital and clinic settings
  • To understand the importance of family-centered care and cultural diversity
  • To learn therapeutic play and successfully provide play interventions
  • To identify factors that affect a child’s ability to cope with illness or hospitalization
  • To observe and become knowledgeable in medical play and various forms of preparation
  • To have exposure to a variety of charting methods
  • To identify coping techniques utilized by a variety of age groups and developmental levels
  • To gain knowledge of a variety of procedures through observation
  • To demonstrate professionalism
  • To maintain confidentiality, safety and infection control guidelines
  • To reflect on and evaluate your practicum experience

Prerequisites

Minimum of 100 volunteer hours

50 hours of well child volunteering experiences, such as through:

50 hours of volunteering with children and families in a medical or alternative setting, such as through: 


Junior status

You must be at least of junior standing and have completed child development and child life theory coursework to be eligible for a practicum position.


Other application requirements

Transcript

Provide your transcript and a list of current coursework. A student-issued copy is acceptable. 


Resume

Provide your resume and include your education and experiences.


One letter of recommendation

Provide a professional letter of recommendation from a mentor or supervisor of your volunteer or work experience, or from an educational advisor.

Application

The Association of Child Life Professionals (ACLP) does not require additional protocol for practicum. A child life internship is still required to become eligible for certification. 

After meeting prerequisites, submit your application.

If you are offered a practicum position, you will need to complete health requirements at least six weeks prior to your start date.