Child Life Practicum Program Description
Practicum students are primarily exposed to the child life profession through observation and
supervised participation. This introductory experience in the hospital setting is designed to
prepare the student for a more intensive, career oriented training experience in Child Life.
Practicum objectives
 Increase knowledge of the child life profession
 Develop communication skills with children, adolescents and family members in the
healthcare setting
 Recognize the value of play and psychosocially supportive interventions
 Recognize various coping styles and techniques of children, adolescents and family
members during hospitalization
 Observe interactions with members of the interdisciplinary team
 Identify ways to integrate knowledge with practice
Expectations
1. Three written goals for practicum experience
2. Observation as well as independent participation in child life services
3. Weekly journal entries including reflections on experiences, observations, and articles
4. Bi-weekly meetings to discuss questions, concerns, and progress
5. Psychosocial assessment of patient
6. Child life project to increase awareness or increase efficiency of Child Life services
If the student’s academic program/supervisor does not specify practicum requirements, the above
guidelines will be used. If the academic site identifies different or additional required tasks,
guidelines will be adjusted accordingly.
Children’s Regional Hospital at Cooper University Hospital
Child Life Program
PRACTICUM STUDENT APPLICATION
(100 hour minimum)
I am applying for the (please circle one):
Personal Information:
Fall
Spring
Summer
Name _________________________________________________________________
Permanent Address ______________________________________________________
______________________________________________________
Current Address (if different) ______________________________________________
______________________________________________________
Phone _________________________________________________________________
Email Address( to send application progress updates)
__________________________________________________________
College Education:
Institution ______________________________________________________________
Major _____________________________ Graduation Date ____________________
Advisor Name and Title ___________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
Advisor Phone __________________________________________________________
I have taken or am currently enrolled in a course taught by a
Certified Child Life Specialist: yes
no
Additional Relevant Coursework
________________________________________________________
Relevant Experience (list in order of most recent experience):
1) Name of Institution __________________________________________________
Dates ____________________________ Total Hours ________________________
Supervisor ______________________________ Phone _______________________
Description of responsibilities _____________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
2) Name of Institution __________________________________________________
Dates ____________________________ Total Hours ________________________
Supervisor ______________________________ Phone _______________________
Description of responsibilities _____________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
To establish practicum placement, submit this completed application along with:
______ A short, one page essay describing your philosophy of Child Life and in what
ways you expect your practicum experience will enhance your professional goals
______ A letter of recommendation from someone who has seen you work with
children
______ Description of requirements if the practicum is to be completed for
academic purposes
Return completed application and materials listed above to:
Valari Zee, CCLS
Kelemen Bldg. Room 771A
One Cooper Plaza
Camden, NJ 08103