Child Life Practicum

• Understand the Child Life philosophy and program in use at the American Family Children's Hospital
• Learn about and observe how hospitalization affects infants, children and adolescents
• Observe the role of a Child Life specialist on the inpatient units and outpatient services
• Provide diversional play activities and facilitate socialization between patients of all ages
• Learn about medical play and other techniques used by Child Life specialists to promote a positive hospital experience and facilitate coping

Duration

The Child Life Practicum at the American Family Children's Hospital is a minimum of 13 weeks and is offered during the spring and fall semesters only. Students will complete five rotations with a minimum of 12 hours per week, including three weekend shifts. Child Life staff will work with individual students to accommodate schedules, but students are expected to complete all rotations.

Qualifications

Students must:

• Have at least junior standing in an accredited university
• Have completed at least two college level courses focused on child life, child development, developmental psychology or family systems
• Have prior experience working with infants, children or adolescents
• Be currently enrolled in a university or be able to purchase liability insurance

Applying

Include the following application materials:

• Child Life Practicum Application (pdf)
• Résumé
• Two letters of reference
• Copy of current transcript

Send the materials to:

Child Life Practicum Program
Attn. Julie Auenson
American Family Children's Hospital
1675 Highland Avenue
Madison, WI 53792-C175

Application Deadlines

• Fall: Postmarked by May 5 
• Spring: Postmarked by September 5

Upon acceptance of application, a member of the Child Life team will call applicant to set up an interview.

Due to staffing, the Child Life Department may not be able to offer a practicum opportunity every semester.